Christianity and women in Japan

Abstract

After a brief introduction to the situation of Christian or church-going women in Japan, this article introduces a feminist theological group, the Center for Feminist Theology and Ministry in Japan, as one of the diverse new feminist movements among Christian women and men. This Center was founded in 2000 for feminists doing theology in the particular context of Japan where only one percent of the population are Christians, where the church has been especially careful to preserve the authentic Christian faith in the midst of a non-Christian culture, and where Christian women feel that they have been offered only second-class citizenship in their faith communities, both ethnically and sexually. In this article I first introduce the Center's basic theological stance, purposes, and programs. Then, as examples of its activities, I offer two of my presentation papers at its seminar gatherings, which are open to the public. One addresses the issue of "God the Father" language in church, and the other offers a new biblical interpretation of Martha, known as an "active kitchen woman," in addressing the issues surrounding women ministers. Both issues are the objects of lively discussion and serious concern among feminist church women today in Japan. © 2003 Nanzan Institute for Religion and Culture.