Learning from MA Ingonyama: The Life & Work of Mary-Anne Plaatjies-Van Huffel: Minister, Intellectual, Prophetess is a compelling collection of 20 original articles and book chapters authored (or co-authored) by the late Professor Mary-Anne Elizabeth Plaatjies-Van Huffel. This book is thoughtfully divided into three enlightening sections, each illustrating her unwavering commitment to justice and equality.
The first section, “Addressing Gender Insensitivity”, unveils the historical and contemporary struggles faced by women in theological spaces, highlighting discrimination and the persistent fight for gender equality. The second section, “Church Polity and History”, delves into the intricate evolution of church governance and the historical challenges confronted by the Uniting Reformed Church in Southern Africa (URCSA). It explores legal and judicial issues within the church, providing profound insights into its inner workings. The final section, “Born in the Struggle”, reflects on the theological significance of the Belhar Confession in global contexts, intertwined with URCSA’s dedication to ecological justice and transformative ecumenism.
Accompanied by her Curriculum Vitae, this anthology is a captivating portrayal of Professor Plaatjies-Van Huffel’s pioneering journey as a minister, a leader in the Uniting Reformed Church in Southern Africa, the president of the World Council of Churches, and a lecturer at the University of Stellenbosch. Her articles resonate deeply within the church and broader society, offering invaluable insights and inspiring us to confront injustices with compassion and inclusivity. This book also includes some of Prof. Plaatjies-Van Huffel’s work in Afrikaans, celebrating her contribution to the Afrikaans language in academia.
