October 25
discussion and October 26 lecture both free and open to the public
CONWAY, Ark. (October 2, 2023) — Hendrix College and
the Marshall T. Steel Center for the Study of Religion and Philosophy on
October 25 and 26 will welcome Kenyan religious historian and theologian Esther
Mombo for two campus events. Both gatherings are free and open to the public.
On Wednesday,
October 25, Mombo will lead a Steel Center Wednesday Afternoon Discussion on The Circle of Concerned African Women Theologians from 4:10-5:10 p.m.
in Ellis Hall, building 20 on the current campus
map.
Mombo is an active member of the Circle of Concerned African Women Theologians,
a group of scholar-activists across sub-Saharan Africa that uses theology and
religious studies to challenge texts and traditions that marginalize women. She
is also a practitioner at the intersection of religion and public health.
On Thursday,
October 26, at 7 p.m. in Mills Center Lecture Hall A (building 10 on the map
linked above), Mombo will deliver the fall Steel Center lecture, “The Social
Face of Pandemics in East Africa and Beyond.” In her lecture, Mombo will
draw upon her work to address the ways that pandemics such as HIV/AIDS and COVID-19
and the effects of climate change further subjugate vulnerable communities.
Mombo will also
visit several classes during her time on campus to engage Hendrix students in
discussion surrounding these topics and more.
“I’m thrilled
Dr. Mombo will be here,” says Dr. Emmy Corey, assistant professor of religious
studies. Corey, who this semester is teaching courses on feminist and womanist
ethics, religion and healing, and African religions, draws upon Mombo’s work in
all of her current teaching topics. “Dr. Mombo’s work gives visibility to a
number of themes in my courses this semester. My students have been exposed to
the issues that Mombo and other members of the Circle work on. But they can
feel more abstract when reading about them in articles or hearing about them in
lectures. Her presence here not only makes those issues much more concrete and
engaging, but it also will underscore their importance.”
A lay leader in
the Anglican Church of Kenya, Mombo has been a speaker at multiple global
gatherings of the Anglican Communion. Mombo is the former deputy vice
chancellor and professor in the school of theology at St. Paul’s University in
Limuru, Kenya. She is currently a visiting scholar at Columbia Seminary in
Decatur, Georgia. Mombo holds a master’s in philosophy from Trinity College in
Dublin and a Ph.D. from the University of Edinburgh. She also holds honorary
degrees from Virginia Theological Seminary and Church Divinity School of the
Pacific.
About the Steel Center
The Marshall T. Steel Center for the Study of
Religion and Philosophy is named for Dr. Marshall T. Steel, Distinguished
Alumnus and President of the College from 1958 to 1969. The Steel Center was
made possible by a bequest from Mrs. Ruth Veasey of Dermott, Arkansas. Among
its functions, the Steel Center sponsors conferences which include students,
faculty, and off-campus visitors. The Purpose of the Steel Center is to enhance
the College’s academic study of the fields of religion and philosophy, and to promote
the study of religion and philosophy on and beyond the Hendrix campus. In so
doing, it is to identify, clarify, and contribute to the emerging religious and
philosophical issues of our time.
About Hendrix College
Founded in 1876, Hendrix College is featured in Colleges That
Change Lives: 40 Schools That Will Change the Way You Think About Colleges and
celebrated among the country’s leading liberal arts colleges for academic
quality, engaged learning opportunities and career preparation, vibrant campus
life, and value. The Hendrix College Warriors compete in 21 NCAA Division III
sports. Hendrix has been affiliated with the United Methodist Church since
1884. Learn more at www.hendrix.edu.
“… Through engagement that links the classroom
with the world, and a commitment to diversity, inclusion, justice, and
sustainable living, the Hendrix community inspires students to lead lives of accomplishment,
integrity, service, and joy.” —Hendrix College
Statement of Purpose