Women in clerical leadership: an exegetical and contextual analysis of 1 Timothy 2:1-15 with specific reference to women in the Church of Uganda

Abstract

The study examines the contested issue of women in clerical leadership within the Anglican Church of Uganda, focusing on the exegetical and contextual interpretation of 1Timothy 2:1-15, especially verse 12. Historically, the verse has been employed to restrict women’s ordination and pastoral authority, yet modern scholarship emphasizes the need for canonical criticism that situates the act alongside broader biblical affirmations of women’s ministry. The Uganda context presents a unique intersection of Anglican Tradition, African reflection and African patriarchal context then post-colonial theological reflection. This research argues for a nuanced hermeneutical approach that: a) Integrates historical-critical context. b) African cultural analysis. c) The global Anglican perspectives. These will offer a constructive pathway for balancing scriptural fidelity with contemporary calls for gender equality in ministry. The findings highlight both the theological and the ecclesial necessity of affirming women’s clerical leadership in Uganda.