Women of fire and spirit
Subtitle: history, faith, and gender in Roho religion in western Kenya
By: Cynthia Hoehler-Fatton.
Publisher: Oxford University Press
Published: 1996
Place of publication: New York
Language: eng
Number of pages: 260
Subjects: Ruwe Holy Ghost Church of East Africa; Musanda Holy Ghost Church of East Africa; Independent churches -- Kenya -- Nyanza Province -- Case studies; Christian sects -- Kenya -- Nyanza -- Case studies; Women in Christianity -- Kenya -- Nyanza Province -- Case studies; Luo (Kenyan and Tanzanian people) -- Religion; Nyanza Province (Kenya) -- church history
Description: The Roho or Holy Spirit churches of Nyanza Province in western Kenya spring from a charismatic Christian movement that emerged among the Luo during the colonial era. In Women of Fire and Spirit, Cynthia Hoehler-Fatton uses oral histories and life narratives of active Roho participants, giving them full voice in constructing the history of their movement. In doing so, she counter-balances the existing historical literature, which draws heavily on colonial records.

Hoehler-Fatton's sources call into question the paradigm of "schism" that has dominated the discussion of African independent Christianity. Faith, rather than schism or politics, emerges here as the hallmark of Roho religion.

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Hoehler-Fatton's book is doubly unusual in emphasizing the role of women in the evolution and expansion of the Roho Church. She traces the gradual transformation of women's involvement from the early years when - drawing on indigenous models of female spirit possession - women acted as soldiers and pastors, to the present condition of Western-style institutionalization and limited leadership opportunities for women.

Today's Roho women, nevertheless, find fulfillment in their work as healers and continue to draw inspiration from the defiance of past heroines.
Notes: Includes bibliographical references (p. 243-252) and index.