WOMEN AND CHURCH DEVELOPMENT IN TAI, RIVERS STATE: AN EXAMINATION OF THE CHURCH OF NIGERIA, ANGLICAN COMMUNION

Abstract

Women have historically played significant roles in the development and expansion of Christian institutions across the world, and in Africa in particular. The need to recognize the contributions of women to socio-religious and economic spheres of our national life is becoming increasingly urgent. Within the Anglican tradition in Nigeria, women have contributed immensely to church growth through evangelism, social welfare, spiritual formation, and community development initiatives. This study examines the role of women in church development in Tai Local Government Area of Rivers State, with particular focus on the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion). The study investigates the contributions of women's organizations such as the Mothers’ Union, Women’s Guild, and Girls’ Guild to church administration, evangelism, education, and social transformation. It also explores the challenges women face in leadership and decision-making within the Anglican Church. Using historical and sociological approaches, the research draws from secondary literature and contextual observations of Anglican congregations within Tai communities. Findings reveal that women constitute a significant proportion of active church members and remain central to sustaining church programmes and community outreach activities.