Manyonganise, MollyMollyManyonganiseGunda, Masiiwa RagiesMasiiwa RagiesGundaNaicker, LindaLindaNaicker2025-02-132025-02-132025978-3-98989-042-8https://fis.uni-bamberg.de/handle/uniba/106065The study of religion, gender and African masculinities has come a long way. The contributions of African scholars of religion and theology are notable in this area. For example, the Circle of Concerned African Women Theologians commonly referred to as ‘the Circle’ has done a lot in terms of engagement with discourses on religion and gender as well as challenging heteronormative notions of gender. The Circle has also interrogated the role of sacred texts in shaping gendered attitudes in ways that disenfranchises women. However, the Circle has noted that women’s struggles for liberation cannot be realized if men are left behind. Hence, it has always called for a two-winged theology that encompasses both genders. In this respect, the Circle has created space for men (whom it calls ‘friends of the Circle’) to participate in its activities of researching and publishing on issues of religion/theology and gender. One of the men who has journeyed with the Circle is Ezra Chitando. Throughout his academic journey with the Circle, he has offered moral and academic support to both women and men whose interest is in calling for the liberation of women from the shackles of patriarchy. As such, he has published extensively on issues of religion, gender and African masculinities. Therefore, in this chapter, we endeavor to present Ezra Chitando’s views based on an interview we had with him, on how far the study of religion, gender and African masculinities has gone, the achievements realized, lessons learnt and the future of the field. Our intention is to evaluate, critique and provide a way forward for the study of religion, gender and African masculinities.engAfrican masculinitiesEzra Chitandogenderpatriarchyreligionthe Circle200bookpart