Created in God's Image: From Hegemony to Partnership – a Set of Guidelines for Discussion, Theological Reflection and Bible Study

“A more positive image of masculinity is needed”, says Philip Vinod Peacock, a theologian and deacon with the Church of North India. “When we move away from a situation where men seek to dominate women and into situations where men and women are in partnership, we will be more faithful to God.”

“The idea is for men to recognize that patterns of male violence against women result from negative images of masculinity - images of men as warriors and gods,” Peacock says. “We want them to see that there are other images for men that see strength in partnership with women rather than dominance over them. We need to look to biblical teachings which present those alternate images of partnership between men and women,” says Peacock.

Partners in the initiative include the World YWCA, Lutheran World Federation (LWF), World Student Christian Federation (WSCF), and the World Alliance of YMCAs.

“Concepts of masculinity and gender are explored with the aim of enabling men to become more conscious of gender as it affects their own lives as well as those of women,” Sheerattan-Bisnauth.

“The manual aims to strengthen men’s role in ending gender violence. It provides an inclusive approach for men to participate in transforming gender relations which produces male violence,” the Guyanese theologian declares.