The Department of Theology and Religious Studies (TRS) is a dynamic hub for exploring the intersection of faith, philosophy, and society. Since its establishment in 2007, we have been committed to advancing knowledge, fostering critical thinking, and engaging with theological and religious discourse that shapes communities in Malawi and beyond.
Our department is actively engaged in research, outreach, and interdisciplinary collaborations, responding to contemporary social and spiritual challenges. With over 30 MA graduates and 15 PhDs, we continue to produce scholars who drive theological discussions and transformative change in religious institutions, communities, and public policy.
Deepen your understanding. Engage with faith, reason, and society at TRS.
From undergraduate to doctoral levels, we train scholars, theologians, and thought leaders in Theology and Religious Studies. Our Bachelor of Arts (Theology and Religious Studies), Master of Arts, and PhD programmes equip students with intellectual and ethical foundations to contribute meaningfully in academia, ministry, policy, and interfaith dialogue.
Stay informed with the latest developments, research breakthroughs, and events from our department. From industry collaborations to academic milestones, explore how we are making an impact.
At the heart of our success is a dynamic and diverse team of dedicated professionals committed to excellence in teaching, research, and innovation. Our faculty and staff bring a wealth of expertise and industry experience, fostering an environment where knowledge meets practice. Whether guiding students, pioneering groundbreaking research, or shaping industry partnerships, our team works collaboratively to drive academic excellence and real-world impact.
Lecturer, Head of Department
Associate Professor
Our department and research teams actively publish in peer-reviewed journals, contributing valuable insights to the fields of religion and theological studies. These publications reflect our commitment to academic excellence and our drive to address pressing global challenges.
RICHARD GADAMA
Richard Gracious Gadama, Psychology of Religion available on https://amazon.com.ISBN 978-3333070229-5
Richard Gracious Gadama, Moral Ethics available at http://amazon.com.co.uk ISBN 9783330702158
Richard Gracious Gadama, The Early Formation of Charismatic Churches in Malawi and their Significance for the Making of Malawi Society available at http:/doi.org/1025159/2-4265/1232
Richard Gracious Gadama, Women in Charismatic Churches available at http://ewhawomanorkr/acws/data/v7n2-1pdf
Richard Gracious Gadama, Achievers Senior Secondary Bible Knowledge Students Book 3, East African Publishers eaep@eastafricanpublisher.com ISBN 9789996-037-96-2
Richard Gracious Gadama, Achievers Senior Secondary Bible Knowledge Students Book 4ISBN:9789996-037-94-8
Richard Gracious Gadama, Achievers Senior Secondary Bible Knowledge Teachers Guide Book 4 ISBN: 97899960-37-93-1
Gracious Gadama and Klaus Fiedler, Towards inclusion –experiences of Women Clergy in Blantyre Synod htt:/opac: Mzuni.ac.mw.cgibin, koha
The impact of Teacher- Gender on Students Performance in Mathematics in Community Day Secondary Schools, Malawi Institute of Education, 2022.
Gadama Richard Gracious, Women in Charismatic Churches in Malawi: A Theological and Historical Perspective, Cape Town Press, 2022.
Richard Gracious Gadama, Initial Primary Teacher Education Religious Studies Module 2, Malawi institute of Education, 2022
RACHEL NYAGONDWE FIEDLER
Rachel NyaGondwe Fiedler, and Christina Landman, ‘’ The Impact of Traditional Health Practices, Revivalism, Patriarchy and Economic Factors on the History of the Baptist Convention’s Health Response in the Post-Independence Malawi’’. Studia Historiae Ecclesiasticae, 15pps. 2024, https://doi.org/10.25159/2412-4265/16294
Fiedler R.N., Kaminga, A.C., Munyenyembe, R., Kudzula, F. (2023). The Church and the Covid-19 Pandemic: The Intricate Role of Masculinities of the Clergymen. Journal of Humanities, 31 (1), 21-41. DOI: 10.4314/jh.v31i1.2
Rachel NyaGondwe Fiedler and Grace Saguga, “Isabel Apawo Phiri’s Theologies of Resistance and Covid-19 Prevention and Care for Evangelical Women in Malawi Cities,” in Black Women’s and Cultures Journal (USA).
Rachel NyaGondwe Fiedler, Atipatsa Kamanga, Rhodian Munyenyembe and Francis Kudzula, “The Church’s Response to the Need for Prevention and Care during Covid-19: Did Masculinities of Clergymen in Malawi Cities Play a Role?” Journal of Humanities.
Teri Lindgren, Ellen Schell, Sally Rankin, Joel Phiri, Rachel Fiedler, Joseph Chakanza, “A Response to Edzi (AIDS): Malawi Faith-Based Organizations’ Impact on HIV Prevention and Care, Journal Assoc Nurses AIDS Care, 24(3), 2013, pp. 227 – 241.
Linda M. Macintyre, Sally Rankin, Howard Pinderhughes, Catherine Waters, Ellen Schell, Rachel Fiedler, “Socially Disempowered Women as the Key to Addressing Change in Malawi: How Do They Do It? Health Care for Women International, 34:2, 2013, pp. 103 – 121.
Rachel NyaGondwe Fiedler, “Ringen um Identität. Erfahrungen evangelikaler Frauen mit Initiationsriten für Mädchen in Malawi” [Battling with Identities: The Experiences of Evangelical Women with Girl’s Initiation Rites in Malawi], Evangelikale Missiologie 29 (2013) 3, pp. 143 – 147.
Rachel NyaGondwe Fiedler and J.W. Hofmeyr, “The Conception of the Circle of Concerned African Women Theologians: Is it African or Western? Acta Theologica [Bloemfontein], 31:1 (2011), pp. 39-57.
Rachel NyaGondwe Fiedler and J.W. Hofmeyr, “The Birth and Growth of the Circle of Concerned African Women Theologians in Malawi 1989-2011,” Studia Historiae Ecclesiasticae XXXVII(2) – September 2011.
Teri Lindgren, Ellen Schell, Sally Rankin, Joel Phiri, Rachael Fiedler, Joseph Chakanza, “Malawi religious organizations’ impact on HIV prevention and care: Garner’s ‘safe sects’ revisited,” The International Journal of Adolescent Health, 2011.
Rachel NyaGondwe Fiedler, “Conversion in Africa: A Look from the Women’s Side”, Journal for Christian Scholarship, Spesiale Uitgave 1, 2009, pp. 47-57.
Rachel NyaGondwe Fiedler, “The Challenge of Theological Education for Women in Malawi,” Studia Historiae Ecclesiasticae 2009, vol. xxxv, supplement, pp. 119-134.
Rachel NyaGondwe Fiedler, “Pastors’ Wives and Patriarchy: Experiences of Church Women in Malawi,” Religion in Malawi no. 13 (2006), pp. 23-27.
Rachel NyaGondwe Fiedler, “The Place of Religion in the Struggle for the Rights of Girl Children: A Case Study of Experiences of Girl Children in Initiation Programmes in the Rural Communities of Southern Malawi,” Religion in Malawi no. 10 (2003), pp. 37-41.
Fiedler, R.N., Kaminga, A.C., Kumwenda, J.I., Mlenga, J.D., Munyenyembe, R., Nyika F.C. (2024). “Challenging Notions of Heightened Female Disadvantage during COVID-19.” In Yamikani Ndasauka (ed), Covid-19 and Psychological Distress in Africa-Communitarian Perspectives: Routledge Research in Psychology (pp. 11), New York, Routledge. DOI: 10.4324/9781003425861-4
Rachel NyaGondwe Fiedler, Chrispin Mphande and Rhodian Munyenyembe, “Introduction”, in Rachel NyaGondwe Fiedler and Chrispin Mphande (eds), Gender Based Violence in Malawi. Critiquing Beliefs and Practices that Impede Gender Equality, Mzuzu: Mzuni Press, 2024, pp. 8-16.
Rachel NyaGondwe Fiedler, Mtafu Manda, Chrispin Mphande, George Mhango, Ambumulire Itimu-Phiri, “Gender Equality and Inequality [for Students and Staff] on Mzuzu University Campus, in Rachel NyaGondwe Fiedler and Chrispin Mphande (eds), Gender Based Violence in Malawi. Critiquing Beliefs and Practices that Impede Gender Equality, Mzuzu: Mzuni Press, 2024, pp. 17-37
Rachel NyaGondwe Fiedler, Cogitator Mapala, Joyce Mlenga, Rhodian Munyenyembe, Francis Kudzula, Mervis Khoromana and Grace Saguga, “Conclusion,” in Rachel NyaGondwe Fiedler and Chrispin Mphande (eds), Gender Based Violence in Malawi. Critiquing Beliefs and Practices that Impede Gender Equality, Mzuzu: Mzuni Press, 2024, pp. 193-196.
Rachel NyaGondwe Fiedler, Rhodian Munyenyembe, Atipatsa Kamanga, “Prevention and Care during the Covid-19 Pandemic. Masculinities as a Double-Edged Sword for Men and Women in Church Leadership in some Malawian Urban Churches.” [Peer Reviewed. Accepted for publication by the Ogbu Uke Kalu Centre for Christianity and African Culture, Nigeria.]
Rachel NyaGondwe Fiedler, Joyce Mlenga, Atipatsa Chiwanda, Joshua Kumwenda, Rhodian Munyenyembe and Felix Nyika, “Against the Odds African Women Cope Better with Psychological Distress than Men during the Covid-19 Pandemic,” Yamikani Ndasauka (ed), Covid-19 and Psychological Distress in Africa, Abingdon-on-Thames: Routledge. [Peer Reviewed. Accepted for publication.]
Rachel NyaGondwe Fiedler, “The Transferability of Selected Theologies of Isabel Apawo Phiri on HIV and AIDS Prevention and Care to Christian Women in Malawi,” in Chammah J. Kaunda (ed), Religion, Gender, and Wellbeing in Africa, Lanham/Boulder, New York/London: Lexington Books (An imprint of Rowman and Littlefield Publishing Group): 2021, pp. 17-30.
Rachel NyaGondwe Fiedler, “Gender Based Violence in Malawi: An African Feminist Perspective,” in Rachel NyaGondwe Fiedler and Chrispin Mphande (eds), Gender Based Violence in Malawi, Mzuzu: Mzuni Press (in Press), pp. 4-27.
Rachel NyaGondwe Fiedler, Mtafu Manda, Chrispin Mphande, George Mhango, Ambumulire Itimu-Phiri, “An Exploration of Experiences of Students and Staff with Gender Based Violence on Mzuzu University Campus,” Rachel NyaGondwe Fiedler and Chrispin Mphande (eds), Gender Based Violence in Malawi, Mzuzu: Mzuni Press (in Press), pp. 28-48.
Rachel NyaGondwe Fiedler, “Preaching Christ in a Foreign Culture. A Case of Baptist Convention Women in Malawi,” in Thomas Schirrmacher and Christof Sauer (eds), Mission Verändert – Mission Verändert sich, Nürnberg: Verlag für Religionswissenschaft / Bonn: Verlag für Kultur und Wissenschaft, 2005, pp. 484-488.
Rachel NyaGondwe Fiedler, “Pastors’ Wives and Patriarchy. Experiences of Christian Women in Malawi”, in Isabel Apawo Phiri and Sarojini Nadar (eds), On Being Church. African Women’s Voices and Visions, Geneva: WCC, 2005, pp. 173-183.
Rachel NyaGondwe Fiedler, “Against the Flow: Stories of Women Pastors in Malawi, 1961-2001,” in Isabel Apawo Phiri, Devakarsham Betty Govinden and Sarojini Nadar (eds), Her-Stories. Hidden Histories of Women, Pietermaritzburg: Cluster Publications, 2002.
COGITATOR MAPALA
Cogitator W.Y. Mapala (2024), CCAP Ministerial Training in The Church of Central Africa Presbyterian 1924 – 2024: A Centenary Assessment edited by Kenneth R. and Mwayi Chilongozi, Globethics: Geneva, pp 300 – 321.
Cogitator W.Y. Mapala and Kenneth R. Ross (2024), Conclusion: The CCAP at 100 in The Church of Central Africa Presbyterian 1924 – 2024: A Centenary Assessment edited by Kenneth R. and Mwayi Chilongozi, Globethics: Geneva, pp 418 – 434.
Rachel NyaGondwe Fiedler, Cogitator Mapala, Joyce Mlenga, Rhodian Munyenyembe, Francis Kudzula, Mervin Khoromana and Grace Daguga (2024) Conclusion in Rachel NyaGondwe Fiedler and Chripin Mphande (eds) Gender Based-Violence in Malawi: Critiquing Beliefs and Practices that Impede Gender Equality, Mzuzu: Mzuni Press, pp 193 -196.
Mapala C.W. (2022) Decolonising Theological Education in Malawi: A Challenge to Curriculum Reforms in Institutions of Higher Learning, in Decolonizing the Theological Curriculum in an Online Age, Zomba: TSM Press, pp. 65 – 89.
JOYCE MLENGA
Fulata Moyo and Joyce Mlenga, “Towards Makewana Eco-Theology: Motherhood, Wife God and Rain Priestess,” in Musa Dube, Telesia Musili and Sylvia Owusu Ansah (eds). African Women Legends and the Spirituality of Resistance, Routledge, 2024, pp. 75-89.
Rachel NyaGondwe Fiedler, Atipatsa Chiwanda-Kaminga, Joshua Kumwenda, Joyce Mlenga, Rhodian Munyenyembe, and Felix Nyika, “Challenging Notions of Heightened Female Disadvantage during COVID-19,” in Yamikani Ndasauka (ed.), COVID-19 and Psychological Distress in Africa: Communitarian Perspectives, Routledge, 2024, pp. 30-40.
Joyce Mlenga, “Training of Clergy in the University Context in Malawi: A Reflection for Decolonization in Approaches,” in Felix Chimera Nyika, Mzee Hermann Y. Mvula and Kenneth R. Ross (eds), Decolonizing the Theological Curriculum in an Online Age, Zomba: TSM Press, 2022, pp. 383-400.
Kenneth R. Ross and Joyce Mlenga, “Malawi, Christianity in.” Bibliographical Encyclopaedia of African Theology. 31 August 2022. https://african. theologyworldwide.com/encyclopaedia-african-christianity/ malawi-christianity-in.
Kenneth R. Ross and Joyce Mlenga, “Malawi, Theology in.” Bibliographical Encyclopaedia of African Theology. 30 September 2022. https://african.theologyworldwide. com/encyclopaedia-african-christian-thought/malawi-theology-in.
Joyce Mlenga, “The Abiding Influence of African Traditional Religion among Educated Christian Professionals in Northern Malawi,” in Kenneth R. Ross and Mzee Hermann Y. Mvula, Theology in Malawi: Prospects for the 2020s, Zomba: Kachere, 2021, pp. 157-161.
Joyce Mlenga, “Witchcraft Accusations and the Christian Church’s Response,” A Response to “Christian Pastors and Alleged Child Witches in Kinshasa, DRC,” by Robert J. Priest, Abel Ngolo, & Timothy Stabell, On Knowing Humanity Journal 4 (1), January 2020, pp. 99-102.
Joyce Mlenga (Book Review), “Let’s Understand Each Other!” Meegye-Mangbetu Death Compensations in the Forest of Alliances: By Robert Guy McKee.” In OKH Journal: Anthropological Ethnography and Analysis Through the Eyes of Christian Faith (2024): 47-49.
Joyce Mlenga, Dual Religiosity in Northern Malawi: Ngonde Christians and African Traditional Religion. Mzuzu: Mzuni Press, 2016.
RHODIAN MUNYENYEMBE
Munyenyembe, R., Pursuing an Elusive Unity: A History of the Church of Central Africa Presbyterian(1924-2018), Carlisle: Langham Global Library, 2019.
Munyenyembe, R., Some Effects of Denominational Pluralism on Congregational Discords, Zomba: Kachere, 2012.
Munyenyembe, R., Christianity and Socio-cultural Issues: The Charismatic Movement and Contextualization in Malawi, Zomba: Kachere/Mzuzu: Mzuni Press, 2011.
Nkhoma, J., Rhodian Munyenyembe and Hany Longwe (eds), Mission in Malawi: Essays in Honour of Klaus Fiedler, Mzuzu: Mzuni Press, 2021 [ISBN 978-99960-45-22-6].
Fiedler, Rachel , Atipatsa Kaminga, Rhodian Munyenyembe and Francis Kudzula, The Church and the Covid-19 Pandemic: The Intricate Role Masculinities of the Clergymen, Journal of Humanities 31, 2023, pp. 21-41. https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/jh.v.1i1.2
Munyenyembe, R., “The Voice of John Chilembwe on some Contemporary Malawian Issues”, Religion & Culture no. 2, 2014.
Munyenyembe, R., “Revival History as it Affects Malawian Church History, with Special Reference to the CCAP”, Religion in Malawi, issue no. 17.
Munyenyembe, R., “African Christian Scholars and the Study of African Traditional Religion (ATR)”, Religion in Malawi no. 12, pp. 36-40.
Munyenyembe, R., “Combating HIV/AIDS at Congregational Level: Some Challenges and Suggestions”, Religion in Malawi no. 14, 2007, pp. 41-45.
Munyenyembe, R., and Johannes Wynand Hofmeyr, “Lofty but Not powerful: A Critical Analysis of the Position of the General Assembly in the Union of the Church of Central, Africa Presbyterian”, Studia Historiae Ecclesiasticae, 4 (3), 2016, pp. 1-21.
Munyenyembe, R., and Johannes Wynand Hofmeyr, “When Ecclesiastical Unity is Pursued but Not Realized: Synodical Independency and Denominational Pluralism within the Church of Central Africa Presbyterian (CCAP).” Studia Historiae Ecclesiasticae. Doi 10.17159/2412-4265/2016/1243.
Munyenyembe, R., “When the Host is Poor and Equally in Need: The Four Decade Malawian Experience of Hosting Refugees”, INFEMIT, 2018.
Munyenyembe R., “Revival Roots in the CCAP”, Nkhoma, J., et al (eds), Mission in Malawi: Essays in Honour of Klaus Fiedler, Mzuzu: Mzuni Press, 2021 [ISBN 978- 99960-45-22-6].
Munyenyembe R., “Presbyterian Ethiopianism in Malawi and South Africa”, in Jack Whytock (ed), African Church History Textbook (forthcoming).
Munyenyembe, “Epistemological Contextualization: The Place of African Philosophy and African Theology in Decolonizing the Theological Curriculum in an Online Age”, in Ross K. and Mvula, H., Decolonizing the Theological Curriculum in an Online Age, Zomba: Theological Society of Malawi, 2022.
Fiedler, R., Munyenyembe, R., Mlenga, J., Nyika, F., Kumwenda, J. and Kaminga, A.C. (2022), “Beating the Odds. African Women Cope Better with Covid-19 than Men?,” in Ndasauka, Y. et al (eds.), Pandemics and Psychological Distress Book Project, Abingdon: Routledge, pp. 110-125.
Ndekha, Louis, Rhodian Munyenyembe and Judith Bachmann, African Traditional Religions Revisited: Dynamics in Indigenous Religions in Africa in the 21st Century in Honor of Prof. Dr Joseph Chakanza, Bamberg: University of Bamberg Press, 2024.
Munyenyembe R. (2022). “Epistemological Contextualization: The Place of African Philosophy and African Theology in Decolonizing the Theological Curriculum in an Online Age” in Nyika, F.C. et al (eds), Decolonizing the Theological Curriculum in an Online Age, Zomba: TSM Press, pp. 109-130.
Munyenyembe, R. (2023). “Presbyterian Ethiopianism in South Africa and Malawi”, in Jack Whytock (Gen Ed), A Survey of Presbyterian Mission History in Africa: Historical Beginnings (c. 1790s to 1930s) Volume One, Wellington: Barnabas, pp. 672-689.
Munyenyembe, R. (2024). “100 Years of the CCAP: An Introduction”, in Kenneth Ross (ed), The Church of Central Africa Presbyterian 1924-2024: A Centenary Assessment, Geneva: Globethics, pp. 29-59.
NyaGondwe Fiedler, Rachel, Chiwanda-Kaminga, Atipatsa, Kumwenda, Joshua, Mlenga, Joyce, Munyenyembe, Rhodian, & Felix Nyika. (2024). “Challenging Notions of Heightened Female Disadvantage during COVID-19,” in Yamikani Ndasauka (ed.), COVID-19 and Psychological Distress in Africa: Communitarian Perspectives, Routledge, pp. 30-40.
Munyenyembe, R, (2024). “From Reformed Roots to Charismatic Renewal: An Exploration of the Shift in Theology and Spirituality in the CCAP Synod of Livingstonia”, in Peter White (ed), Faith, Spirituality And Praxis: Exploring Dynamics In African Grassroots Theologies And Churches, Abingdon: Routeledge, pp. 130-155.
Fiedler R.N., Kaminga, A.C., Munyenyembe, R., Kudzula, F. (2023). “The Church and the Covid-19 Pandemic: The Intricate Role of Masculinities of the Clergymen.” Journal of Humanities, 31 (1), 21-41. DOI: 10.4314/jh.v31i1.2
Rachel NyaGondwe Fiedler, Chrispin Mphande and Rhodian Munyenyembe, “Introduction”, in Rachel NyaGondwe Fiedler and Chrispin Mphande (eds). (2024). Gender Based Violence in Malawi. Critiquing Beliefs and Practices that Impede Gender Equality, Mzuzu: Mzuni Press, pp. 8-16.
Rachel NyaGondwe Fiedler, Cogitator Mapala, Joyce Mlenga, Rhodian Munyenyembe, Francis Kudzula, Mervin Khoromana and Grace Saguga. (2024). “Conclusion,” in Rachel NyaGondwe Fiedler and Chrispin Mphande (eds), Gender Based Violence in Malawi. Critiquing Beliefs and Practices that Impede Gender Equality, Mzuzu: Mzuni Press, pp. 193-196.
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