Abstract:
Vuyani Vellem was an outstanding Black Theologian of Liberation (BTL), who was approaching
the zenith of his career when he died at the age of 50 years in 2019. This paper begins with a
personal memoir to Prof. Vellem and a recognition that there is a lacuna in BTL relative to
human sexuality issues. The contemporary global context of the human sexuality debate is
discussed before the task of BTL in Vellem’s thinking is outlined. This is followed by an
examination of the situation in Africa and South Africa. Following this, the article proceeds to
introduce the issue of human sexuality as a potential field of research in BTL and argues that
the subject of human sexuality in the black community is a valid and appropriate topic for
study and research by BTL.
Contribution: This article raises pertinent issues regarding the development of a Black
Theology of Liberation (BTL) which includes a proposal for the inclusion of LGBTI+ issues. It
seeks to expand the understanding of the oppressed to include those who are oppressed as the
result of gender issues.
