Emerging in the mid-1980s, womanist theology is the work of African-American women theologians, church historians, ethicists, sociologists of religion, and biblical scholars. The term draws on poet, novelist, and activist Alice Walker’s four-part definition of womanism, which calls for “radical subjectivity, traditional communalism, redemptive self-love, and critical engagement.” Womanist thought helps to describe oppression and empower the oppressed in order to create change. Bishop Yvette Flunder has served her call through prophetic action and ministry for justice for more than 30 years. This call to blend proclamation, worship, service, and advocacy on behalf of those most marginalized in church and in society led to the founding of City of Refuge United Church of Christ in 1991, uniting a gospel ministry with a social justice ministry.