Browsing by Author "De Gruchy, Steve M."

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The Anglican church and poverty in Tanzania : a review of development programmes in the diocese of Morogoro.
(2005) Chinyong'ole, Johnson J.; De Gruchy, Steve M.
Tanzania is one of the poorest countries in Sub-Saharan Africa. Since independence Tanzania has implemented different development policies, but the gap between the rich and the poor has increased despite the government's and NGOs' efforts of development programmes for poverty reduction being implemented. This research has analysed the approach of the Anglican Church to development programmes for poverty reduction in the Diocese of Morogoro. It has defined poverty as a lack access to resources, together with a lack of power, dignity and vocation. Because of this challenge of poverty, the Church has been involved in community development programmes for poverty reduction. These programmes have sought to empower the poor, offering dignity and enabling them to realise their God-given vocations in their communities. The aim of these programmes is to improve the living standard of poor people and to raise their social and economic welfare regardless of their religious beliefs. The research has identified the two main weaknesses in these church programmes as (1) a lack of a theoretical vision, and (2) a lack of strategic vision. Because of the first weakness it has consolidated a theoretical vision for development programmes focusing on theology of development, the definition of development and community development, and Asset Based Community Development as an approach to community development in connection with Ujamaa, and particularly Kujitegemea. In tackling the second weakness it has consolidated a strategic vision for the diocese making use of such as PRA/PLA, ADPs to take forward the theoretical vision for development programmes in the diocese of Morogoro. The thesis concludes by recommending that the relevant diocesan leaders engage with this research and proposals, so as to provide a way forward.
The Anglican church, environment and poverty : constructing a Nigerian indigenous oikotheology.
(2009) Alokwu, Cyprian Obiora.; De Gruchy, Steve M.
This research proposes a Nigerian indigenous oikotheology to assist the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) better meet the challenges of the “double earth crisis” of poverty and environmental degradation. The thesis begins by arguing that the crisis of poverty and the crisis of ecology are inextricably linked. It does this by examining the situation globally, in Africa and in Nigeria. It argues that for the church to be able to articulate the needed theological paradigm in response to the “double earth crisis”, it is important that it is adequately informed and equipped with environmental knowledge as well as the dynamics of the global capitalist system and its hegemonic influences. This understanding is imperative because these affect the environment and poverty nexus. The thesis then examines the response of the Anglican Church to the environment and poverty by situating this within the wider biblical, Christian and ecumenical history, and the history of the Anglican Church itself. It then looks at the Anglican Church in Nigeria by investigating the engagement of the three Anglican Dioceses in Anambra State (Nigeria) in environment and poverty issues. It also investigates the understanding of the diocesan clergy on these issues. Findings from the research field work indicate that a majority of the clergy exhibited an appreciable level of environmental awareness contrary to the hypothesis of the study. However, this knowledge is a “paper knowledge” because of its heavy reliance on the ‘traditional’ view of understanding of the environment. Thus it creates a huge gap between theoretical knowledge and practical commitment on the part of the dioceses. Collective will and practical commitment which are vital for the church’s engagement in poverty and environment issues are therefore lacking, and this leads to the church’s difficulty in significantly living up to its environmental responsibility in practical ways. In responding to the identified gap, the thesis examines ‘four generations’ of ecological motifs in theology, namely, dominion, stewardship, eco-theology and oikotheology. Oikotheology is an attempt to strengthen the weaknesses in the Christian ecological thoughts (from dominion to ecotheology) and hence provide an eco-theological framework that will engender commitment and action. However, because of the challenges with which Oikotheology grapples (strong eschatological influences and inaccessibility to African culture), it could not achieve this aim in the Nigerian setting. In a continued search for an eco-theological framework that is more African, the study articulates the synthesis of Oikotheology and African indigenous ecological ethics (a fifth generation) as a theological framework which would uniquely appeal to African Christianity in its attempt to collaborate with other disciplines in addressing the challenges of the environment and poverty in Africa and the world. Key to this synthesis is an examination of Nigerian Igbo proverbs-the egbe belu precautionary principle and onye aghana nwa nne ya in particular, and the African cosmology in general. This synthesis, considered in our opinion as Africa’s gift to humanity and Christendom, will no doubt significantly contribute to the global discussion on the current double earth crisis of environment and poverty. The thesis concludes with a series of practical suggestions including among others the formation of a National Commission on the environment by the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) as a way of fostering environmental education.
Assessment of the work of World Vision's area development programme at Mpunguzi in Tanzania.
(2005) Sawayael, Blandina Faustin.; De Gruchy, Steve M.
This dissertation is an evaluation of the programme of World Vision Tanzania. It examines the work of the Mpunguzi Area Development Programme (ADP) in the Dodoma region in two ways. Firstly it looks at it from the perspective of WVT itself, through reading the reports and minutes of the organisation and interviewing key informants. Secondly it looks at it from the perspective of the local people in Mpunguzi, through a series of interviews and group discussions. It is clear that the ADP has made a good contribution that is appreciated by local inhabitants in the areas of primary health, primary education, agriculture and animal husbandry, water and sanitation, the environment, gender inequity, income generating activities, spiritual development, advocacy on child rights and leadership development. However, there were concerns expressed about a range of on-going life and livelihood struggles that the ADP is not able to address. These issues include housing, storage and marketing of agricultural produce, conditions of loan facilities, lack of other skills and employment, drought, lack of alternative livelihoods, gender issues and the impact of HIV/AIDS. The dissertation argues that World Vision Tanzania and the ADP approach will need to make some changes to the development approach in order to meet these concerns. Four important issues are then identified and explored. These are:(i)participation of the poor in shaping their livelihoods; (ii) promotion of Asset Based Community Development; (iii) advocacy in terms of public policy; and (iv) a deeper theological understanding of development. The hope of the research and dissertation is to enable World Vision and other Christian groups continue to make a lasting difference in the lives of the poor in Tanzania.
The challenge of poverty for the church in Zambia : a response to the effects of the Structural Adjustment Programme (SAP)
(2002) Mambwe, Evaristo M.; De Gruchy, Steve M.
The effects of the Structural Adjustment Programmes (SAP) that have been the International Monetary Fund's (IMF) prescribed economic reforms have accentuated poverty levels in Zambia. For the majority ofthe population, the Structural Adjustment Programmes have exacerbated poverty if not directly contributing to it. This paper argues that poverty has a historical aspect dating back to the colonial strategy of establishing and perpetuating rural-urban dual structures. The Zambian government upon attainment of independence continued this dual economic structure. The dualist approach favoured urban areas at the expense of rural areas in terms of social and economic development. To date it is estimated that 80% of Zambia's population of about ten million people (2000 Census) lives under conditions of abject poverty. The Zambian economy did well in the first ten years of independence (1964 -1974), but went on a continuous decline from that period to date. Both internal and external factors have contributed to the continuous steep decline ofthe economy and subsequent increase in poverty levels. Among efforts to turn round the economy, the Zambian government in cooperation with the IMF and World Bank embarked on the Structural Adjustment Programmes (SAP). President Kenneth Kaunda hesitatingly introduced the first SAP in 1981. The economic reforms, particularly the decontrol of prices and abolition of subsidies resulted in the increase of prices of foodstuffs leading to civil disobedience, violence, riots, looting and deaths in 1986. The SAP also contributed to income disparities. In 1991 when Frederick Chiluba won the presidency, he implemented the SAP fully. The implementation ofthe SAP meant the decontrol of prices and removal ofall forms of subsidies. The immediate effect was a rapid rise in prices and poverty levels. This paper argues that in the face of this poverty the involvement of the Church has not been as comprehensive as taught by the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Emphasis has r-emained on spiritual emancipation with little stress on material well-being. Equally there has not been participation in decision-making by the affected people as the government and the donor-community make most decisions without consulting the citizens. There also seems to have evolved a culture ofdependence on "handouts" or free things, and lack of good work ethics and standards. The improvement in the standards of life of the people may be realized if the Church through its prophetic ministry challenges global capitalism so that the powerful and rich western countries accept the New World Order that the Third World has been advocating for many years. The Church should also voice the fact that the Zambian politics and economic policies should not be motivated by profit making and individual gain but by a desire for hard work and fair distribution of the world and nation's wealth. It is further proposed that the best economic and development policies are those that sustain human life and bring a better life in every human community. This ideal may be fulfilled if the Church through its diaconal ministry gets involved in developmental issues.
A Christian development appraisal of the Ubunye Cooperative Housing initiative in Pietermaritzburg.
(2004) Ntakirutimana, Ezekiel.; De Gruchy, Steve M.
This dissertation reflects on the growing social problem of housing in South Africa, and reviews the contribution that Christians should make to address the issue. One basic assumption is that the Church as God's agent has a role to play in issues affecting the wider society. Drawing on the social teaching and pastoral care in the Wesleyan tradition, the Ubunye Free Methodist Church in Pietermaritzburg is dedicated to offer housing services to the poor including survivors of domestic violence, through the Ubunye Cooperative Housing initiative. The dissertation builds on the vision of Wesley and in dialogue with Paulo Freire, argues that 'humanization' is the key goal of Christian social witness. This dissertation then explores to what extent the Ubunye Free Methodist Church promotes humanization and what humanization means in the practice and implementation of housing policy. The research has unveiled that residents' training and participation in the running of the Ubunye Cooperative Housing initiative are some of the key issues, which need more attention in an attempt to bring about change.
The church and environmental education : a model for the Evangelical Lutheran church in Malawi.
(2003) Msuku, Alick Stephen.; De Gruchy, Steve M.
No abstract available.
The church and health : an examination of the contribution of local churches to health and wellbeing in Ndola, Zambia.
(2008) Mwiche, Mary Zulu.; De Gruchy, Steve M.
Abstract available in PDF file.
Church and poverty : possibilities for poverty eradication in the Thaba'Nchu region.
(2002) Kutu, Sydney Trupa.; De Gruchy, Steve M.
This thesis concerns the role that the church can play in alleviating poverty in Black rural communities in South Africa, through a case study ofthe Thaba'Nchu community in the Free State Province. The thesis argues that the policies of racial segregation of the apartheid era impacted very strongly on the Black communities in our country. Blacks were dispossessed, marginalized and suffered greatly. It is further argued that the New Dispensation after 1994 did very little to ensure that the poor in places like Thaha'Nchu enjoyed a meaningful standard of life. Poverty has continued to be a large factor in the lives of the rural Black South Africans. This situation obliges the church according to its calling to make a difference in the lives of the rural poor communities such as in Thaba'Nchu. It is argued that the Church does have a contribution to make in development. When poverty and unemployment have entrenched themselves in the community, the Church locally and ecumenically have the capacity and the potential to wage war against the scourge. To combat poverty, a clearly drawn programme of action needs to be formulated. This research proposes a two-pronged strategy where first, hunger gets addressed and second, sustainable income generating projects are initiated to empower the poor.
Church and small, medium and micro enterprises in rural Tswaing in the North West Province.
(2009) Kutu, Zodwa Regina.; De Gruchy, Steve M.
This thesis is a search for the relationship between the church and SMMEs in the Tswaing Municipality, in the North West Province. It concerns the role of the church in supporting SMMEs in such a way that they benefit the whole community instead of individuals, thus contributing towards the building of the economy in selected areas of rural Tswaing. The selected areas are Khunwana, Atamelang, Manamolela and Gannalaagte/Vrischgewaagd. It is written in the context of the church that has come to understand that ministry to the poor is never complete without dealing with wealth creation, and in recognition of the fact that the church can offer alternative economic values. Small business development and support in rural communities is seen to be a key factor in the building of the community economy. It is argued that rural economies have generally collapsed due to various factors. First the apartheid policies which displaced communities from areas where agricultural ventures were thriving to areas that were not suitable for subsistence farming. Second was rural urban migration which caused some Tswaing community members to go to cities to find work, leaving behind elderly people and youth who could no longer or were not willing to live off the land. Whilst in the cities such migrants were marginalized and remained jobless. Research findings indicate that the Tswaing community have assets and entitlements that could be harnessed by the church and other stakeholders like Government and big business, using Kretzmann and McKnight’s approach to community development; that of building the community from the inside out to enhance the economy. Four areas of involvement have been identified for the church (i) engaging the three tiers of government by advocacy for small businesses and ensuring implementation of policy; (ii) promotion of development and support for SMMEs and (iii) that the church sets up its own development project.
The Church's relationship to the agency and the assets of people living with HIV/AIDS in rural South Africa:a case study in Marapyane community, Skilpadfontein.
(2007) Leonidas, Sabushimike.; De Gruchy, Steve M.
This thesis explores the relevance of Asset Based Community Development (ABCD) as a development strategy with people living with HIV/AIDS. Contemporary development theory suggests that the assets and agency of the poor are crucial in any development process, and these ideas are important in ABCD. Many commentors have noted the relationship between HIV/AIDS and poverty and the community development is a key response to this. The question therefore is whether ABCD is still appropriate and relevant in a situation in which HIV/AIDS undermines the assets and agency of the poor.
The Church's relationship to the agency of the assets of people living with HIV/AIDS in rural South Africa: a case study in Marapyane Community, Skilpadfontein.
(2007) Sabushimike, Leonidas.; De Gruchy, Steve M.
This thesis explores the relevance of Asset Based Community Development (ABCD) as a development strategy with people living with HIV/ AIDS. Contemporary development theory suggests that the assets and agency of the poor are crucial in any development process, and these ideas are important in ABCD. Many commentators have noted the relationship between HIV/AIDS and poverty, and that community development is a key response to this. The question therefore is whether ABCD is still appropriate and relevant in a situation in which HIV/ AIDS undermines the assets and agency of the poor. The research takes the form of an in-depth case study in Marapyane village in Mpumalanga Province, South Africa. The findings of interviews with a series of key informants helps to gain an overview of the impact of the pandemic in the community, and the study then draws on interviews with nineteen people living with HIV/ AIDS. It notes the range of assets that they have access to, and argues that the ABCD approach to community development is still relevant and appropriate. At the same time, however, it notes a range of important factors that need to be established for the ABCD approach to succeed. The research encouraged PL WH to work towards one goal, the community has to stop discrimination against PL WH, and PL WH have to be included in all processes of community development. The use of skills that are among PL WH need to be encouraged and supported by the community, PL WH are called to connect with other local institutions in order to work together for the benefit of all members of the community. Local institutions are encouraged to contribute resources that will work to empower the capacity of PL WH so that they can be able to fulfill their development dreams. PL WH are to have a clear agenda and well-organized strategy that can eradicate poverty effectively. PL WH are also encouraged to consider the land as their main resources and basic asset that can be utilized in poverty alleviation and avoid unnecessary urban migration as much as they can use. But the Thesis looked the agency of PL WH not those who are already sick who need care, this means that early test will also be considered as another way of contributing in the effectiveness of the ABCD.
The church's role in social healing and reconciliation in Zimbabwe : an analysis of reconciliation in the National Vision Discussion Document of the churches of Zimbabwe.
(2008) Masengwe, Gift.; De Gruchy, Steve M.
The study focuses on the National Vision Discussion Document (NVDD) from Zimbabwe, and is a reflection of the need for, and the churches’ approach to, reconciliation in Zimbabwe. The analysis of the social context in which the NVDD was written sets the tone for this study, and provides the basis for discussing and constructing a deeper theology of reconciliation in Zimbabwe. Two criticisms of the NVDD are advanced, namely, the lack for a critical social analysis, and a weak theological reflection. In responding to the first criticism, the study undertakes a detailed analysis of three key areas of enmity, namely, the ethnic conflicts between the Shona and Ndebele, the racial conflicts between white and black centered on land, and the political conflicts between ZANU-PF and civil society and the MDC. In responding to the second criticisms, the theology is deepened through an examination of Miroslav Volf’s, Exclusion and Embrace, John de Gruchy’s, Reconciliation: Restoring Justice, the Kairos Document and the Belhar Confession. Reconciliation was seen to lie at the edge of two parallel truths; justice and forgiveness; truth and reconciliation. In conclusion, the study established the basis for a deeper theology of reconciliation, by focusing on three key areas: social dynamics, theological reflection, and practical and logistical steps to national reconciliation. For a deeper theology of reconciliation, seven levels for reconciliation were suggested: individual, social, cultural, institutional, political, theological and religious. From these seven levels, two strategies for the practice of reconciliation were suggested: ecumenical and strategic partnerships. It should be noted that events in Zimbabwe continue to progress at a rapid rate and the social context changes from week to week. However, these current events suggest that the study remains relevant for national reconciliation and theological praxis because of the abiding issues of conflict that cry out for reconciliation.
Constructing an oikotheology : the environment, poverty and the church in South Africa.
(2005) Warmback, Andrew Edward.; De Gruchy, Steve M.
South Africa is a country of great natural resources yet suffers from high levels of poverty. This study looks at the relationship between the environment and poverty in South Africa and the role of the church in this context. There is a focus on the Church of the Province of Southern Africa (CPSA) and on one of its dioceses, the Diocese of Umzimvubu. While the church in South Africa has been conscious of its responsibility in eradicating poverty, it has not expressed a strong concern for the environment, less still has it been conscious that this concern is closely connected to the task of eradicating poverty. The metaphor of the oikos (or household) of God is explored as a metaphor that may be usefully employed to help describe the relationship between the environment and poverty. It is proposed that an oikotheology be constructed to enable the church to engage with both the ecological and the economic aspects of the environment. This study asserts that the preservation and enhancement of the environment impacts positively on the alleviation of poverty. What is also needed, and often neglected, is to ensure that the resources of the environment are accessible to all and equitably distributed. Theological resources that articulate an oikotheology for the South African context are explored, and possible actions for the church promoted.
The contribution of the church to human development in Third World countries : a comparison of initiatives in South Africa and India.
(2002) Chagunda, Chance Arisitaliko.; De Gruchy, Steve M.
This research centres on the church's involvement in human development and poverty alleviation programmes. This thesis acknowledges that many Third World nations received political freedom from Western colonialists, but many of these countries failed to successfully exploit the political freedom to improve economic growth and human development. Poverty is therefore one of the major problems facing people in Third World countries.
The contribution of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in the Republic of Namibia (ELCRN) to poverty relief in the Usakos Circuit, with special focus on the Otjimbingwe rural community.
(2001) Khariseb, Petrus.; De Gruchy, Steve M.
This dissertation examines the contribution that the Evangelical Lutheran Church in the Republic of Namibia (ELCRN) can make to poverty alleviation at local community level, through research in the Otjimbingwe rural community two hundred kilometers north-west of Windhoek, the capital of Namibia. It is clear from the historical background and current situation that the impact of poverty is severe on the lives of indigenous people. The question posed by the research is: How can the Church contribute to poverty alleviation in a rural community such as Otjimbingwe? To answer this question, this thesis analyses the real life situation that the people of Otjimbingwe experience daily. It further looks at the coping strategies of the people. The thesis identifies the capacities, skills and assets that the Church can develop and build on in its poverty alleviation process. The study argues that the Church has a vital contribution to play as both an 'insider' and an 'outsider' to the community at Otjimbingwe. It then suggests some strategies that the Church can utilize to ensure maximum participation of the local people and to mobilize and encourage co-operation of all concerned individuals and organizations in the process of development.
Critical analysis of the church's response to the development of the informal economic sector in the city of Bulawayo, Zimbabwe.
(2002) Chatikobo, Stanslous.; De Gruchy, Steve M.
This thesis examines the informal sector of the economy in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, and the role the church can play in assisting those who are involved. In describing the nature of the informal economic sector the thesis investigates the reasons for the existence of the informal sector, namely the economic structural adjustment programme, unemployment, land and climatic conditions in Bulawayo, post independence political disturbances and easy entry into the industry; the types of the sector, namely, manufacturing and wholesaling, which has the clothing, steel and furniture manufacturing industries; the retail sector, which has the vegetable vending and the flea markets; and the service sector, which has the foreign currency traders and other activities such as television, radio and shoe repairs, prostitution, shebeens and pirate industries. The impact the informal sector has on established business has also been considered, and the role of the funders of the informal sector. Particular attention is drawn to the problems of the informal traders , which are identified as lack of legal protection and freedom of operation, lack of training, lack of access to business and marketing information, lack of credit facilities, lack of quality merchandise, the fact that it is considered illegal business, the problems of foreign currency, fuel shortage and high prices, lack of sanitary conditions, lack of adequate support from the city authorities, lack of equipment and lack of social security. The thesis then presents an argument for the church's involvement in assisting people engaged in the informal economic sector, with a reflection on the Biblical tradition and the concept of humanization. The projects of the Uniting Presbyterian Church in Southern Africa are discussed and attention is drawn to the background history of the activities and administration of the projects, the problems encountered and the way forward. Finally, the thesis proposes eight key strategic initiatives that the church can take. These are the change of attitude of the church in order to meet the needs of the church, advocacy to government, advocacy to banks and financial institutions, by establishing financial support for the informal industry, by supporting organizations such as BUTA and the formation of the National Association of the Informal Sector, by offering training and mentorship , by giving support and counselling and finally by giving of the church's own facilities where necessary and appropriate.
Development, shalom, and sport : a biblical perspective.
(2005) Wilson, Jason Mark.; De Gruchy, Steve M.
This paper examines the following three concepts: development, shalom and sport. It is the findings of this paper that a holistic understanding of the Biblical concept of shalom, provides an appropriate, Christian premise for examining existing development initiatives and for informing intended development praxis. Furthermore the paper argues that sport is a morally neutral activity, which can have positive influences for society, and is a very effective tool that can be used to pursue a shalom-informed form of development. This is true, regardless of the fact that sport can often be corrupted with negative results. Finally, sport can aid the church in many ways. In particular, sport is a constructive tool for the church to use with regard to friendship-building, cross-cultural relations and church unity. Furthermore, since the church is a major player in the field of development, when the church uses sport to accomplish the above, development is enhanced. Also, the church can help be a moral voice to the areas of sport that are corrupt and it can support initiatives that provide preventative incentives to negative elements within society.
Development, sin and salvation : lessons from the Millennium Declaration, NEPAD and the Kingdom of God for the Union Baptist Church of Mozambique.
(2004) Mazive, Angelica Zuca.; De Gruchy, Steve M.
This thesis discusses issues relating to development, sin and salvation. It examines the development visions of the Millennium Declaration and NEPAD Documents and compares them with the values of the Kingdom of God. It identifies some lessons from the Millennium Declaration and NEPAD Documents, and the Kingdom of God for the Union Baptist Church of Mozambique. These lessons are to help the denomination as it involves itself in the mission of the Kingdom of God in the community in Mozambique. The thesis argues that there is a relationship between the visions of the Millennium Declaration and the NEPAD Documents, and the values of the Kingdom of God on a number of issues such as the issues of sickness, orphans, vulnerability, gender inequality, poverty, the poor, hunger, unemployment, oppression, exploitation, wars, crime, violence against women and children, injustice and corruption. The Kingdom of God is about love, health, well-being for all, care, justice, unity and solidarity; harmony, life, peace, freedom, restoration, acceptance, righteousness, community, and salvation that includes both spiritual and physical salvation of the whole person both now in this life before death and after death. However, the thesis argues that the eschatological aspect of the Kingdom of God helps us see that sin is deeply rooted in human life, and even our best efforts at development will not rid the world of sin. The Church therefore has to remind society of this deeper sin, and to proclaim the gospel of the forgiveness of sins, while struggling with the evidence of that sin in poverty, sickness, injustice and violence. The church, especially the Union Baptist Church of Mozambique, has to be a key player in striving for Kingdom values. The church is called to holistic and integral mission. It should take a leading role in the issues that concern our people and society today, because that is doing the will of God. The commandment to love our neighbour as we love ourselves has to be expressed through our participation in integral mission, which is concerned with all human beings and all God's creation. The shalom of the Kingdom has to be experienced by all, and the church must be the means through which shalom is realised.
An emerging form of the church? : community-based volunteers in HIV and AIDS work as a religious health asset.
(2009) Madondo, Mfazo Cliford.; De Gruchy, Steve M.
In South Africa faith plays an important role in community-based volunteering related to HIV and AIDS work. Many community-based volunteers make use of their faith to provide healthcare and social services related to HIV and AIDS. This research examines this faith or religious vibrancy and critic two things: (1) to what extent such volunteers can be understood as a Religious Health Asset, and (2) what criteria can be used to consider community-based volunteers as a new form of the church emerging in a time of HIV and AIDS. The research first examines the concept of voluntary work in South Africa, particularly in times of HIV and AIDS. Field research relies on community based volunteers linked to Sinomlando, a research centre at the University of KwaZulu- Natal through participant observation and open ended interview method. I examine faith or religious aspects in volunteers serving the communities. The research notes that in community-based volunteering, the use of prayers, religious choruses and/or quoting of the Bible is a visible faith practice. I learnt that prayers and choruses are spontaneous, and they are volunteers’ expression and release of emotions caused by socio-economic stressors. The use of the Bible is not a common practice among groups of volunteers as it is with praying and singing. Given this, the thesis argues that faith practices in community-based volunteering can be understood as a religious health asset. Using the ecclesiogenesis theory of Leonardo Boff, the thesis then analyses whether these groups signify a new form of the church is emerging. However, the finding is that they do not constitute a new form of the church, but rather a new form of missionary spirituality as the laity is taking on the responsibility of living out their faith in a new context and in the face of new challenges.
Engaging the fertile silence: towards a culturally sensitive model for dealing with HIV and AIDS silence.
(2009) Okyere-Manu, Benson.; De Gruchy, Steve M.
This thesis critically examines one of the major hindrances to dealing adequately with the HIV and AIDS problem facing Africa – the issue of silence. The study has examined the hypothesis that there are cultural factors underlying the silence that surrounds the disease, which when investigated and identified, will provide cues for breaking the silence and a way forward for dealing with the HIV and AIDS epidemic. The study utilises the concept of ‘cultural context’ proposed by Hall and ‘dimensions of culture’ postulated by Hofstede, to investigate the cultural reasons behind the HIV and AIDS silence among the Zulu people in and around Pietermaritzburg in the Kwazulu Natal province of South Africa. Testing these theories in the field with participants in a community-based HIV and AIDS Project called the Community Care Project (CCP) the study found that cultural contexts strongly influence silence around HIV and AIDS. In terms of dimensions of culture, the area was found to exhibit high power distance, low uncertainty avoidance, high collectivism and is feminine in nature in terms of assertiveness, but having high gender inequality (high masculinity in terms of gender egalitarianism). The analysis of the results of the field research revealed that each of the dimensions of culture contributes in various ways to the silence around HIV and AIDS. The study argues that there are two kinds of silence, namely barren silence and fertile silence, existing on a continuum. In a low context culture, barren silence is the silence that exists as absence, because when people do not talk about the issue, then there is no communication at all about the issue. In a high context culture, fertile silence is the silence that exists as presence, because when people do not talk about the issue at hand, they may still be communicating about it – either through non-verbal signs, or through coded language. The concepts of barren and fertile silence provide new insights into the issues of stigma and discrimination. Reasons for the silence included stigma, rejection, gossip, witchcraft, shame, blame, discrimination, secrecy, judgement, suspicion and taboo. It was found that each of the themes had something to do with stigma and discrimination, and lead to infected persons keeping silent about their HIV and AIDS status. In the final chapter, the research shows that when an intervention such as CCP takes the question of fertile silence seriously, then it is much easier to break the silence around HIV and AIDS and to deal with stigma and discrimination. The research therefore concludes that the concept of ‘Fertile Silence’ and ‘Barren Silence’ has provided us with clues as to how to ‘break the silence’ around HIV and AIDS in a high context culture such as that of Africa.