Browsing by Author "Hove, Rabson."

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A critical analysis of the HIV and AIDS policy document of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Zimbabwe (ELCZ).
(2014) Hove, Rabson.; Haddad, Beverley Gail.
Despite efforts by the government, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), faith-based organizations (FBOs) and churches, the HIV epidemic remains one of the major challenges in Zimbabwe. Its impact cuts across all sectors of life and society. The context of HIV in Zimbabwe reflects that the economic and political decisions and policies have contributed to the spread of HIV. The spread of HIV is also exacerbated by some socio-cultural practices in that context. Among these socio-cultural factors are marriage practices, stigma and discrimination. This study is an investigation of the response of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Zimbabwe (ELCZ) to HIV and AIDS. This is done through analysis of the ELCZ HIV and AIDS policy document (ELCZHAP). The ELCZ HIV and AIDS policy document is analysed by using the “HIV competent framework” (Parry 2008:20) in an attempt to understand the strengths and weaknesses of the response to the HIV epidemic by the ELCZ. From this analysis the policy document shows that the ELCZ has some competence but it needs to be strengthened in order to address socio-cultural and political factors, as well as improve engagement with government policies. The study reveals that the ELCZ lacks a comprehensive theological discourse in responding to HIV. Through this investigation, recommendations are made in order to strengthen the ELCZ HIV and AIDS policy document and indicate areas needing further research.
A critique of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Zimbabwe’s (ELCZ) engagement in local ecumenism among the Karanga of Mberengwa in Zimbabwe.
(2020) Hove, Rabson.; Moyo, Herbert.
Ecumenism is the fellowship of the denomination at any given level attending to their spiritual, social, economic and political needs. The church is an institution that affects people’s lives, its ministry and operations are also impacted by the culture of the local people. This study explores the missio-cultural factors influencing the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Zimbabwe’s (ELCZ) local ecumenical engagement among the Karanga in Mberengwa. The study seeks to find out the nature of local ecumenical activities and the impact of the missional and cultural factors in shaping local ecumenism in Mberengwa, Zimbabwe. While there are divisions due to the growth of many denominations in Mberengwa the study shows that there are various forms of ecumenical engagement taking place. Besides being shaped by missional factors such as evangelism and Diakonia, the cultural factors have greatly impacted the ELCZ’s local ecumenical engagement. The research notes that the culturally shaped ecumenism is not led by the clergy but is an accidental social space of interaction among denominations, either called by local community leaders or a response to natural phenomena such as attending funerals. The question of non-structured local ecumenical engagement is blamed on poor participation by the local ELCZ clergy in Mberengwa. The study argues that the Karanga concepts of ukama and communalism continue to help members of different denominations including the ELCZ to develop the habit of meeting and working together. The Karanga culture has provided a footing in shaping local ecumenism in Mberengwa. Among the benefits of local ecumenism are the promotion of community development and the unity of the churches and the local people in general that result in religious, social and political tolerance especially in an area known for political polarization and violence during times of elections in Zimbabwe. The study utilizes postocolonial theoretical framework. Postcolonial theory is important in this study as it unmasks the domination and power imbalance that negatively impede the ELCZ’s local ecumenical engagement. This phenomenological study uses qualitative methody with in-depth interviews conducted through snowball, purposive and convenience sampling methods.