Browsing by Author "Siwila, Lilian Cheelo."

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A critique of ministers’ welfare policy in the Uniting Presbyterian Church in Southern Africa.
(2022) Zinduru, Knowledge.; Siwila, Lilian Cheelo.; Moyo, Herbert.
This study uses a post-colonial theory to critique the welfare policy of ministers in the Uniting Presbyterian Church in Southern Africa (UPCSA)’s Presbytery of Zimbabwe. The UPCSA traces its origins to the Scottish missionaries and the missionary activity that coincided with the colonial activity in Southern Africa. The UPCSA uses a congregational stipendiary system in which a minister is paid at the local congregation where he/she is attached. This system leaves some ministers vulnerable as they are placed in congregations that cannot pay their remuneration. The study therefore sought to answer the question: How contextually relevant and progressive is the UPCSA ministers’ welfare policy to the ministers as the intended beneficiaries of the policy? Previous work has highlighted the challenges that ministers face when perform their duties however this study discusses the policy in place to enhance the welfare of ministers in the UPCSA. The policy was enacted in a segregated context whereby the minority white people were economically empowered and could easily pay the ministers appointed in their congregations who also happened to be white. The black congregations became dependant on the subsidies of the white congregations. However, with the demise of colonial governments, the UPCSA has remained stuck with the same policy and has failed to remunerate its ministers. This study was a qualitative empirical research and used in-depth interviews with selected UPCSA ministers and UPCSA to generate data. The study found that the UPCSA policy on the welfare of ministers is static and ambiguous. The existence of two types of congregations-one that can call a minister because of the financial muscle and the other that has a minister appointed to them because of the lack of finances puts ministers at a different footing. The study concludes by proposing that the UPCSA must draw from the Christian tradition of koinonia, the ubuntu philosophy and training ministers differently as ways of enhancing the welfare of ministers
African women, hospitality and HIV/AIDS : the case of the Mothers' Union of St. Margaret's United Church of Zambia.
(2005) Siwila, Lilian Cheelo.; Phiri, Isabel Apawo.
The problem of African women's hospitality has not been well handled in most churches in Africa. Although many churches seem to attach great value to African women's hospitality, there are still a lot of situations related to African women's hospitality that have been dehumanising and oppressive to African women both in the church and in the society. Issues such as the HIV/AIDS pandemic, economic hardship and sexuality have all affected African women's practice of hospitality. The fact that problems related with African women's hospitality surface within the church goes to show that this kind of hospitality needs to be re-examined by the Church if it has to be free and liberative to African women. Despite all these effects, African women themselves have valued and accepted hospitality as part of their calling in their service to God. The aim of this thesis is to discuss African women's hospitality from an African woman theologian's perspective. Writing as an African woman theologian, the researcher was able to bring out some of the effects of African hospitality to African women. Apart from hospitality being an African way of life and a virtue that needs to be embraced by both African culture and Christianity, hospitality is also viewed as a' command from God to all the Jews and Christians. On the other hand it is also important to mention that hospitality is a gift from God in that there are people who are gifted in extending their acts of hospitality to others. Hospitality as a concept, which has been practiced mainly by women in most African societies has impacted many dimensions of life especially in the Christian faith where African women's hospitality has been viewed as God's command to God's people. Although there is some literature produced on hospitality, the researcher noted with special interest that not much literature has been covered from the theological side on the issue of African women's hospitality and HIV/AIDS. The study was undertaken in the United Church of Zambia with the Mothers' Union group of St. Margaret Church of Kitwe. Among many others, the study reviewed the need for enculturation and contextualization of the African culture and the gospel. Chapter one is the introduction to the study. This includes the background to and motivation for the study, statement of the problem, the methodology used to collect data and the literature review. Chapter two brings out the historical background of hospitality both from the Biblical and African concept. The chapter shows African women's practice of hospitality in all these aspects and how their practises impacted the communities and people who lived at that time. Chapter three looks at different ways African women express their acts of hospitality. The effects of this expression of hospitality are also discussed. The other issues that have been covered are the response of African women theologians' to African women's practise of hospitality. Chapter four examines how HIV/AIDS has affected the practise of African women's hospitality and how these women who continue to offer hospitality under HIV/AIDS conditions cope with the risks involved in the practice. Chapter five analyses the research findings using cultural hermeneutics of Kanyoro 2000 as the frame of reference. Chapter six concludes African women's understanding of hospitality. This chapter states that African women's hospitality is a gift from God and women who are involved in this practice should be encouraged to do so. However, there is need for the church and community to re-examine the practice and look out for oppressive structures that are destructive to the African women's practice of hospitality. The chapter has also called on the church to be supportive to African women in their practise of hospitality.
The church of Christ in Congo and sustainable peace in the Democratic Republic of Congo Kivu provinces 1996-2016.
(2019) Biruli, Assan.; Siwila, Lilian Cheelo.; Settler, Federico Guliano.
The objective of this thesis was to determine how the Church of Christ in Congo (CCC) is able to become a resource in re-building sustainable peace in the Kivu provinces using non-violent methods. The study rests on the idea that the CCC as a key stakeholder in the processes of all-inclusive peacebuilding in the regions. This qualitative study relied on existing literature to explore ways in which the Church of Christ in Congo has contributed to maintaining peace in the Kivu provinces of the DRC. Therefore, the key research question for this thesis was: How can the church of Christ in Congo, contribute to addressing the perpetuating conflict in DRC in its quest for sustainable peace in the Kivu provinces? While most researchers consider the Peace and Reconciliation programme to be aimed at the deportation of non-Congolese immigrants back into their respective countries of origins; and the bringing together of conflicting parties for dialogue as key elements for peacebuilding in the religion, this study specifically examines the role of the Churches in shaping sustainable peace in war-torn provinces of the DRC. The study examines the Church of Christ in Congo (CCC) also known in French as “Église du Christ au Congo (ECC)”, in its efforts to support the Peace and Reconciliation programme, through the use of its member churches across the country. This study, takes as a hypothesis, that peacebuilding successful in troubled areas depends on engaging existing local structures effectively, such as the Church networks – due to their being closer to the grassroots and this makes them influential. Through the use of conflict transformation theory, the study will attempt to show that the CCC has contributed to settlement efforts using practical means and non-violent approaches. The nature of the research required that a mixed method is employed; hence I combined phenomenological, autobiographical and explanatory methods. This allowed me to combine popular narratives shared among the displaced people of Kivu, with media and scholarly accounts to weave together narratives and stories as suggested by Mishler (1995). The initial methodological ambition was to draw on accounts of those church leaders and members who survived the conflicts because there are no official accounts of the church’s involvement in peacebuilding. Due to ongoing conflict in the region and because my own resources to travel to the region was limited, I relied on written materials provided in from churches in the region. These arrived in fragments, provided by my own contacts as well as by members of the diaspora and it informed my explanatory methodology. For the rest, I relied on variously published accounts as well as irregular reports from humanitarian agencies and member churches to construct a social history of the church’s role in building sustainable peace The research further argued that when addressing peacebuilding and reconciliation it is important to take into account the role that civil society is able to play in this kind of activity. The study sought engagement with influential civil society as well as grassroots level activists produces constructive results. The study similarly drew on the theory of conflict transformation for non-violent approaches for the transformation of violence into cultures of peace. The study examines the efforts of the Church of Christ in Congo in their various attempts to promote sustainable peace, through religious mediation, forgiveness, and reconciliation. This I believe will bring about sustainable peace in the Kivu Provinces. Peacebuilding is a central church activity that is concerned with the well-being of the entire community. The outcome of this study discloses that by drawing on the views of scholars, civil society activists, religious leaders as well as members of the diaspora, on the matter of Kivu conflict and sustainable peace is possible. Engaging all these stakeholders in the DRC, including the Church of Christ in Congo can possibly achieve its aspiration of de-escalation of the war, stop the of militias into the region and reconstruct flourishing communities. The study hence argued that an end to the war in the Kivu Provinces may be one approach of promoting sustainable peace and opening the economic interests of the investors. Lastly, a paradigm shift is needed in the conceptualization of what constitutes conflict transformation, more so peacebuilding interventions. This includes new theoretical thinking based on gaining vital views, insights, and perspectives from non-state actors such as the Church of Christ in Congo. The study found that where faith communities participate in peacebuilding efforts, whether only the Church of Christ in Congo or including other churches and organizations in the region, chances for social and political transformation in respect of peacebuilding in the Kivu Provinces in significantly increased.
A critique of ministers’ welfare policy in the Uniting Presbyterian Church in Southern Africa.
(2022) Zinduru, Knowledge.; Siwila, Lilian Cheelo.; Moyo, Herbert.
Abstract available in PDF.
Culture, gender, and HIV and AIDS : United Church of Zambia's response to traditional marriage practices.
(2011) Siwila, Lilian Cheelo.; Phiri, Isabel Apawo.
In the wake of HIV and AIDS in Africa, culture has been identified as central to HIV prevention, care, and support. Therefore, scholars have argued that HIV intervention in communities should focus on cultural practices rather than just individual behaviour. Researchers have also taken note of the interconnectedness between religion and culture in Africa. Therefore the African theologian, Mercy Oduyoye, proposed the term ‘religioculture.’ In the light of this connection, it has become crucial to examine not just cultural practices but the response of religion to cultural practices in the context of HIV. Given that Zambia is a Christian country, this qualitative empirical study sought to examine the response of a church, the United Church of Zambia (UCZ), to traditional marriage practices that I consider to be harmful in the context of HIV. Traditional marriage practices such as child marriage and widowhood inheritance were analysed through gendered theological perspectives. The study was located in the United Church of Zambia in the towns of Mufulira and Kitwe in the Copperbelt Province of Zambia. The reason for choosing the practices of widowhood inheritance and child marriage as the areas of focus was twofold: first, throughout history and in the current context, the church and society’s perception of these two practices has been ambiguous. Depending on the time and event in history, the practices were seen as either a norm or a problem. In this study, I have questioned the extent to which this historical ambiguity towards these traditional marriage practices has contributed to the way in which the church today is responding to these culture practices. The second reason for choosing these two marriage practices was to highlight how the institution of marriage has been challenged in the context of HIV and AIDS. When marriage ceases to be a safe practice for couples, how should the church respond to the harmful cultural practices associated with marriage, especially in the context of HIV and AIDS? The question that this study posed, therefore, was: What role has the United Church of Zambia played in either promoting or discouraging harmful marriage practices in the context of HIV and AIDS? The methodology used to answer this question included: semi- structured interviews, openended in-depth interviews, Contextual Bible Study, and focus group discussions as forms of data collection from: church leaders, lay people, widows, girls involved in child marriage, and members of the Marriage Guidance Committee. Thereafter, the data was thematically ii analysed using the theory of African feminist cultural hermeneutics. The study is divided into eight chapters, each chapter answers one of the objectives of the study. Through the use of the tools for data collection stated above, the study drew a number of conclusions. Firstly, it was established that indeed child marriage and widowhood inheritance are contributing factors to the spread of HIV. Secondly, the Marriage Guidance Programme of the United Church of Zambia was identified as a point of entry in re-examining the theology of marriage that is contextual and holistic in the United Church of Zambia. Thirdly, the church’s ambivalence with regard to harmful marriage practices in the context of HIV and AIDS was attributed to people’s belief systems about their cultures which are embedded in their worldviews. Overall, the study has shown that there is a need for an analysis of culture within the church which can enable it to respond to harmful cultural practices in the context of HIV.
Examining religio-cultural beliefs among women towards induced abortions in Noodsberg and Esidumbini communities of faith: a case study.
(2023) Khoza, Mduduzi Godhelp.; Siwila, Lilian Cheelo.
South Africa is among the countries that have legalised the termination of pregnancy. This means women are free to decide whether to keep their pregnancy without being penalised by the legal system. Even though healthcare systems provide low cost or even free services, the country continues to witness an increase in illegal abortions carried out by untrained personnel in health compromised conditions. These illegal abortions have contributed to serious health complications that in some cases, lead to the death of young women, who are the main risk population in this exercise. This is despite South Africa having one of the world’s most progressive legal framework for abortion. The aim of this dissertation is to investigate factors leading to unsafe abortions especially among young women. The paper uses a qualitative approach to assess factors leading to these young women opting for illegal abortion. Using reproductive justice framework and intersectional feminism as a theoretical framework, the dissertation assessed the extent to which religion and culture play a role in the use of illegal abortions. The study will be conducted in the Noodsberg and Esidumbini rural areas in KwaZulu-Natal province. The choice of this community is in line with the previous research on termination of pregnancy which showed that opposition towards the Termination of Pregnancy Act was strong in this part of the country. Findings from this study indicated that opposition to this act was partly based on religious and cultural norms of the people within this community. It is from this background that this dissertation sought to examine these religio-cultural beliefs towards termination of pregnancy among women in South Africa.
Exploring the role of the United Church of Zambia in institutional education in the public space.
(2019) Zulu, Mary Mwiche.; Kumalo, Simangaliso Raymond.; Siwila, Lilian Cheelo.
This study sought to explore to what extent the United Church of Zambia (hereafter the UCZ), understands its role in institutional education that is in the public space. The problem of the study was conceptualized in the background formation of the UCZ, in which it inherited an institutional education ministry that is in the public space, and is referred to as its mission schools. Despite the UCZ being in existence since 1965, the preliminary literature search revealed that there is very little, if any, literature that describes the role of the UCZ in institutional education that is in the public space. The study further problematized that what is often described of Church schools to be Christian Education falls short of the theological distinctions in the light of secular philosophies that govern public educational systems. Therefore, the study explored the interpretation of Christian education from a theological, historical and philosophical perspective to locate what the UCZ understands of its role in institutional education. The key question that this study engaged with is: “to what extent does the UCZ understand its role in institutional education that is in the public space?” The key findings of this study can be categorised into three areas; philosophical, theological and in systems theory. The UCZ lacks an institutional philosophy of education that makes its role appear ambiguous in meaning and purpose. This is shown in the understanding of its role as secular and sacred, with the grant aided schools representing the former, and the private schools the latter. In addition, despite its strong background of understanding that education is for evangelism, the trends, patterns and relationship of its education ministry indicate a lack of ethos as it depends so much on the humanistic secular philosophies that determine modern education. This has led me to conclude that the UCZ lacks a defined policy and administrative structure for its education that is in the public space. Therefore, it allows the Church to perpetuate a hegemonic theology of mission in that projects a Eurocentric model of education. As a result, the role of the UCZ is seemingly weak in terms of defining its role- identity and purpose in education that is in the public space. It is much more evident now as this study finds that the UCZ does not have a comprehensive system to manage all its educational ministry.
Faith and health: an appraisal of the work of the African Religious Health Assets (ARHAP) among faith communities in Zambia.
(2015) Luwaile, Amos.; Siwila, Lilian Cheelo.; Okyere-Manu, Benson.
Abstract available in PDF.
Feminist critique of the Karanga people of Zimbabwe’s understanding of infertility as a woman’s reproductive health right.
(2021) Maseko, Lindiwe Princess.; Siwila, Lilian Cheelo.
Infertility is a global reproductive and health challenge in the 21st century across traditional to modern-clinical contexts. Despite attempts to remedy it, infertility remains a reality that leaves a vulnerable space to some Karanga women, as it is understood to disqualify them from womanhood. This context reflects that Karanga infertility conception has contributed to the silencing of some Karanga women over their reproduction, which exacerbates the deterioration of their reproductive health. Writing from an African feminist perspective, this study critiques the Karanga people of Zimbabwe’s understanding of infertility as a woman’s reproductive health rights, asking how a feminist critique of the Karanga people’s understanding of infertility can contribute to Reproductive Health Right in Zimbabwe. Using a non-empirical qualitative research method, the study collected data from written texts and analysed it through gender and thematic analysis. This study is further supported by an African woman narrative theology (Ayanga 2016), making reference to Oduyoye’s (1999) personal story and the reproductive justice framework (Chiweshe et al. 2017), so as to understand infertility as a lived reality within an African heteropatriarchal context that exemplifies the Karanga as patriarchal, and its response to infertility. From this analysis, this study acknowledges fertility as a key traditional religious and cultural value among the Karanga people, which impacts their conception of infertility in a problematic way. In this research I disclose infertility as a religio cultural construct embedded in a patriarchal systematic reality of the Karanga, leaving some Karanga women vulnerable in terms of their reproductive health rights and well-being. The research reveals that the Karanga understanding of infertility lacks a ‘just’ theological dialogue that goes beyond Karanga women’s biological progeny in responding to infertility. The study recommends inviting the Karanga to transform and understand infertility in a way that affirms the reproductive health and rights of a Karanga woman in the contemporary Zimbabwe.
A gendered analysis of the healing practices of the Johane Marange Apostolic Church in Glenview, Zimbabwe and their effect on women during pregnancy.
(2013) Kutsira, Jacob.; Siwila, Lilian Cheelo.
This dissertation seeks to examine and analyse the healing practices within JMC in relation to health care provided to women during pregnancy. The healing practice performed in this church has made the church become popular and grow numerically. This is also exacerbated by the high cost of medical care in Zimbabwe which is a challenge especially for pregnant women. This is an empirical study which used in-depth interviews with both men and women who are married and are long serving members of JMC. The objective of the study was to find out how the healing practice within JMC contributes to women’s health during pregnancy. The study found out that; one of the teachings of this church is that members are not allowed to seek for medical help from the hospitals. Therefore women who are pregnant are supposed to receive health services only from the church. This is done in form of prayers, prophecy and use of symbols which are directed towards the protection of the mother and child from evil that is perceived to attack them during this period. The church also provides teachings to these mothers to be on how to look after themselves through the use of elderly women who act as birth attendants. The study also found out that some women decided to also seek other forms of medication like visiting hospitals despite the consequences that were put up by the leaders of the church. This study does not claim that religion cannot help women during pregnancy but rather seeks to show that while the church focuses on spiritual healing, there is also a need for a holistic approach to healing that will call on women to visit hospitals, especially when addressing issues relating to pregnancy.
A gendered critique of the response of Churches Health Association of Zambia (CHAZ) to two selected women's sexual and reproductive health issues in Zambia.
(2015) Musonda, Precious Kapolyo.; Siwila, Lilian Cheelo.
This study is a gendered critique of the response of Churches Health Association of Zambia (CHAZ) to the two selected women’s Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) issues in Zambia which are HIV and AIDS, and Cervical Cancer. The study was motivated by the high rate of statistics on HIV and AIDS, and cervical cancer among women in Zambia. The purpose of this study was to answer the key question which is; how is CHAZ responding to HIV and AIDS, and cervical cancer as women’s Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) issues in Zambia? The CHAZ annual reports, the CHAZ News Bulletin and the CHAZ Health Voice Newsletter were collected and analysed using Rao Gupta’s three of the five “gendered approaches to HIV and AIDS intervention” which served as a theoretical framework for this study. These three approaches include; gender sensitivity, gender equity, and women empowerment. This was a qualitative textual study which used CHAZ documents and other materials sourced from the library and the internet. Critical Discourse Analysis was used as a research methodology for this study. The study established that CHAZ considers HIV and AIDS as one of the diseases of major health concern. CHAZ implements resource mobilization programmes and community based programmes such as Prevention of Mother to Child Transmission (PMTCT), Home Based Care (HBC) and Local Community Competence Building (LCCB) in relation to HIV and AIDS. However, these programmes could be questionable based on the concepts of gender sensitivity, gender equity, and women empowerment. The response of CHAZ to cervical cancer was analyzed using screening programmes, education and women empowerment programmes, and the link between HIV and AIDS and cervical cancer. The CHAZ data that was analyzed at the time of this study did not show any programmes aimed at addressing cervical cancer, except in the PEPFAR and other reports that highlighted the involvement of CHAZ in the pink ribbon campaign. It was also established that the response of CHAZ to cervical cancer remains questionable in relation to gender sensitivity, gender equity and women empowerment because to begin with, cervical cancer is not listed among issues of priority health concern by CHAZ. vii The study also examined four theological underpinnings of CHAZ in relation to women’s SRH issues. The first one was ecumenical theology as a Christian value of CHAZ. It was established that this theology was significant to CHAZ in addressing women’s SRH issues as it commands wider influence because of this theology. However, it was also established that it could pose a challenge to CHAZ’s response in relation to women’s SRH issues because it is composed of health institutions which are under different denominations with different views on women’s SRH issues. The second one was a scriptural theological response of CHAZ. This was found to be life-giving as it is the basis of CHAZ’s response to women’s SRH issues. However, the study established that the patriarchal tendencies that emanate from scripture affected how CHAZ responds to HIV and AIDS and cervical cancer. The theology of a healthy and productive life for all was also found to be significant to CHAZ‘s response as it stemmed from its mission statement. However, it was established that HIV and AIDS and cervical cancer pose a challenge to this theology. Lastly, the theology of a holistic approach to health care service delivery was considered as significant to the response of CHAZ to the two SRH issues, as it emphasized healing, both in terms of the physical and the spiritual aspect.
Indigenous knowledge systems of the Ndau people of Manicaland Province in Zimbabwe: a case study of Bota Reshupa.
(2018) Muyambo, Tenson.; Siwila, Lilian Cheelo.; Masondo, Sibusiso Theophilus.
Framed from postcolonial and cultural hermeneutics perspectives, this study employs the phenomenological method in conjunction with historical and sociological approaches to investigate the efficacy of IKS of the Ndau of Manicaland province in Zimbabwe. The study is premised on the argument that western knowledge has been accepted as normative despite the existence of other epistemologies worldwide. Using bota reshupa [Ndau herbal porridge] as a case study, the thesis argues that the production of knowledge is not an act of monopolizing a part of humanity but rather, that ownership thereof is the prerogative of every person and every community. Communities generate knowledge that is context-specific but at the same time knowledge can be beneficial to all of humanity. The thesis argued that while it is important to acknowledge power relations in the production of knowledge, it is equally significant to accept that we are living in a poly-epistemic world composed of various knowledges that complement each other. The research findings showed that IKS are used for a variety of reasons. Bota reshupa serves as the primary health care of the Ndau, including defining their identity, rites of passage and expression of their sense of cultural beauty (aesthetics). It was found that shupa serves the socio-cultural as well as the religious spheres of the Ndau. It was also made clear that the romanticising of IKS can be risky. Using cultural hermeneutics as a complementary theory to the postcolonial paradigm, bota reshupa was found to contain some harmful elements such as kuhaza [ excessive nose and mouth bleeding] which affected Ndau males who consumed shupa (a shortened way of saying bota reshupa). Shupa taboos are very strict and any violations of the taboos may result in death if remedial measures are not expeditiously implemented. The thesis argued that despite the negative effects of kuhaza (which can be (re)defined and (re)negotiated), shupa remained and still remains a resource for the Ndau. The practice also demonstrated the centrality and agency of the Ndau women in matters of their health, identity as well as their culture and situation. It was found that Ndau women were the custodians of shupa. They prepared and administered it, thereby women agency. However, using iv cultural hermeneutics lens, it was found that although Ndau women were the custodians of the practice, the real owners of culture are Ndau males. The need for mainstreaming IKS was also emphasised. The need to research, document and preserve IKS, especially in Zimbabwe, was emphasised throughout the thesis. The study called for more in-depth research on IKS, particularly the scientific research on shupa to determine its pharmaceutical compounds, so that Zimbabweans could holistically benefit from shupa. The thesis also called for the creation of frameworks that would enable adequate funding into research on IKS in general and IKS curricula in particular in Zimbabwe.
Masculinity and men’s reproductive health rights in the MCSA: a case of the Amadodana.
(2019) Songwiqi, Lifa.; Siwila, Lilian Cheelo.
Masculinity and men’s sexual reproductive health rights have been a critical issue worldwide and particularly in Africa, especially in recent years. The health status of people is mostly affected because of their gender in terms of whether are male or female along with the gender stereotypes that are dominant in a specific society. Therefore, the quality of reproductive healthcare in South Africa falls short of addressing the sexual health needs of both men and women. In South Africa there are various barriers that speak to socioeconomic, historical and political challenges which account for the difficulties faced by men. Most reproductive health services focus on the reproductive health of the female body rather than men (or both). Issues of men’s reproductive health are vaguely addressed and there is, therefore, a need for preventative measures that involve men and promote their participation in reproductive health. Therefore, the health-related beliefs and behaviour that men display can be understood as a means of building up or validating gender or a certain masculinity. The aim of the study was to analyse how masculinities are constructed and SRH rights imagined among the Amadodana in the Methodist Church of Southern Africa (MCSA). It was anticipated that the study could assist in reaching a better understanding of the issue of SRH rights vis a vis the Amadodana, but also contribute to resolving the issue of the Amadodana’s lack of access to SRH rights. In conclusion, the Methodist Church of Southern Africa has unused platform such as of Amadodana where Sexual Rights Health issues can be addressed.
Militarisation and empire: an eco-feminist theological perspective in the context of South Korea.
(2022) Oh, Minwoo.; Siwila, Lilian Cheelo.
The Korean Peninsula has seen an increase in militarisation since the end of the Korean War. The US military deployed the Terminal High Altitude Area Defence (THAAD) in Seongju County, South Korea in 2017. The deployment of THAAD confirms the phenomenon of militarisation in the name of national security. Militarisation is seen as linked to the notion of ‘empire’, and ‘empire’ has become a new form of sovereignty. The US military is the military empire that promotes hegemonic power in military activities of security. However, the deployment of the THAAD system has come at a cost to residents who are concerned with the damaging effects of THAAD on women’s lives and natural resources. This study interrogates how militarisation of the military empire affects women and natural resources through the lens of eco-feminist theories. The study employs a qualitative research methodology. Semi-structured interviews and focus-group discussions were the instruments used to collect data. The data collected were analysed thematically. From the eco-feminist theories of the West, dualistic thought in the militarisation process by empire influences a division to superior privilege, and inferior degradation. In their argument, Christian triumphalism advocates militarisation. Militarised Protestantism, based on triumphalism, is exposed as militarised patriotism relevant to pro-Americanism in South Korea. However, the eco-feminist perspective from the Global South offers an alternative spirituality to respond to the destruction of the environment and the oppression of women. This alternative spirituality is the notion of Life in East Asian knowledge. Moreover, women's resistance against militarisation as a Western-centred socio-economic and political system is under scrutiny by the eco-feminists of the Global South. Therefore, this study discovered the subjecthood of Life as an alternative spirituality from the perspective of East Asian knowledge. The subjecthood of Life provokes liberation from militarised masculinity in women's resistance to the THAAD movement. The women's resistance that embraced the subjecthood of Life embodies all living beings and seeks to create a community that lives in harmony with nature. Thus, a women's theology of Life from an East Asian perspective to respond to militarisation and empire in the context of South Korea is suggested in this study.
"Poking thorns in the bed of roses" : a feminist critique of the Premarital and Marriage Coaching Program (PMCP) of the Diocese of Grahamstown.
(2013) Ntuli, Goodness Thandi.; Siwila, Lilian Cheelo.
This study‟s primary motivation is the domestic and gender based violence (DGBV) that takes place particularly in Christian families and homes. Besides personal encounter that brought awareness that DGBV is for real in Christian homes, it is also affirmed by the scholars and researchers on DGBV. The study has established from the existing literature that DGBV is indeed an indisputable actuality in Christian families that leaves women with psychological, physical and emotional scars that are hard to heal. Some women are even fatally wounded by DGBV incidents. This makes it imperative for the church to revisit its church teachings particularly about marital relationships. The Anglican Communion locally and globally has taken initiatives against this violence. For instance, the Anglican Church in Southern Africa (ACSA) has raised its concerns about this violence through the prophetic voices of its leadership and a number of initiatives in different Anglican dioceses. This demonstrates that ACSA is committed to the attempts of curbing the escalating DGBV. It is for this reason that the Premarital and Marriage Coaching Program (PMCP) is investigated for its relevance in addressing DGBV during its premarital and marriage counselling sessions. This is an Anglican document developed in 2012 in the context of DGBV that has become a pestilence in democratic South Africa which raises a need for its contextual relevance. It is thus vital that its marital teachings meant for “the happily ever after” metaphorically referred to as the bed of roses, premarital sessions should conscientise the couples that the roses have thorns too. The theoretical framework of this study has been coined from the body of knowledge of African Women Theologians and is called Feminist theory of triangulation. As a lens, this theory has helped this study to demonstrate that DGBV cannot be addressed with the exclusion of gender disparity issues which have cogently turned out to be the fundamental course of DGBV. The study has also clearly indicated that without cultural and biblical hermeneutics it would be impossible to address gender sensitive biblical texts and cultural norms, particularly those that elevate men‟s superiority over women in marriage. Regrettably, the PMCP has not attempted any of these hermeneutics, yet it uses some of the scriptures that are highly contested in their interpretation in the marriage context which renders it an accomplice to the repression of women in marriage. Hierarchists might find the PMCP user friendly because it maintains the status quo and does not challenge culture, religious beliefs and gender roles that are life denying to women. On the other hand Egalitarians, whose agenda is equality which was God‟s original purpose for human creation according to Gen. 1:26-27, might be relatively upset with the document.
The politics of knowledge on African sexualities and its effect on women's health : a case of the Sabiny female genital mutilation.
(2015) Kisitu, Gyaviira.; Siwila, Lilian Cheelo.
The purpose of this study was to understand ‗What knowledge matters‘, and ‗Whose knowledge matters in the study of African sexuality and in particular female genital circumcision. The Sabiny peoples of Uganda practice the tradition of wonsetapkorukor wosho as a rite of initiation for girls. This practice is elsewhere understood as female genital cutting, female genital circumcision or female genital mutilation. Discussions on African sexuality and female genital circumcision have taken either a Western perspective or an African point of view. Since the practice is understood differently, the values attached to it differ as a consequence of the wide range of opinions. In certain ways it is considered as a determinant of who has a normal sexuality or a normal body; distinguishes girls from women; confers true femininity as opposed to masculinity. Amidst these discussions, the aspect of women‘s health is peripheral and marginalized. Instead discussions seem to be limited by issues of language, naming, and standpoints by which various bodies of knowledge argue their different positions. Communication between the various sides of the debate is also minimal. Despite the claims that female genital circumcision is harmful to women‘s health attempts to eradicate it are faced by resistances. Through an African feminist approach to the politics of knowledge on African sexualities, in this study I argue that the discourses on African sexualities and in particular those on female genital circumcision affect the understanding of women‘s health. Second, the different approaches employed in the discussions of female genital circumcision evaluate the practice using different scales of values which affect the understanding of health through what they neglect or take for granted.
Reclaiming the eucharistic celebration in the context of social justice: the case of the alliance evangelical community in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
(2021) Nsasi, Albert Mbungu.; Siwila, Lilian Cheelo.
The current research focuses on the challenges of the Eucharistic celebration in the Alliance Evangelical Community (French: Communauté Evangélique de l'Alliance au Congo; ‘CEAC’) in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) with the Eucharist being one of the sacraments that postulates social justice in the DR Congo. The DR Congo is a wealthy country in terms of natural resources but has been plagued by manifold conflicts which have devastated and destabilised the entire country. Despite its wealth of natural resources, most people continue to live in a state of crisis and are afflicted by malnutrition (due to living below the food security line), unemployment, poverty, permanent social insecurity, housing shortages, electricity shortages, a lack of safe drinking water, inadequate healthcare services and low remuneration for their labour. The Congolese people have been experiencing social injustice brought about by their political leaders. Nevertheless, ordinary Congolese Christians, as well as their political leaders who subscribe to Christianity, partake of the Eucharistic celebration in memory of Jesus Christ and commit to live in conformity with the values of this sacrament. The spiritual significance of this sacrament is to foster love, unity, communion and a sense of social justice. In the context of the DR Congo, the Eucharist should lead our response to the suffering of the Congolese people, whose hardship is often caused by powerful individuals who also partake of the celebration. Unfortunately, there is a great juxtaposition between the Eucharistic celebration and life in the public space, in the context of social justice. As an evangelical and Protestant Church, the CEAC, based in Kongo Central Province, accords great importance to the sacrament of the Eucharist and considers the Eucharist a fulfillment of the Christian faith. The CEAC believes that the role of the church in general and the role of church members in particular is to help disadvantaged people in their local communities through employing a liberative theological perspective. Many scholars have discussed the social aspects of the Eucharist. The aim of this research is to analyse how the Eucharistic celebration forms the basis for social justice and how that can postulate the liberative perspective for the people who suffer the injustice. This study argues that the Eucharistic celebration as a foundation and inspiration for Christian social justice has been challenged by the political conflict in the country. Therefore, the study calls for a revisit of what it means to celebrate communion amidst social injustice.
Religion and homosexuality criminalization in Uganda : the contribution of the American anti-homosexual evangelicals towards the 2014 anti-homosexuality law.
(2018) Kisitu, Gyaviira.; Siwila, Lilian Cheelo.
Although it was annulled within months of its promulgation, the 2014 Anti- homosexuality law in Uganda continues to generate critical questions on various aspects surrounding its promulgation. In this context, the study explored the contribution of the American Anti-homosexual evangelicals (AAEs) towards the legislation of the 2014 Anti-Homosexuality Law. The AAEs were a group of evangelical pastors from the United States who, having been invited to Uganda, campaigned against homosexuality in 2009. This was followed by enacting the 2014 Anti-Homosexuality Law (2014 AHL). A dominant claim argued and suggested that the AAEs were the prime instigators of 2014 AHL, a position that either dismissed or rendered secondary any possible contribution from the local context. The study was non-empirical and followed a qualitative research design. It employed qualitative content analysis, supported by both critical and interpretive approaches within a postcolonial theoretical framework. The study found that the AAEs did not seem to have essentially preached, taught or instructed something new which had a direct power to alter local perceptions on homosexuality, so as to independently influence the legislation of 2014 AHL. However, the study found that through their art of persuasion, established relationship with local persons of influence, power of disposition and the methodological approach on the subject of homosexuality, the AAEs’ influence was exposed. Through these means, the AAEs succeeded in rejuvenating the already present and evolving anti-homosexuality sentiments within the Ugandan society. However, the study found the AAEs’ influence not isolated. On the contrary, the Ugandan context as well as the AAEs, were found to have been active agents that facilitated the legislation of the 2014 AHL at different levels. Thus the study found that the extent to which the AAEs contributed to the making of the 2014 AHL, was limited to a locally supportive structure animated by a ‘Surveillance System on Homosexuality’ (SSH). The findings of the study critique first, a position that views the 2014 legislation on homosexuality as an overly contribution of the AAEs, with less recognition of contextual factors; Secondly, the reverse position that emphasizes the role of the local context over that of the AAEs in a dismissive approach. Therefore the thesis argues that beyond the scholarly discourse that strongly and almost exclusively focus on the role of the American anti-homosexual evangelicals, it is important to shift the analysis with the help of postcolonial theoretical insights to understand the construction of an almost perfect match between the dominant discourse within the Ugandan local society concerning homosexuality and the teachings of the American Anti-homosexual Evangelicals and its influence on the 2014 Anti-homosexual law. Hence the study proposes critical and intersectional approaches when interrogating contemporary influences of foreign religious actors and their contribution to controversies over policy making on homosexuality in Africa.
The forms of colonial Christianity and Zambian cultures in contemporary Zambia.
(2022) Mwampulo, Yonah.; Siwila, Lilian Cheelo.
This study examined the influence of PEMS and LMS on the Bemba and Lozi cultures in contemporary Zambia using the theories of relative ontology alongside coloniality. The theories above underpinned the desktop and archival research methods that were qualitative and non-empirical in nature. The study holds that the PEMS and LMS as mission bodies represented a particular form of colonial Christianity which influenced the indigenous education systems, moral norms, and the liturgy in the missionary establishments within the Barotseland and Bembaland. It has been argued that PEMS and LMS influence on the Lozi and Bemba cultures has positively and negatively affected their people. The positive contribution of the forms of colonial Christianity was the repudiation of the boiling water test and the killing of twins in most African cultures. However, the negative influence of the missional activities on indigenous rituals was the denunciation of all forms of sexual cleansing as pagan and barbaric. Furthermore, the findings showed that missional education via missional schools eroded the indigenous knowledge systems of the Lozi and Bemba people. The study argued that the new faith systems punctured the indigenous knowledge systems based on the cosmological worldviews alongside the new episteme of the LMS and PEMS. The study further argues that the indigenous knowledge systems in indigenous moral norms, education, and liturgy provided the vital knowledge tools that enabled the Lozi and Bemba to navigate their way through a maze of contestations of decoloniality in contemporary Zambia. The study acknowledges that the Lozi and Bemba cultures can exist within the context of Christianity and maintain their uniqueness as places of doing theology, moral norms, and liturgy in the context of think-feel experiences. The study notes that cultural practices such as initiation ceremonies and rituals such as imbusa should be incorporated into Christian teachings because they believed them to be life-affirming rituals to teach young people to mature into responsible adults. In addition, when applied to practical theology and missiology, reviving indigenous knowledge systems of the Lozi and Bemba would provide the locus of inspiration in teaching young people about Biblical Christian values and moral norms. The findings revealed that missional liturgy could only be meaningful if it relates to the indigenous people’s everyday experiences.
The role of men and masculinities in mitigating child marriage: a case of Mashonaland central province, Zimbabwe=Indima yamadoda kanye nobudoda ekunciphiseni umshado wezingane: kubhekwa isifundazwe esiphakathi saMashonaland, eZimbabwe.
(2023) Nkoma, Elizabeth.; Siwila, Lilian Cheelo.
Abstract Practices like the role of men and masculinities in mitigating child marriage remain an obstacle to the full achievement of better strategies to combat child marriage in Mashonaland Central. The study used redemptive masculinity theory to assess the relevance of the role of men and masculinities in mitigating child marriage. This study was qualitative empirical research where data was generated from both fieldwork and secondary sources in the form of books and journals. The study found out that low male involvement contributes much towards trapping girls and young women and their families in a cycle of poverty. It also contributes to psychological and emotional consequences of early pregnancy which presents significant health risks for girls including obstetric fistula, higher child deaths and unsafe abortion, violence and poor education made most of the girls powerless and victims of gender-based violence. The study concluded that the role of men and masculinity is relevant in mitigating child marriage in Mashonaland Central, because women’s concerns are also men’s concerns, so men play a pivotal role in mitigating child marriage, despite some inequalities and many other cultural and religious factors that were noted in the study. IQOQA Imikhuba efana neqhaza labesilisa kanye nabesilisa ekunciphiseni ukuganana kwabantwana kusalokhu kuyisithiyo ekufezweni okupheleleyo kwamasu angcono okulwa nokuganana kwabantwana eMashonaland Central. Ucwaningo lusebenzise i-redemptive masculinity theory ukuhlola ukubaluleka kweqhaza lamadoda nabesilisa ekunciphiseni umshado wezingane. Lolu cwaningo beluwucwaningo lwekhwalithethivu lapho idatha yenziwa khona kokubili emsebenzini wasenkundleni kanye nemithombo yesibili ngendlela yezincwadi namajenali. Ucwaningo luthole ukuthi ukubamba iqhaza okuphansi kwabesilisa kunomthelela omkhulu ekucupheni amantombazane nabesifazane abasebasha kanye nemindeni yabo emjikelezweni wobumpofu. Kuphinde kube nomthelela emiphumeleni engokwengqondo kanye nemizwelo yokukhulelwa usemncane ebeka engcupheni enkulu yezempilo amantombazane okuhlanganisa ne-obstetric fistula, ukufa kwezingane eziphakeme kanye nokuhushulwa kwezisu okungaphephile, udlame kanye nemfundo ephansi kwenza iningi lamantombazane lingabi namandla kanye nezisulu zodlame olusekelwe ebulilini. Ucwaningo luphethe ngokuthi indima yabesilisa kanye nobudoda ibalulekile ekunciphiseni ukuganana kwezingane eMaphakathi neMashonaland, ngoba ukukhathazeka kwabesifazane kuyinkinga yabesilisa, ngakho abesilisa baneqhaza elikhulu ekunciphiseni ukuganana kwezingane, nakuba kukhona ukungalingani nokunye okuningi kwamasiko nenkolo okwaphawulwa ocwaningweni.