Masters Degrees (Religion and Social Transformation)

Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://hdl.handle.net/10413/16161

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Towards the flourishing of Women Ministers in Evangelical Lutheran church in Southern Africa: an African women’s theological engagement with the lived experiences and systemic realities faced by women ministers in the Evangelical Lutheran church in Southern Africa-South Eastern diocese.
(2024) Ngcobo, Nondumiso.; Van der Walt, Charlene.
Towards the flourishing of Women Ministers in Evangelical Lutheran Church in Southern Africa: An African Women’s Theological engagement with the lived experiences and systemic realities faced by Women Ministers in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Southern Africa- South Eastern Diocese. A phenomenological study of lived experiences of women ministers and how they are influenced by systematic patriarchy in their ministry and career growth. The study listened to seven (7) women ministers of ELCSA in their ministerial journey from pre-ordination to ordination and working the field to discover lessons that could be derived from the environmental inhibitors/enhancers of the flourishing of women in ministry. The study looked at processes, acceptance of women and policies and programmes that support flourishing and further sought recommendations from these women on what could be done to enhance women's flourishing. The study used phenomenological approach and held interviews to collect data to understand these lived experiences. Interviews were either face to face or virtual depending on the availability of participants. Engagement with participants enabled the study to draw some conclusions on factors such as heteronormativity, enculturation and absence of gender affirming policies as inhibiting the flourishing of women ministers in ELCSA. The study unveiled an unexpected theme of how sexual reproductive rights as a “sin” has inhibited the flourishing of unmarried young women ministers and remains even a regret for some. Lastly, based on the conclusions drawn, the study brought forth recommendations that may influence or enhance the flourishing of women ministers in ELCSA. The study asserts that should ELCSA leadership engage with gender equity policies, employment policies and clear disciplinary processes that foster a Human Rights advocating space, ELCSA can become an empowering safe space where the flourishing of women ministers can be enhanced and achieved.
An eco-theological analysis of the Eglise du Christ au Congo’s pastoral response to mineral resources-based conflicts in the eastern region of the Democratic Republic of Congo.
(2024) Matanda, Serge Nsaka.; Settler, Federico Guliano.
This research delves into the multifaceted conflict dynamics in the eastern region of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), with a specific focus on the impact of mineral resources on these conflicts. Through a systematic review of literature and scholarly debates, this study explores various approaches to understanding and addressing the mineral-based conflicts in the region. Furthermore, the dissertation examines the role of the Eglise du Christ au Congo (ECC) in engaging with and responding to these conflicts from a pastoral and theological perspective. By shedding light on the complexities of mineral-based conflicts in the Eastern region of DRC and the interventions of religious institutions, this research contributes to the broader discourse on conflict resolution and peacebuilding in resource-rich, but conflict-affected regions. In recent years, the eastern region of the DRC has been plagued with multifaceted conflicts, characterised by violence, human rights abuses, and the displacement of populations. One of the key drivers of these conflicts is the abundance of mineral resources in the region, which has led to competition and exploitation by various armed groups and external actors. This study considers the economic, political, and social dimensions of these conflicts, as well as the impact on local communities and the environment. By synthesizing existing knowledge, the research aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the root causes and consequences of mineral-based conflicts in the region. Furthermore, the dissertation explores the role of the ECC in engaging with and responding to these conflicts. Churches have long been influential institutions in the DRC, with a strong presence in local communities. This research examines how churches have used their moral authority and religious networks to promote peace and reconciliation and provide pastoral care amid the conflict. It also considers the theological perspectives about the value and care of the environment that might underpin engagement with questions of forgiveness, justice, and human dignity in the pursuit of peace. Overall, this research contributes to the broader discourses on pastoral care as it relates to conflict resolution and peacebuilding in resource-rich, but conflict-affected regions.
Silent no more: religion engaging with gender-based violence in South Africa: a case study on the “We Will Speak Out South Africa” Coalition.
(2024) Shriduth, Meriska Avalyn.; Vencatsamy, Beverly.
GBV (gender-based violence) remains a pervasive and multifaceted issue globally affecting individuals across diverse socio-cultural and religious contexts. FBOs (faith-based organisations) have emerged as significant actors in combating GBV due to their influential presence and moral authority within communities. This dissertation will outline religion engaging with GBV in south Africa with a specific focus on a case study on the We Will Speak Out South Africa (WWSOSA) coalition FBOs engage in GBV prevention and response efforts through a range of strategies, including awareness-raising campaigns, community education and the provision of support services. Their interventions often integrate theological perspectives, emphasising the principles of dignity, equality and compassion to challenge harmful gender norms and to promote respectful relationships. However, FBO engagement in GBV work also presents challenges, including the potential for reinforcing patriarchal structures or encountering resistance from conservative interpretations of religious doctrine. Effective collaboration between FBOs and secular organisations is crucial for navigating these complexities, ensuring holistic and inclusive approaches to GBV prevention and response. The abstract underscores the importance of recognising the diverse roles and experiences of FBOs in addressing GBV. By harnessing the moral authority and community networks of FBOs, concerted efforts can be made towards creating safer and more equitable societies for all individuals, irrespective of gender or faith affiliation.
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.
Powerful, penetrator, provider:a religio-cultural analysis of masculanilty production in men's conference promotional media in the Southern African pentecostal context
Ngcobo, Siwakhile.; Van der Walt, Charlene.
No abstract available.
Trauma, memory, and spirituality in the experiences of women who survived the Gukurahundi atrocities.
Abraham, Pretty.; Denis, Philippe Marie Berthe Raoul.
In conflict zones, women and girls are frequently the most vulnerable and suffer the most harm. Their precarious position makes them easy target for heinous human rights violations such as rape and torture. Women survivors of these atrocities often must live with vivid and horrifying memories of rape, war, and death for the rest of their lives. This was the case for women who survived the Gukurahundi massacres in Zimbabwe’s Matabeleland and Midlands areas, where the Fifth Brigade army committed grave human rights violations. The violence that happened between 1983 and 1987 left communities wounded and destabilised. understanding women’s traumatic experiences in the context of their surroundings is crucial for understanding how they process, recall, and deal with traumatic experiences. Furthermore, women’s experiences of trauma constitute an important starting point for understanding their lived reality. The goal of this studywas to document women’s accounts of the Gukurahundi massacres as well as to examine how they remember and cope with their traumatic past. This study also looked into how women express spirituality and construct meaning in the aftermath of the atrocities. The findings reveal that sexual violence trauma memories are highly detailed and enduring, even over long periods of time. Survivors recall their rape experiences clearly and in great detail, and their memories have shaped their current worldview. The personal experiences that women relate in this study include not just a history of what happened during Gukurahundi, but also the ongoing suffering and pain that they continue to endure in the present. Despite a possible Christian background, the women make no mention of their Christian faith and instead rely on their African traditional beliefs to construct and find meaning for their trauma. as a result, the chain of events and their repercussions are understood from a cultural standpoint.
Confronting coloniality: the potential for a South African decolonial theology of whiteness.
(2022) Elliott, David.; West, Gerald Oakley.
This dissertation seeks to offer a potential theoretical framework within the discipline of African theology for engaging, subverting and transforming the phenomenon of Whiteness in the post-colonial, post-Apartheid South African context. This framework is developed through bringing three theoretical frameworks into dialogue with one another. These theoretical frameworks are South African Black Theology, Decolonial theory, and South African Whiteness Studies. Through the use of dialectical analysis I produce a South African Decolonial frame for theological reflection on Whiteness. Throughout this dissertation a selfreflexive method of study is also used. As a white scholar I regularly situate myself and my own Whiteness in the context of the discourse, allowing myself both as a scholar and as a person to be informed by black-led theory and black scholarship.
An African theological assessment of the pastoral response of the Roman Catholic Church to the socio-economic impact of the emerging Covid-19 pandemic in South Africa.
(2022) Kamta Tatsi, Gilbert.; Haddad, Beverley Gail.
The Covid-19 pandemic has created unprecedented socio-economic hardships globally. The austerities brought about by Covid-19 has affected all sectors of society. Religious, economic, and political sectors have felt the ordeal of the humanitarian crisis. The emergence of the pandemic in South Africa in March 2020 has had a huge socio-economic impact, mostly on the poor and the less privileged in society. The pandemic has highlighted and exacerbated preexisting socio-economic inequalities in South Africa. These aggravated inequalities include corruption, unemployment, gender-based violence, and access to public healthcare. This study is an appraisal of the pastoral response of the Roman Catholic Church to the socio-economic impact of the emerging pandemic in South Africa. Central to this study is the contribution that African liberation theology offers, with particular emphasis on the philosophy of Ujamaa and the theology of Ubuntu, in strengthening the pastoral response of the Roman Catholic Church to the socio-economic impact of the emerging Covid-19 pandemic in the country. The methodology of See-Judge-Act is used in the study. The ‘see’ corresponds to the critical analysis of the socio-economic context of the emergence of the Covid-19 pandemic in South Africa. Conceptually, ‘judge’ uses the guiding categories of the philosophy of Ujamaa and the theology of Ubuntu to thematically analyse various pastoral documents published by the Roman Catholic Church in South Africa in its response to the emerging pandemic during the period March 2020 – March 2021. The ‘act’ elaborates the potential socially transformative actions from the principles of Ujamaa and Ubuntu that would render a more effective the pastoral response of the Roman Catholic Church to the socio-economic impact of the continuing Covid-19 pandemic in South Africa.
Is liberation worth suffering for? an exploration of the impact of religion on the process of queer identity construction, expression, and negotiation in Cape Town, South Africa.
(2023) Donald., Charlene Chenaye.; Van der Walt, Charlene.
A feminist critique of ecumenical bodies’ silence to the sexual abuse of the women with mental disability in Zambia.
(2019) Mulalami, Charity Chali.; Siwila, Lillian Cheelo.
The study analyses how the three ecumenical bodies (the church mother bodies) – the Council of Churches in Zambia, the Evangelical Fellowship of Zambia and the Zambia Council of Catholic Bishops – respond to the sexual abuse of women with mental disability or illness through sexual and gender-based violence activism. In the Zambian context like elsewhere, ecumenical bodies and gender activists have been active in addressing all forms of gender-based violence, as part of their response to social justice. However, there seems to be little or no attention paid to women with mental disability who are equally victims of sexual abuse. This study aims to reflect theologically on the silence of the ecumenical bodies to the sexual abuse of women with mental disability in Zambia using feminist lenses to analyse the study. The study is framed within the social constructionist and feminist disability theory theoretical frameworks. The study is qualitative, non-empirical, and literature-based. The findings of this study show that although the ecumenical bodies are involved in social justice/gender-based violence activism, in all their joint statements, there is no mention of advocacy for women with mental disability who are also victims of sexual abuse. The study also observed that there are robust religious and cultural beliefs and attitudes towards disability in general which have led to the dehumanising, devaluing, discrimination, rejection, stigmatisation, and marginalisation of persons with disabilities. For instance, the social construction of “ishilu”1 in society removes the human dignity of a person – implying that they no longer are the image of God, since the image of God seems to be associated with the normal people in society. The study thus recommends the theory of change in the operations of the three ecumenical bodies concerning their approach to their fight for justice for all humanity.
The sociological impact of curses among the parishioners of St. Peter's parish, Durban: a comparative analysis of the Judeo-Christian and African traditional religious perspectives.
(2022) Bidzogo, Georges Roger.; Vencatsamy, Beverly.; Masondo, Sibusiso Theophilus.
Part of indigenous spirituality has always been to curse the enemy to succeed in one’s own efforts towards achieving wellness, advancement, employment opportunities and a suitable marriage partner. The belief held, is that Africans live in an 'intentional world' where nothing occurs by chance; all occurrences have supernatural causes in the primal worldview. Imprecatory prayers and curses are used to prevent evil from happening. In consonance with anecdotal evidence and informal conversations with the African parishioners of St Peter's Catholic Church, indication was that many believed in ancestral or bloodline curses, based on the assumption that some of the repercussions of the sins committed by their ancestors were repeated in their families in various forms. For this reason, this study interrogated the sociological impact of curses and cursing among the parishioners of St Peter's. It queried their perception of curses against their traditional African and Christian backgrounds, and sought to demystify the associations of this phenomenon with their social existence. The research attempted to problematise curses as a metaphor in both the biblical text and African Traditional Religions (ATRs). Using the qualitative research methodology, which aimed to provide an in-depth understanding of the world as seen through the eyes of the people being studied (Wilmot, 2010) the phenomenological research design was adopted to study the lived experiences of the parishioners and their phobia of curses. The phenomenology of religion provided the theoretical lens through which the goals and objectives of the study were viewed and achieved. The findings indicated that there existed an intense fear of cursing among the participants. Most participants implicitly believed in curses and their impact on human activities. They believed that when one had been placed under a curse, he/she could make less financial, social, or material progress. Sin or disobedience to God and the ancestors was viewed as the primary driving force for a curse. Likewise, participants were unanimous in their belief of the role of curses in their Christian belief system. The inculturation of the biblical answers to curses was recommended to assist African Christians in their response to the curse problem.
An analysis of traditional Mariology and gender equality in the Catholic Church.
(2022) Khathi, Emmanuel Mnelisi.; Siwila, Cheelo Lillian.
Women are increasingly involved in the Catholic Church, but their participation remains restricted. They are tasked to spread God's Word along with its patriarchal interpretations without being empowered to see God's Sophia in their own wisdom. They are tasked to implement programs but are not entrusted with envisioning directions. However, the Catholic Church in the Vatican II (GS 29) teaches that every type of discrimination based on sex must be overcome and eradicated, being contrary to God's intent. This study seeks to investigate how an analysis of traditional Mariology could contribute to gender equality in the Catholic Church by analysing theological statements that find expression in Marian dogmas as well as the official documents of the Catholic Church. This study further uses Christian feminist theology as a theoretical framework in its interrogation of traditional Mariology. This is a careful, critical feminist analysis of Traditional Mariology done by a Catholic male priest in the field of systematic theology. The study focuses on Mary in relation to women's experiences, who in the Catholic Church is highly esteemed. The analysis of the study highlights how traditional Mariology fails to relate to the experiences of women and their images of God. Hence, new ways of approaching Mariology are required that will bring dignity and equality among women. Of significance to mention is that this study does not present the full teaching of the Catholic Church about Mary, which is adequately available elsewhere, but rather aims at exploring new avenues of approaching Mariology that bring about gender equality. Using Christian feminist theology, the study reveals that it is indispensable to locate Mary in the community of discipleship so that ordinary women can identify with her.
A critical rereading of Zephaniah 3:1-7 as an inspiration for a leadership of liberation within the MCSA.
(2021) James, Harry.; Efthimiadis-Keith, Helen.
This dissertation explores a leadership model which is potentially liberating for followers on a socio-economic level, specifically within the Methodist Church of Southern Africa (MCSA). The study uses the tri-polar model of exegesis as a theoretical framework to facilitate a critical rereading of Zephaniah 3:1-7 through the lens of a liberation hermeneutic with a socio-economic focus. The ideo-theological lens employed involves exploring how we say to the poor, the least of society, that God loves them. A liberation hermeneutic is an approach that seeks to link theory and praxis to liberate the oppressed. This dissertation explores Methodism's British and South African roots and the MCSA's structures. Five areas of socio-economic oppression within the MCSA are identified. These are stipends being a site of socio-economic oppression, a preferential option for the rich, avoiding others’ suffering, the shackles of property ownership, and the allure of the prosperity Gospel. Through rereading Zephaniah 3:1-7, six insights about the oppressive nature of the late pre-exilic Judahite leadership are identified. These are that 1) the entire leadership structure was oppressive; 2) they refused to practice accountability; 3) they devoured resources; 4) they had no respect for the law or for what is just, reasonable, or right; and 5) Yahweh continues to transform and liberate; therefore, the oppressive late pre-exilic Judahite leadership came up against Yahweh's justice and judgment and became the victims of revolution. Finally, a leadership of liberation is defined as a leadership that has the ultimate goal of liberating and transforming followers to realise their full humanity through motivating, inspiring, and encouraging followers. They aim to create paradigm shifts by influencing followers to embrace shared values, beliefs, and goals to pursue the greater good or higher social dividend. Liberation leaders show empathy for their followers and are considerate of the individual and community. They focus on values, morals, and ethical leadership. Liberation leaders oppose the oppressive status quo through being effective, efficient, focusing on change, being proactive, and embracing accountability to others and God. They serve followers by elevating them through involving and empowering them
Sexuality and religion in the novel Oranges are not the only Fruit by Jeanette Winterson.
(2016) Dlodlo, Nozipho Princess Sibongokuhle.; Settler, Federico Guliano.
This thesis is based on the novel Oranges Are Not the Only Fruit authored by Jeanette Winterson in 1985. The auto-fiction novel is about a young girl who is raised in a Conservative Christian background and learns that she is a lesbian. This novel is only a starting point for dialogue on homosexuality in the Church in Africa, in which I use a postcolonial approach and is not in anyway a model to be used in understanding same-sex relations in Africa. The thesis begins its dialogue on the premises of the incoherent voices of the Church in Africa on its standpoint on homosexuality. While the church continues to deliberate on its position on homosexuality LGBTIQ persons continue to be victims of hate crimes, discrimination and society continues to relate to them as mysterious and exotic. The question which is addressed is what issues on sexuality and religions are raised in the novel Oranges and how has the Church in Africa dealing with homosexuality. It is beyond the scope of my study to answer the question of which orientation is right or wrong. The main purpose of this thesis instead is seeking to facilitate a dialogue and develop positive sexual images and conceptions of expression of oneself sexually. In a way this will unburden the body from the expectations of the religious institution and the family institution. I present rising tensions between sexuality and religion in the novel and in the Church in Africa. To accomplish this I made use of books, essays, videos, newspapers, websites and articles published on sexuality, homosexuality, legislation, the Churches and their varied positions and engagements with LGBTIQ persons was read and utilized. The discussions that are on-going and past are twofold: (i) they reveal that the uneasiness around homosexuality, I argued, is rooted in the absence of positive language to talk about the body and sex in heterosexual relations that are supposedly the ‘relations’. (ii) On looking at the homosexuality conversations, I argue they are philosophical and ontological and I argued that this intentionally/unintentionally excludes a certain group of people for an example, those at the grassroots of the community. This, I argue because the hate crimes directed LGBTIQ persons suggests that there is no clear understanding amongst most people of what homosexuality entails substantially. In concluding, I argued that there is an urgent need for narratives of LGBTIQ persons to represent themselves and actively formulate their identities and theology. The agenda of nonv LGBTIQ persons writing as allies to the community are progressive and worth celebrating, however the outsider approach is limited in what they can offer in terms of daily experience and formulation on theology. I acknowledge that there is a lot of work that has been done on the theology of LGBTIQ persons, but not much has been done by LGBTIQ persons themselves. So what we have is theology about homosexuals and not with homosexuals. Lastly, it is recommended for further work that one explores if up-bringing impacts and shapes sexual orientation and to see how Christianity has maneuvered this area. Is there anything in Christian bible that prepares parents and children to understand their bodies and express themselves sexually?
The Black Apostles shaped the black political history of South Africa.
(2019) Ngqulwana, Buyisile Sydwell.; Moyo, Herbert.
The rationale of this thesis is premised on the view that the Black Apostles shaped the Black political history of South Africa. It reacts to the unmentioned of their Exile Human Resource Contribution (EHRC) and Exile Financial Contribution (EFC) in Exile Military Training (EMT) of Azanian Peoples Liberation Army (APLA) and Umkhonto Wesizwe (MK). The ground-breaking of this research is the discovery of the Archival Research Methodology (ARM) to mine and uncover the substantial data from Nabatu Archives to supplement the EFC and EHRC of the Black Apostles in supporting the EMT of the military wings of the African national Congress (ANC) and Pan African Congress (PAC). The main objective of this thesis is to discover the significance of Jim Scotch Ndlovu in the history of Old Apostolic Church (OAC), Twelve Apostles of Africa (TACA) and The Twelve Apostles Church in Christ (TTACC), and in the political context of South Africa between 1960 and 1982. The ARM assists the research to study behind, into and ahead of the diary of Ndlovu, and comprehends the EFC and EHRC of his successor in completing his mission of overthrowing the Protestant Apartheid Christian State (PACS) from 1982 till 1994. The thesis espouses the fall and rise theory to explain the completion of the mission of the Black Apostles and Hlathilist in shaping the Black political history of South Africa from 1948-1994. The above mentioned theory outlines the rise and fall of hlathiletism, colonialism, post colonialism, apartheid and the rise of democracy in 1994. The financial contribution of the Black Apostles to the liberation of South Africa from the PACS is estimated to the amount of R1 511 150.00. The founding and the current State Presidents of the Democratic Government of South Africa were elected from the ANC. Therefore, the Black Apostles shaped the Black political history of South Africa.
Queering the queer: engaging black queer Christian bodies in African faith spaces.
(2021) Sibisi, Tracey Maswazi.; Van der Walt, Charlene.
No abstract available.
Towards gender inclusive and diversity affirming life-orientation in Christian schools.
(2020-09-26) Parsons, Toni Rosslyn Tatum.; Van der Walt, Charlene.
Towards gender inclusive and diversity affirming life-orientation in Christian Schools’ is focused on a model that can be used by Christian schools in South Africa to create an inclusive, diverse and safe space for learners to engage with sexuality and gender identity in a constructive and life affirming way. While South Africa’s constitution is explicit concerning equal rights for all regardless of gender, sex or sexual orientation, the reality on the ground is very different and LGBTQI+ learners at school age are especially vulnerable, sometimes up to five times more likely to attempt suicide than their straight, heteronormative peers. ‘Queerness’ takes a spectrum of deeply personal, fluid and nuanced forms. The language around how to articulate identity is complex, especially in a country with the convergence of vernaculars, cultures and religions that South Africa faces as well as its patriarchal history. The factors influencing stigma and prejudice around those who fall outside of heteronormative ideals are as nuanced, numerous and diverse as the range of sexualities and gender identities that exist. Schools function as a microcosm of their communities and can be catalysts for systemic transformation and disruption. In this work, they are considered as sites for change and a workshop conducted at a Christian school, focused on inclusivity and diversity, conducted by Inclusive and Affirming Ministries (IAM) forms part of this research. With a specific focus on discourse, IAM works with faith communities to make them inclusive and affirming spaces for those who are marginalised as a result of falling outside of a heteronormative ideal. The work is conducted on an invitation basis, tailored specifically for each community. Reflective praxis forms a large part of the process: critically reflecting and interrogating each of the workshops to better inform the process as it moves forward. The first school based workshop took place in 2019 ahead of a series of such workshops starting in 2020. Research into Life Orientation (LO) teaching at schools in South Africa has been conducted extensively: it has included field work with teachers and pupils to better understand their experiences and lived realities; into school resources, communities around schools as well as the role of emotions in teaching LO within schools. Sexuality and gender identity within a school environment is an issue that has received (and requires) extensive attention. An aspect that is a factor in the research but has not been a central focus is the role that Christianity plays. That forms a fundamental aspect of this work, using the existing work as a platform for context and insight into the institutional landscape. Within South Africa, race and class play a vital intersecting role in how sexuality and gender identity are considered, how they are approached in terms of discourse and these factors require consideration. However, the primary focus for this work will be on sexuality and gender identity within a Christian schools context and accordingly, the bulk of the work will focus on that. Framed in gender and queer theory, three methodologies are used. These include Contextual Discourse Analysis (CDA), Richard Osmer’s Theory for Practical Theology and Denise Ackermann’s Feminist Theory of Praxis. Themes including masculinity, patriarchy, sexuality, positionality, power and intersectionality are considered drivers of existing discourse. Within Christian schools, language, power and positionality are identified as dominant forces. Six recommendations for intervention are made, followed by further research recommendations. Intervention recommendations are premised on ‘meeting people where they are’ and with specific attention to how power dynamics operate within social systems. The recommendations include, firstly the creation of a space that enables and encourages empathy. Empathy can diminish shame and assist with shifting the existing discourse. Secondly, creating spaces that are physically and emotionally safe for all. Thirdly, allowing for the non-linear and time consuming process of transformation is recommended. The last three recommendations are focused on resources. Fourth, resources for educators: in addition to appropriate information and emotional support being made available, educators must be provided clear guidance in terms of their responsibilities and adequate support must be provided to ensure that these responsibilities can be completed satisfactorily. Fifth, that LGBTQI+ people be consistently represented in teaching materials: textbooks, classes and in language used as part of learning. Lastly, that learners are supported: provided with emotional support in addition to resources that represent a full spectrum of sexualities and gender identities in an unbiased, inclusive manner.
Examining women’s agency with respect to the appropriation of runyoka in Johane Masowe Zambuko Apostolic Church in Zimbabwe.
(2020-11) Mapangisana, Calvin Justice.; Owino, Kennedy Onyango.
Recent studies reflect increasing subjugation of women within African independent churches. Women within these churches fall victims of deeply entrenched patriarchal hegemony that renders these women voiceless and powerless. This study therefore examines how women’s agency through the appropriation of Runyoka can bring about the desired situation that enables women not only to flourish, but also usher in the desired transformation within the African Independent Churches in regards to gender relations. The study offers a critical interrogation of the socio-cultural factors that may have necessitated the appropriation of Runyoka by women within the Johane Masowe Zambuko Apostolic Church in Zimbabwe. In order to understand the agency of women within the Johane Masowe Zambuko Apostolic Church in Zimbabwe, this study applies Nego-feminism as a theoretical framework utilised to analyse the appropriation of Runyoka by women. Nego-feminism as theoretical framework interrogates how women respond to cultural practices that makes them vulnerable and disempowered, based within the complexity of negotiation and compromise in the context of African cultures. In other words, Nego-feminism is a feminist theory that implicitly acknowledges the capabilities of women in dealing with patriarchy. As a descriptive qualitative study, phenomenology and interpretive document analysis were used as research Methodologies. The focus of phenomenology is on understanding the unique lived experiences of individuals by exploring the meaning of a phenomenon. This study utilised secondary data in seeking to understand the ritual of runyoka in Johane Masowe Zambuko Apostolic Church and thematic analysis was used as a method of data analysis. Thematic analysis as a method of making sense of the data gathered for the purpose of interpretation was adopted for this study based on its theoretical flexibility.
Anglican ritualism in colonial South Africa: exploring some of the local discourses between 1848 and 1884.
(2020) Bethke, Andrew-John.; Denis, Philippe Marie Berthe Raoul.
This dissertation examines South Africa’s colonial contribution to the spread of what is known in popular and academic literature as “ritualism” during the mid-nineteenth century. It also seeks to add a South African voice to the growing contemporary scholarship in this area. Three considerations shape the dissertation: definitions (high churchmanship, Tractarianism, ecclesiology, ritualism and Anglo-Catholicism); perceptions of what was often termed ritualism by clergy and laity; and portrayals of ritualism in public discourse. To understand these considerations in context, the study examines the role of South Africa’s first Anglican bishop, and his creation of an independent local church, in fostering a climate conducive to ritualism. This is followed by an examination of the protests against some of the early developments which were considered ritualist by colonial congregations. Finally, a few examples of advanced ritualism are analysed. Three distinct waves of catholic revival are identified: early (1848 through to the mid-1850s) characterised by architecture and symbolism; middle (mid-1850s through to about 1870) characterised by lay opposition to recognised Anglican ceremonial; and late (mid-1860s through to the turn of the nineteenth century) characterised by the introduction of the “six points” of ritualism not sanctioned in the Anglican prayer book tradition. The author finds that after the middle period of fairly robust antagonism towards ritualism, a general movement towards ritualist practices began to emerge. The sources consulted for this dissertation include letters, newspaper and periodical articles, archival material and several unpublished theses.
Recovering south Africa's lost treasures: A spirituality of interdependence and gratitude.
(2000) Leoncienne, LaBonte' O P.; Rakoczy, Susan Francis.; Balcomb, Anthony Oswald.
Abstract available in pdf.

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