Browsing by Author "Griffiths, Keith Leonard"

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    The relationship between pastoral care and worship in the context of HIV/AIDS : a study of the development and impact of the liturgical material 'Worship and HIV/AIDS' in selected parishes of the Diocese of Cape Town
    (Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2006-12) Griffiths, Keith Leonard; Cilliers, Johan; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Theology. Dept. of Practical Theology and Missiology.
    ENGLISH ABSTRACT: In September 2002, the Anglican Church of Southern Africa authorised a set of liturgical material for use in the church in an attempt to make congregations aware of the extent of the impact of HIV/AIDS on the church and the community in the nations in Southern Africa in which the CPSA is active. This research explores the relationship between Worship and Pastoral Care in the context of HIV/AIDS by examining the development of this liturgical material and offering a critique of it in the light of the impact it had on a number of parishes. A general review of published material found little with a specific focus on the relationship between Worship and Pastoral Care, and the search was extended to approach this relationship from a number of directions in an attempt to find factors that had a bearing on the hypothesis that the community at worship is the primary point of pastoral care. The hypothesis was examined from two directions. The first considered a biblical perspective. This approach considered the images of God presented in the Old Testament, a number of the healings of Jesus in the gospels, and Paul’s comments on the celebration of the Eucharist in 1 Corinthians 11 against the social background of meals shared within the community. The imperative that worship should be inclusive, with a particular emphasis on the poor and marginalized was established. The second direction considered a theological reflection on AIDS and established a number of criteria against which the liturgical material could be critiqued. An important section of this work considered the impact of prejudice and discrimination that has led to the stigmatisation of those living with HIV/AIDS and their reluctance to disclose their status and needs. This remains an important obstacle to the ability of the church to provide appropriate hospitality and care. Interviews were conducted with the Rectors and leaders of the Parish AIDS Task Teams in six parishes within the Diocese of Cape Town to look at the ways in which the material was used, and the impact that it had on the pastoral work of those congregations. The liturgical material is then examined in the light of the theological criteria established, and against the impact that it had on the pastoral work of the parishes. Particular issues recognised in this section were the use of inclusive language and the absence of any emphasis on Repentance and Confession. The importance to Worship and Pastoral Care of compassion, personal contact with persons living with AIDS, grace and hospitality are some of the conclusions made. Suggestions were made for further research and development in terms of stigmatisation, language and appropriate liturgical formation and training.