Masters Degrees (Practical Theology and Missiology)

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Addressing the HIV and AIDS stigma : a pastoral approach for church leaders in Khayelitsha
(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2012-12) Niyukuri, Benaya; Thesnaar, C. H.; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Theology. Dept. of Practical Theology and Missiology.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: A research study was conducted in the form of a literature review to explore the situation of HIV and AIDS stigma in Khayelitsha in order to propose a Pastoral Approach for church leaders in that township. In this regard, the research study established that HIV and AIDS related stigma is the main barrier to any effort in fighting the HIV and AIDS epidemic. The aims of the research were to understand the causes and the effects of HIV and AIDS stigma, examine the Church as a healing community, construct a biblical and theological reflection on HIV and AIDS stigma, and make recommendations useful for the church in dealing with HIV and AIDS stigma. The research indicated that 'stigma‘ is a term that was used throughout history to mean a mark put on people who are regarded as different from others. In terms of HIV and AIDS, stigma is seen as an attitude shaping the way PLWHA are treated in the community. Among the causes of stigma related to HIV and AIDS are the fear of HIV and AIDS as a dangerous and infectious disease, the link between HIV and AIDS and sexual immorality, lack or distortion of information about HIV and AIDS, lack or withdrawal of resources from PLWHA, gender imbalance, and gossip and insults directed at PLWHA. According to research, the effects that come from HIV and AIDS stigma are devastating. They include fear of disclosure of HIV and AIDS status, difficulty in providing care and support for PLWHA, and acceleration of death for PLWHA. As for the biblical and theological reflection on HIV and AIDS stigma, it has been established that leprosy was the biblical disease compared to HIV and AIDS. While the OT model isolated people living with leprosy, Jesus accepted them and healed them in the NT. The OT model has often been used by the church to marginalise PLWHA on the grounds that it is God‘s punishment for sexual sin. The research does not deny the fact that God punishes sin through disease, but it is important to note that disease is not found to be the only form of God‘s punishment, and, in fact, one may not conclude that every disease is a consequence of sin. After all, God dealt with sin by punishing Jesus, who died on the cross to pay for the debts of sinners, and they are now allowed to enter God‘s kingdom freely. The Church is thus meant to be a community where holistic healing takes place through activities such as the teaching and preaching of God‘s word, koinōnia and diakōnia, as well as through prayer. In that sense, PLWHA are also included in the Body of Christ as charismatic beings, and should receive care spiritually, emotionally, relationally, and physically just as they also contribute uniquely to the wellbeing of the Church. The research suggests that in Khayelitsha, church leaders should join hands against HIV and AIDS stigma. They first of all need to confess any former failure to take action, and then work on a paradigm shift in order to change the way they have been dealing with PLWHA in their churches. In obedience to the mission of Jesus Christ, the Bible should be interpreted in a way that does not stigmatize PLWHA, but rather stimulates church leaders in Khayelitsha to stand up and take care of those who are suffering.
The agency of the church in HIV/AIDS among refugees in relation to the host country
(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2013-03) Didier, Kasongo Wa Kumutombo; August, Karel Th.; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Theology. Dept. of Practical Theology and Missiology.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: No abstract available.
Destigmatisation within the HIV/AIDS pandemic : wowards a pastoral anthropology of embodiment
(Stellenbosch : University of Stellenbosch, 2010-03) Washington, Vanessa Marie; Louw, D. J. (Daniel Johannes), 1944-; University of Stellenbosch. Faculty of Theology. Dept. of Practical Theology and Missiology.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The focus of the thesis is on the HIV and AIDS-related stigma and stigmatisation of people who try to live positively with HIV/AIDS within the pandemic. The basic assumption is that there is interplay between the HIVAIDS-related stigma as a cultural phenomenon and the negative perception of the human body. Since a human being is created corporeal and re-created due to the fact that human embodiment is a fundamental ingredient for the understanding of soul, It is argued that in a pastoral approach, a person should be understood holistically. Anthropology within the traditional kerygmatic approach focused mainly on the notion of sin (corruption totalis) within the theological understanding of God’s judgement (judgemental attitude). I have proposed that pastoral anthropology should adopt constructive paradigms and point towards the integration of embodiment (wholeness) in a realistic approach rather than emphasising the notion of sin and forms of dualism. The thesis departs from an eschatological and pneumatological view of the human being, in which the concepts of resurrection and hope are equally crucial. I further argue that a Christian spiritual perspective on embodiment is potentially destigmatising itself. In terms of a pastoral hermeneutic I have shown that in destigmatisation the transformation of the HIV and AIDS-related stigma corresponds to the transformation of the mindset and paradigm of a person (habitus). Through the process of destigmatisation people discover meaning and are enabled to live fully embodied and responsible lives. The thesis is designed as a literature study based on text analysis and hermeneutical reflection. Moreover, in order to develop a pastoral anthropological view, the Scripture is used as a reference point.
HIV and AIDS as a challenge to the Seventh-day adventist church in South Africa : a reflection on home-based care
(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2016-11-23) Mathers, Judith Rose; Louw, D. J. (Daniel Johannes), 1944-; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Theology. Dept. of Practical Theology and Missiology.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This study primarily concerns itself with “HIV and AIDS as challenge to the Seventh-day Adventist Church is South Africa: A reflection on Home-Based Care” to People Living with HIV and AIDS (PLWHA). On 01 December 2014, International AIDS Day, eNCA (eNews Channel Africa) released the staggering statistics which revealed that South Africa has the most serious HIV and AIDS epidemic in the world, with 6 million South African PLWHA in an estimated population of 54 million, whereas only 2.7 million of these PLWHA were receiving proper treatment and care. The Department of Health (DOH) reported that there were 1,000 new infections and more than 1,000 Aids-related deaths daily in 2014. Despite South Africa being the leading nation in HIV and AIDS research, the country has the highest rate of infections and disease-related deaths – less than half of the South African PLWHA are receiving treatment. These staggering reports of the sobering reality of the South African situation on the HIV and AIDS epidemic ought to be seen as the wakeup call to faith communities in South Africa, including the Seventh-day Adventist Church. Church leaders of all denominations are faced with the same challenge of their members living with HIV and AIDS and the Seventh-day Adventist Church is not spared. The Seventh-day Adventist Church must therefore become a visible, active stakeholder in making a difference in the campaign against HIV and AIDS. The primary aim of this thesis is to examine how The Seventh-day Adventist Church in South Africa can help bring relief to the burden of illness and suffering, poverty, helplessness and shame, and empower vulnerable PLWHA and their family members through the formulation of contextual Home-Based Care programs. The core problem of this research focuses on existing policies in the Seventh-day Adventist Church and questions the theological and ecclesiological implications for being “church” in poor communities with a lack of care facilities and health facilities. It is in this regard that the option of a Home-Based Care model surfaces. Study is given on how the Seventh-day Adventist Church in South Africa should restructure its current policies in order to shift from a clerical model to a more community oriented model of pastoral care to PLWHA. The researcher challenges the Seventh-day Adventist Church, who claims to be the church of God on earth, to live up to the light it claims to have in regard to pastoral care, healthcare and other ministries to spiritually and physically sick people, by preparing and training their lay members as volunteers in doing Home-Based Care to PLWHA in South Africa. Despite the continued advances in the fields of science, medicine and associated professional health care services, the challenges of human diseases in epidemic proportions, more specifically HIV and AIDS, still present us with a need to care for persons, families and communities afflicted with illnesses. An urgent need exists to respond to the quest for meaning in human suffering and the restoration of human dignity before God in our approaches to ministry and therapy across the cultural divides. This research extensively expounds on the mandate of the Scriptures as the primary and pivotal calling of the church to engage in medical missionary work to PLWHA. Pastoral care strategies in a multicultural society is adequately discussed as essential for contextual ministries to the people of South Africa. The importance of sensitivity to and education in African spirituality is addressed and various theories of Professor Daniel Louw of A Pastoral Hermeneutics of Care and Encounter, A Theological Design for Basic Theory, Anthropology, Method and Therapy and Cura Vitae are presented as power tools in pastoral care should be of great help to the Seventh-day Adventist Church in South Africa in the formulation of a successful Home-Based Care ministry as a new ecclesial direction to an HIV and AIDS ministry have been cited. The culture of the gospel is one that sees the former barriers of racial divides and African cultural differences or indifferences as opportunities for spiritual healing, growth and transcendence in setting us free, and moving the Seventh-day Adventist Church in South Africa towards truly being and becoming koinonia to PLWHA: a place where God’s grace lives. The church of God on earth in every aspect and manner of being is the place where Agape love, unconditional acceptance, healing and forgiveness, spiritual encounter, reconciliation, worship of God the Creator and eschatological hope of the Advent of Christ’s Coming bring us all, sinners and saints alike into the priesthood of believers and into unity of Community in Christ. In Christ we are all one…Father make us one!
Pastoral care as community care : towards an intergrative approach to healing and well-being within the HIV and AIDS discourse
(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2012-12) Mouton, Dawid Petrus; Louw, D. J. (Daniel Johannes), 1944-; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Theology. Dept. of Practical Theology and Missiology.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This study, in addition to problematizing a one-dimensional approach to health and well-being within the HIV and AIDS discourse, also aims to highlight the need and promote the idea for integrative community pastoral care as fundamental in responding to the HIV and AIDS epidemic. In developing such a framework for an integrative approach to healing and care, it becomes clear that a number of paradigmatic shifts in pastoral care are called for. In the past most of the prevention and intervention strategies within the discourse on healing within the HIV and AIDS epidemic, focused on the people living with HIV and AIDS (PLWHA) and the medical science in its search for cure and effective antiretroviral medication. Little attention use to be given to issues of care as the primary focus appeared to have been on behaviour change strategies. However, as the complex nature of the epidemic and its impacts became more apparent, it gradually dawned on all disciplines that the virus entails more than an individual ailment as a medical concern. With the realization that the epidemic penetrates the quality of life and the basic structures for livelihood and meaningful living on all levels, came the acknowledgement that it has become a systemic and community issue. Any endeavour to be engaged with the epidemic should therefore shift from a merely personal (individual focus) and a medical (pharmaceutical focus) approach, to a community approach. Healing and prevention must also become a systemic and communal endeavour, and thus the reason to connect, in this research project, healing with a community approach to the HIV and AIDS epidemic. In the process of developing a framework for integrative care and counselling, the study explores the notions of health and well-being and provides a theological framework for understanding these concepts from a community perspective. This framework necessitates a number of paradigmatic shifts, particularly with regards to understanding the ecclesial identity of the church as a community of care. Both the understanding of health and well-being and that of an identity of care culminates from the understanding of God‘s passionate involvement in the human predicament of suffering, as implied by a theopaschitic approach. In order to develop an inclusive framework of care to be taken up in the ecclesial identity of the church, a number of metaphors for a community of care are explored as alternatives to the traditional kerygmatik model of the church.
The quest for realism : an assessment of D.C. Maguire's ethical model as a resource in hermeneutical pastoral care and counselling towards moral decision-making for adolescents in the midst of the HIV and AIDS epidemic in South Africa
(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2017-03) Janse van Vuren, Johanna Isabella; Thesnaar, C. H.; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Theology. Dept. of Practical Theology and Missiology.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The reality of the HIV and Aids epidemic in South Africa has entered into the lives of all South Africans in such a way that all people are either infected or affected by this epidemic. The age-old aphorism “Prevention is better than cure” is also true for the HIV and AIDS epidemic and can be seen as one of the primary strategies in the fight against HIV and AIDS in Sub-Saharan Africa. A lot of work has been done by different organisations both public and private to prevent further infections from taking place. Although there are a number of different strategies in place to help prevent the spread of HIV and AIDS, this epidemic is in essence a behavioural disease. By definition then, it can be prevented through changing behaviour. However, this is easier said than done. To change behaviour it is necessary to change thought processes and basic moral decision-making processes of individuals who are at risk of being infected with HIV and AIDS. In Sub-Saharan Africa the reality is that adolescents between the ages of 15-24 are at the highest risk of being infected because of a number of different factors often causing promiscuous and risky sexual behaviour. Even though incidence rates are decreasing as current statistics show, new infections are still occurring, especially amongst young people. A single, prescriptive approach, specifically when working with adolescents, is not feasible. In light of the above, this research study explores the moral decision-making model of DC Maguire as a possible approach to empower pastoral caregivers in hermeneutical pastoral care towards guiding adolescents in a quest for realism in terms of their sexuality and sexual activities. By looking at the current context of HIV and Aids in South Africa, as well as the reality of adolescent sexuality, this study suggests that an approach to moral decision-making like Maguire’s can empower pastoral caregivers to guide adolescents comfortably and confidently in the search for meaning-making when they are challenged with difficult decisions regarding their sexual activities in the light of the HIV and Aids epidemic in South Africa.
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.
Spiritual care to people living with HIV and AIDS within the context of the Reformed Church of East Africa’s Plateau Mission Hospital (Kenya)
(Stellenbosch : University of Stellenbosch, 2009-03) Chemorion, Edith Khakasa; Louw, D. J. (Daniel Johannes), 1944-; University of Stellenbosch. Faculty of Theology. Dept. of Practical Theology and Missiology.
The basic premise of this study is that a spiritual approach to care and support of people living with HIV, by means of a holistic pastoral model, would provide the Reformed Church of East Africa's Plateau Mission Hospital with an integrated dimension in their community-based care programme for people living with HIV/AIDS. This will go a long way in assisting the RCEA's diversification of the existing medical model, particularly in the Plateau Mission Hospital’s catchment area with its ever-increasing cases of infections, deaths, rejections, church-related stigma, orphans and vulnerable children. The researcher proposes the use of a spiritual model in dealing with PLWH in the Plateau Mission Hospital because this will help to address some of the unresolved theological issues that come to the fore when addressing matters concerning the health and illness of people living with HIV and AIDS. The researcher does this with acute awareness of the importance of integrating other approaches in the care and support of PLWH. For a holistic approach to be effected, the social development, medical, psychological and holistic systemic approaches to care must be considered. The holistic systemic approach used by the biomedical personnel and other caregivers should regard the person as a relational and social being acting within a cultural context. On the other hand, the biomedical model serves us with accurate diagnoses and sophisticated methods of treatment within which modern medicine is practiced. Similarly, the psychosocial model considers the influence of the social environment not only to the challenges that PLWH face, but also on the care they should receive. However, research has shown that there is an increasing need for holistic care in health care systems. This calls for the inclusion of spirituality within the developing bio-psycho-social approaches in addressing health and illness, particularly for people living with HIV and AIDS, in order for them to attain holistic healing. Plateau Mission Hospital, being a church-based institution within the jurisdiction of the RCEA’s southern presbytery, can be an effective vehicle for pastoral care of people living with HIV and AIDS. The organization is strategically placed and has the capacity (resource persons) to engage in a holistic ministry. The paper also aims at unlocking the RCEA’s resources to become more involved in all rounded existential issues of PLWH in the hospital’s catchment area. In this study, it is presupposed that, although the Hospital has a history of medical and social development work and chaplaincy office, it lacks emphasis on the spiritual dimension, and yet this focal point is important in terms of the immediate HIV/AIDS context at Plateau. The researcher established that the training that the personnel at the medical facility have undertaken promotes a clinical approach to all issues of health (prevention and treatment after prescription), even to people living with HIV/AIDS. Methodology. The first methodology for data collection that the research employed was literature review. In this case, library and church documents were reviewed to gather information on related matters. The areas reviewed were related to spirituality, care and healing in the context of HIV, pastoral care and theology in the context of HIV, and biomedical approaches in relation to the care of PLWH, and documentation (Plateau Hospital Reports, the RCEA’s constitution and Care Departmental Reports) on the RCEA’s approach to Hospital care to PLWH by means of the CBHC programme at the Plateau Mission Hospital in Eldoret. The websites were also consulted for purposes of data collection. The second method was conducting specific oral and written interviews with the Hospital’s CBHC staff, PLWH, congregational and church leadership on matters of the proposed spiritual care of PLWA. The areas interviewed were for the spiritual needs, those involved in the care and support of PLWH, improving existing interventions, the challenges encountered in the care for PLWH, the unfulfilled needs of PLWH and how spiritual care could improve the quality of the lives of PLWH. The third method of data collection was participant observation. The researcher was involved in the activities being studied. This method entailed participant observation during normal diaconal care activities in the RCEA’s Plateau parish congregations that the researcher implemented, for instance visiting people living with HIV/Aids, taking gifts to children affected by HIV. In meeting with volunteer caregivers during visits, while joining the CBHC team during follow-up meetings with PLWH in their homes, data was collected. The researcher had patient consultation during days for voluntary counseling and testing and informal meetings with volunteer caregivers. Presentation of the Thesis - Outline of Research This study is divided into five parts. Chapter 1 will examine the background to the study considering the problem statement, research questions, research objectives, hypothesis, justification, the scope of the research, the methodology used, limitations and delimitations. In Chapter 2 the paper will explore The Kenyan Scenario: Medical work and the involvement of the church within the community. This will cover the Kenyan national HIV updates, Uasin Gishu updates, Ainabkoi divisional statistics, the background to the Reformed Church of East Africa, Plateau Mission HIV ministry covering the psycho-social approach to community-based care of CBHC in the Reformed Church of East Africa in the Plateau Hospital catchment area. The paper will examine the medical care offered to people living with HIV/AIDS, such as the treatment of opportunistic diseases, administration of anti-retroviral drugs and the prevention of mother-to-child transmission and voluntary counseling and testing. The paper will also examine the social and developmental activities and services rendered to PLWA and the orphans and vulnerable children by means of compassionate care. CBHC networking with congregations, and Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital will also be highlighted. The paper will also highlight the gaps experienced as a result of the focus on medical and social developmental approaches to the care and support of PLWA and OVCs. Chapter 3 is largely the analysis of interview responses, and presents the findings of field research at the RCEA Plateau Mission Hospital’s selected area of study. This will indicate the seriousness of the unattended needs in this case the spiritual needs and the magnitude of the problem in the health facility but, by implication, affecting the church. This will need a change of stance, namely that of regarding HIV as a medical problem that the hospital needs to address, and view it as a collective need for all key players in church, hospital and community. Chapter 4 will look at the challenge HIV poses to the spiritual care of PLWH in Plateau Mission Hospital. The chapter will contain a literature review on the holistic approach in the care and support of people living with HIV. The section will look at understanding the needs of people living with HIV, pastoral care of people living with HIV, practical theology, biomedical and bio-psycho-social models in the care of PLWH. The study will also examine the relevance of God-images, systems approach, the role of the church and a spiritual care approach in the holistic healing for PLWH by means of pastoral care. Chapter 5 will conclude the paper and will shed light on the importance of the proposed approach to be integrated into the current strategy (pastoral care model with a spiritual-care approach). It is hoped that the recommendations that will be made at the end will strengthen the high demand for a holistic-care ministry to people living with HIV and the affected families in the RCEA Plateau Mission Hospital.

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Browsing Masters Degrees (Practical Theology and Missiology) by Subject "AIDS (Disease) -- Religious aspects -- Christianity"

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