Moving towards a transformative diaconia in the Christian Dependency Ministry of the Uniting Reformed Church in Southern Africa: A Practical Theological approach
Date
2024-12
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Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University
Abstract
South Africa finds itself in a crisis when it comes to substance dependency and, although rehabilitation centres are available, addicts from disadvantaged communities face numerous challenges. What compounds the problem is that, if an addict has attended a rehabilitation centre and been discharged, there is not always an aftercare group that they can attend. The study aims to make recommendations to the Christian Dependency Ministry (CDM), which is an organisation of the Uniting Reformed Church in Southern Africa (URCSA), in order to facilitate more effective interventions with regards to this issue.
It is important to note that the findings of the study reveal that URCSA, as a denomination, still largely functions in what may be termed charity mode. After a thorough examination of the terms diaconia and more especially, transformative diaconia, the researcher argues for a more constructive theological engagement based on the notion of transformative diaconia, which moves beyond mere charity as a theological framework for the church’s public engagement with societal issues such as substance abuse. The study also calls for the URCSA to view the CDM as an integral part of its ministry in context.
The findings of the qualitative empirical research indicate that, while CDM branches could hold significant value in terms of the aftercare of substance abuse addicts, the CDM branches are not yet working as effectively as they could in order to make a sustainable difference. The research reveals that, while many challenges remain, there are also workable solutions. These solutions are mirrored in the recommendations made by the researcher, which are directed at the Executive Committees and members of the CDM branches, family members who have a relative who is addicted, local church councils, the General Synod of URCSA, and rehabilitation centres.
There are many URCSA congregations spread throughout South Africa and Namibia. The researcher is, therefore, of the opinion that if each URCSA congregation has a CDM branch which functions effectively, the church and CDM would be optimally positioned to address the issues of substance abuse and related issues in many socio-economically marginalised local communities.
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Thesis (PhD)--Stellenbosch University, 2024.