Bishop Tucker School of Theology and Divinity

Permanent URI for this communityhttps://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11951/790

Browse

Now showing 1 - 20 of 48

Towards an indigenous understanding and practice of baptism amongst the Baganda, Uganda.
(Uganda Christian University, 1982) Mutebi, Wilson B.
The coming of independence and the feeling of nationalism amongst African peoples in the middle of the 20th century also brought the desire for religious independence. The author in this dissertation presents an indigenous understanding and practice of baptism amongst the Baganda of Central Uganda. The author observes that Christianity in Africa is to a large extent wrapped in Western culture. The author asserts that though Christianity in Buganda has taken root, it has not destroyed the indigenous religion and that the indigenous religion continues to have an influence among the Baganda. The author stresses that there is a useful relationship between the Kiganda rites performed in the early period of childhood and baptism. The author high lights the fact that contemporary Baganda Christians have one leg in the Church and the second into the traditional religion. The author recommends the Church leadership in Buganda to employ a positive and understanding approach and study carefully the Kiganda beliefs and practices so as to include the values of Kiganda traditional religion in the life of the Church.
Prolegomena to an African Theology: An Examination of the Sources and Methodology of Mbiti’s Theology.
(Uganda Christian University, 1987) Niringiye, David Z.
On May 26th 1985, over the Canadian broadcasting corporation, Dr. John Mbiti stated that the Christians in Africa have a faith but not a theology; and that Western missionaries agreed to contextualize Christianity in music and Church decorations but not in theology. Examining the sources and methodology of Mbiti’s theology, in this dissertation the author presents a prolegomena to an African theology. The author assesses Professor John Samuel Mbiti’s theology with particular reference to his doctrine of eschatology developed in his book. New Testament eschatology in an African background. The author high lights the fact that Mbiti’s theology lacks the dialectical tension and balance between creation, sin and salvation; and that Mbiti’s theology tends to emphasize continuity between Christianity and African religion and cultural experience over discontinuity, hence Mbiti’s theology being an inadequate statement of Christian belief that is both Christian and African. The author proposes an alternative methodology based on the Christ-event of incarnation, death and resurrection allowing for a construction of a theology that identifies and maintains the dialectical balance and tension between creation, sin and salvation. The author recommends that the Christ-event should be at the Centre of any theologizing in the African context that bears the name Christian.
The symbol of the Eucharist in the African context
(Uganda Christian University, 1988) Tovey, Phillip
One of the contemporary problems in the mission Churches in Africa is the indigenization or inculturation of worship and the Eucharist poignantly illustrates this problem. In this dissertation the author treats the problem. The author examines different theological approaches to the Eucharist as a symbol, the anthropology of the symbol, the Eucharist in Ethiopian Orthodox Church the rites of African Independent Church’s and studies the Roman Catholic Church. The author discusses the dialectical relationship between anthropology and theology. He recommends that it is the interrelationship of theology and culture that the existential problem of the African Church would find synthesis.
The Primacy of “Spirit” (Pastoral Studies) in Pastoral Care and Counseling of Basoga of Uganda
(Uganda Christian University, 1992) Magumba, John P.
The traditional African therapy system under spirit-based care remained affective throughout the missionary era and it continues to appeal to some Basiga of contemporary era more than Christianity does. In this dissertation the author presents the primacy of “spirit” among the Basoga of Eastern Uganda as regards pastoral care and counseling. The author asserts that among the Basoga the spirits and their agents have power which the Christian careers and counselors do not have. The author affirms that among the Basoga their concepts and values about disease, health, and healing are influenced by beliefs and experiences of spirit power. The author recommends that listening to the Musoga parishioner and client would be necessary in addressing his or her true pastoral needs for therapy.
The Biblical View of the Unborn Child Psalm 139: 13–18
(Uganda Christian University, 1992) Ebong, Johnson O.
Abortion is a new phenomenon among contemporary Africans which has become a common practice among the young and adults alike. In this research work the author examines the biblical view of the unborn child according to Psalm 139:13-18, the author stresses the fact that the systematic and intentional destruction of the unborn child with the aim to relieve its mother from pregnancy, was a rare practice among traditional African societies. The author affirms that the biblical view portrays God as the source of life and that at every stage of human life, God has a purpose hence the need to preserve, protect and defend human life at all stages. The author recommends the Church leadership to help the Christians to read the bible and seek guidance from the word of God on life issues such as abortion, to teach and preach constantly the value of human life, to speak and write strongly about the practice of abortion, to form pro-life associations with the help of doctors who value life, and to help parents to promote the value of life among their children and teach them to respect human life.
The Death of Jesus Christ As Sacrifice in the Epistles of Paul and the Epistle to the Hebrews: A Comparative Study
(Uganda Christian University, 1997) Muhindo, Kalengyo
The concept and practice of sacrifice exist in the Old Testament setting and in some pagan communities of the Graeco-Roman world. In this dissertation, the author presents a comparative study of the death of Jesus Christ as a sacrifice as recorded in the epistles of St. Paul and the epistle of Hebrews. Putting more emphasis on the sacrifices for sin, the author explores the various backgrounds to the thought of sacrifice in Paul and the Hebrews. The author analyses the similarities and differences of the concept of sacrifice in Paul and the writer to the Hebrews. The author observes that both writers using cultic categories have transformed the understanding of atonement from the cultic to the personal level.
Indigenization of theology worship in the Anglican Church of Congo
(Uganda Christian University, 2000) Sabiti, Daniel T.
For J.M. Waliggo, inculturation means the honest and serious attempt to make Christ and message of salvation ever more understood by peoples of every culture, locality and time. In this dissertation the author presents indigenization of worship in the Anglican Church of Congo. In order to assess how African traditional music and prayer serve as a means to express the African traditional religious life, the author examines African traditional religious heritage. The author asserts that music and prayer are fundamental elements in divine worship and that they have been used in the biblical era and in the history of the Christian Church. The author recommends that if the Anglican Church of Congo wants to create worship which is relevant, authentic and meaningful to her Christians, she needs to indigenize her liturgy.
Ecclesiology among the Lugbara of Uganda
(Uganda Christian University, 2001) Erema, Samuel O. F.
Focus: When the Missionaries introduced Christianity among the Lugbara, they introduced western model of ecclesiology which is not appropriate to the Lugabra Christian spirituality. In this dissertation the author high lights ecclesiology among the Lugbara of North-western Uganda. The author decries the fact that African Christians inherited missionary models with the denominational divisions and individualistic way of life which properly belonged to the western Church-and as a result the African communal way of life was devalued and African Christians completely broke from their traditional societies. The author asserts that the missionary model has not fitted the African Christians and has failed to penetrate deeply to the heart of the African. The author recommends that the Church leadership in Africa should establish the African clan model ecclesiology which is most appropriate for the Lugbara Christian and African Christian in general.
The Christian influence on the understanding of death among the Acholi
(Uganda Christian University, 2001) Ayela, Labeja .O. O.
Focus: For the Acholi people of Northern Uganda, traditionally death is a natural phenomenon which is inevitable and unquestionable. In this dissertation, the author assesses the Christian influence on the understanding of death among the Acholi. The author confirms that for the traditional Acholi human beings have no permanent existence in the physical or spiritual world and no future life in terms of resurrection. The author affirms that their traditional understanding of death contributes to fear, beliefs and practices in handling the sick, corpse, burial arrangement, funeral rites and inheritance of widows among the Acholi people. The author asserts that the advent of Christianity in Acholi in 1904 has greatly changed this understanding through the introduction of the concept of resurrection, and as a result superstition on the origin of death, the way of caring for the sick, and the dying, burial system, mourning, funeral rites, the inheritance of widows and life after death have a new meaning for the Acholi of contemporary era. The author recommends that in order to maintain the resurrection influence on the Acholi people, the Church must continue effective evangelization of the non-Christian Acholi and effectively nurture the Christian Acholi converts.
The bible, growing landless-ness, and environmental degradation in modern Uganda: An encounter.
(Uganda Christian University, 2002) Olwa, Alfred
In modern Uganda two situations, in which a theme from the bible is understood to have immediate practical consequences in the lives of many people, is landlessness and environmental degradation. In this dissertation the author examines the problem of landlessness and environmental degradation in modern Uganda. The author asserts that the problem of growing landlessness and environmental degradation is relevant to the Church in modern Uganda. The author recommends that the Church leadership in Uganda in dealing with the problem should focus on justice and righteousness.
Factors Causing Poverty Among the Retired Clergy in Mityana Diocese
(Uganda Christian University, 2019-10-25) Richard Mulindwa
The consequences of poverty have historically been recognized by the church, which like other organizations been at the helm of alleviating poverty. In the entire Old Testament tradition, poverty is regarded as a scandalous condition that should never exist in the land because it may force one to steal and bring disgrace to God (Proverbs 30:9). What should be noted however is the fact that some of the clergy who spread the above mentioned messages are also living in non-adorable conditions, contrary to what the Biblical stand is regarding the Levites and this has been found to be true especially among the retired clergy in Mityana diocese. Prior to this study however, there was a scanty literature related to poverty and its influencing factors among retired clergy, the literature has been cited in generic terms tackling retirees in general. Three objectives i.e. To investigate the Individual and diocesan related factors influencing poverty among the retired clergy in Mityana diocese, To explore the prevailing living condition of the retired clergy in Mityana diocese and To suggest what the diocese can do to improve the lives of the retired clergy guided the study. The study findings revealed that Poverty rates are high among the retired clergy in Mityana diocese and this is manifested in the inability of the retired clergy to afford and access health care, inability to obtain basic needs and living in dilapidated houses. It’s on the basis of the study findings that the researcher adopts an amendment to reduce clergy retirement age to 55 years to allow for retirement with enough vigor to more productively and one to carry out business ventures. The church through the directorate of education could also consider inculcating a unit on entrepreneurship in the current theological training curriculum. That will not only inculcate entrepreneurship skills among the to-be clergy but also stimulate them to start up enterprises before or after training.
An Investigation of the Church’s Response to Premarital Sex: With Specific Reference to Rugyeyo Archdeaconry, Diocese of Kinkiizi of the Anglican Church of Uganda (2013-2023)
(Uganda Christian University, 2023-08-22) Naume Kanyesigye
This study aimed at investigating the church’s response to premarital sex with specific reference to Rugyeyo Archdeaconry, Kinkiizi Diocese of the Anglican Church of Uganda. The study was guided by the following objectives: finding out the causes of premarital sex in Rugyeyo Archdeaconry, examining the effects of premarital sex in Rugyeyo Archdeaconry and establishing the Church’s response to the problem of premarital sex in Rugyeyo Archdeaconry, Diocese of Kinkiizi. The descriptive research design was used: both qualitative and quantitative research approaches were utilized. Data was collected using a questionnaire and interviews with the teenagers, their parents, the Church leaders (the Clergy and the Lay Readers). The Probation Officer and some Police Officers in Rugyeyo Archdeaconry, Diocese of Kinkiizi were also interviewed. The causes encompass socio-economic disparities, peer pressure, lack of awareness, emotional vulnerabilities, and external influences, reflecting the intricate interplay of various factors driving teenagers towards premarital sexual relationships. The effects range from early marriages with potential developmental setbacks, increased abortions and health risks, stigmatization, high birth rates with fatherless children, high school dropouts, to loss of self-respect, and exacerbated poverty. These effects emphasize the urgent need for holistic interventions that can support education, healthcare, empowerment, and emotional well-being. The Church's responses highlight a multi-dimensional approach encompassing spiritual guidance, education, counseling, empowerment, community engagement, and policy advocacy. In conclusion, these findings collectively emphasize the importance of tailored, collaborative efforts that address the root causes, mitigate the far-reaching effects, and create a nurturing environment where teenagers can make informed, responsible decisions about their relationships and sexual health. Finally, the study recommended implementing comprehensive sexual education programs to provide teenagers with holistic knowledge and life skills. It suggests integrating practical tools with spiritual guidance through workshops and counseling, promoting responsible decision-making. Collaboration with local authorities is advised to ensure accessible healthcare services, reducing health risks. Community awareness campaigns should challenge stigmatization, while employment opportunities and vocational training can address economic pressures.
The Role and Significance of Bishop Amos Betungura in the Growth and Development of Ankole Diocese 1970-1992
(Uganda Christian University, 2023-09-01) Job Anzimurire
ABSTRACT This study aimed at assessing the role and significance of Bishop Amos Betungura in the growth and development of Ankole Diocese from 1970 to 1992. The study was guided by the following objectives: establishing Bishop Amos Betungura’s early life and church ministry; examining Bishop Amos Betungura’s contributions towards church leadership in Ankole Diocese; and assessing Bishop Amos Betungura’s vision for Ankole Diocese. The study adopted a qualitative, descriptive approach that utilized content analysis. Secondary sources of information from the UCU Old Library and St.James Cathedral, Ruharo, and Mbarara were used. The study findings revealed that Amos Betungura, a man elevated from a poor home background in Rwampara district, contributed a lot to Ankole Diocese in particular and Uganda at large. In his religious and academic circles, Amos served Ugandan society wholeheartedly for twenty-two years, from 1970 to 1992, as bishop of Ankole Diocese. As regards his church ministry, Amos strived to uplift religious work in the diocese; he established theological colleges and emphasized more training in other trades for a future and better church. He is well known for having trained clergy, crowned many canons, and increased the number of archdeaconries and parishes in the diocese. Economically, Amos established projects like the diocesan ranch, carpentry, health centers, hostels, afforestation, grain mills, a vocational institute, and a church community center that have contributed to the development of the diocese. It can therefore be concluded that Bishop Amos Betungura attained great achievements as a Bishop of Ankole in his tenure, although he also faced some challenges like any other person. It can also be concluded that his vision for the Church has been achieved to a great extent by the people he left in charge, especially his predecessors, although much more needs to be done to fully achieve his vision for the church. Therefore, it is recommended that Ankole Diocese continue to build on the foundation that Bishop Betungura laid during his tenure. Ankole Diocese should also continue to foster this spirit of collaboration with various stakeholders, such as the government, NGOs, and other religious denominations, to ensure sustainable development. Ankole Diocese should also continue to prioritize education by providing scholarships, improving school infrastructure, and hiring qualified teachers. Finally, Ankole Diocese should continue to support programs that empower communities economically, such as microfinance, agriculture, and vocational training.
The Influence of Clergy Selection and Training on the Mission of the Church in the Province of Uganda: A Case of the Diocese of Kampala, Southern Archdeaconry
(Uganda Christian University, 2023-09-04) Florence Tayebwa Matama Muhwezi
The mission of the church constitutes its centerpiece and therefore deserves utmost attention from its custodians, the spirit in which this study was conceived. The study investigated the understanding of the mission of the church, strategies of Clergy selection and training and an assessment of the influence of the Clergy selection and training approaches on the Mission of the Church in the Diocese of Kampala. A case study design was used involving both quantitative and qualitative approaches with sample size of 45 respondents. Data was collected using both simple random sampling and purposive sampling techniques. Questionnaire survey, interviews and observation with their corresponding tools were the methods of data collection. Quantitative data was presented and analyzed using descriptive statistics while thematic analysis was used to present and compute qualitative results. Findings revealed that ministerial formation in the Diocese of Kampala was initiated by a strict policy-oriented panel that executed its mandate through excellence-driven interviews. Thereafter, the successful candidates were enrolled for theological studies in Church of Uganda approved Seminaries/institutions that treasure academic excellence too. Interestingly, most people in the Diocese of Kampala believed that upholding the Mission of the church was largely the role of the Bishop, Clergy, and top Church Administrators. This was found to be quite burdensome to the Priesthood but did not threaten the mission of the church in the short run. Church leadership was found to be male dominated, yet women played a very significant and active role in the pursuit of the mission of the church such as in prayer and children’s church ministry. Most people in the Diocese of Kampala were found to have the right perspective of ecclesiology but in practice, they appeared to be very inward looking and consumed with the wellbeing of their individual congregations. Furthermore, the Diocese of Kampala perceived the mission of the church largely to be the preaching of the gospel and evangelism. Discipleship and social action were very low on their conceptualisation of the mission of the church. The study recommends that the Diocese considers deliberate mentoring and apprenticeship in shorter or theological education by extension among other approaches as options besides the long theological studies. Church leaders in Diocese must and should deliberately revisit policy and strategy to better engage and ensure meaningful participation of the laity in the pursuit of the mission of the church and make intentional effort to harmonise the divergence between their perception of ecclesiology and practice. In a nutshell, ministerial formation in the Diocese of Kampala was largely through formal seminary theological education. This was reported to produce ministers considered to be effective in pursuing the mission of the church at least in the short run. However, a deliberate effort was needed to equip and involve more laity through mentorship and short theological training to ensure sustainability of ministry that pursues and sustains the mission of the church.
The Influence of Pentecostal Preaching on the Growth of Faith Among Christian Youth in Kampala City-Diocese of Kampala
(Uganda Christian University, 2023-09-05) Brian Nsubuga
The study assessed the influence of Pentecostal preaching on the growth of faith among Christian youth in Kampala city-diocese of Kampala. The purpose of the study was to assess spiritual growth in faith of youth based on true and genuine worship as established by the Bible. This was further achieved by the objectives of the study which were; to establish the nature of preaching in the Pentecostal churches, to analyze the effects (positive & negative) of Pentecostal Preaching to the youth and to assess the contribution of Pentecostal preaching to the growth of faith of the youths. This study was carried in the Diocese of Kampala and in some of the Pentecostal churches that are in Kampala city. Research findings showed that a good number of pastors do not always refer to the scriptures. They refer to scriptures rarely or occasionally. That the nature of preaching is motivational, not necessarily on the kingdom of God because they have to make sure that the Christians are empowered economically. There are effects both positive and negative by these churches that; the churches have kept the youths involved in church and at least they are not involved in illegal activities as it would have been. On the other hand, The Pentecostal churches do not have a system of teaching and mentoring pastors so as to control hem just like the Anglican and Catholic Churches do. The Pentecostal type of preaching has made the youth to think that those praying in the Anglican or Catholic Church are not born again. It was recommended that Traditional churches should create projects which will empower the youths so that they do not move to other churches because they may get a job there. That traditional churches should be involved fully in community empowerment. This would help the youths to be stable other than looking for miracles from other churches. That the Church should also respond to current needs of having a vibrant church that rhymes with scripture. They should blend so that the youth can feel embraced. That the interreligious council of Uganda should see that the Pentecostal churches at least have a theme running throughout the year so that it minimizes on preaching whatever everyone wants to deliver. And that the interreligious council should make sure that it is a must for pastors to go to a recognized institution for theological training so that they are equipped.
An Exploration of Financial Control Practices in the Selected Church of Uganda Dioceses of Central Uganda
(Uganda Christian University, 2023-09-21) Wasswa Asaph Senoga
This study explores financial control practices within the Church of Uganda dioceses of central Uganda, employing an Interpretivist paradigm approach and semi-structured interviews with diocesan secretaries and diocesan treasurers. It explores strategies employed to mitigate financial fraud, evaluates the effectiveness of these strategies, and identifies factors contributing to financial malpractice within the church context. The exploration of strategies to mitigate financial fraud revealed several control measures, including vigilant supervision, auditing, segregation of duties, ethical training, transparency, clear policies, promotion of honesty, structured authorization processes, and physical control measures. The evaluation of the effectiveness of these control strategies highlighted their positive impact on transparency, minimized financial risks, and responsible financial management. Challenges in implementation included resource limitations, stakeholder resistance, data privacy concerns, and the complexity of monitoring a large number of volunteers. Additionally, the study unveiled various factors contributing to financial misconduct, such as financial pressures, low remunerations, greed, family expectations, compensation issues, technological proficiency, and organizational culture. It also identified trusting church environments, deficient segregation of financial responsibilities, and limited financial resources as opportunities exploited by church personnel in perpetrating fraud. In conclusion, this research significantly contributes to our understanding of financial control practices within the Church of Uganda dioceses in central Uganda. It not only sheds light on both effective strategies and persistent challenges in mitigating fraud but also highlights the critical need for improved financial governance within the church community. Recommendations stemming from this study include the implementation of enhanced training programs for church personnel, particularly in the areas of ethics and financial management. Additionally, it suggests the allocation of more resources to support robust financial control measures and the establishment of independent oversight bodies to monitor financial practices within the church. These measures, if adopted, can help safeguard the financial integrity of religious organizations and promote responsible stewardship of resources. Furthermore, future research can explore similar themes in different denominations or religious traditions to build upon the foundation laid by this study.
Spiritual Nourishment and the Rehabilitation on Inmates: A case of Luzira Prisons, Kampala
(Uganda Christian University, 2023-09-22) Ephraim Kyomukama Byamukama
The study aimed at investigating the use of spiritual nourishment in the rehabilitation of inmates; a case study of Luzira Prisons, Kampala. The study was guided by the following objectives which are; To identify the main challenges faced during spiritual nourishment in the rehabilitation of inmates in Luzira Prisons, and To establish the interventions by chaplains during spiritual nourishment while rehabilitating inmates in Luzira Prisons. The study was carried out using a case study research design where qualitative research approach was used. The data was collected using interview and focus group discussion guides and during the data collection, where purposive sampling method will be used. A sample size of 44 participants was used. The study established the main challenges faced during spiritual nourishment include: the transfer and release of chaplains, lack of enough time, language barrier, failure to interpret the bible, and negative attitude towards rehabilitation. On objective two the study established that the main interventions carried out by chaplains include: putting in place an open door policy to allow inmates to fellowship, and study the bible, facilitating peace and reconciliation between inmates and prison staff, conducting bible study lesson, ensuring continuous spiritual counseling. The study recommends that the chaplaincy should be provided with more resources to strengthen the chaplaincy activities in prison. Other recommendations can be found in the study in chapter six.
Reward Strategy and Employee Commitment Towards Organizational Development: A Case of Church Workers in Ankole Diocese
(Uganda Christian University, 2023-09-25) Dickson Nuwamanya
Employees are the most valuable and important assets for any organization including religious organizations. Given their significant role in strengthening many people, especially during tough times, rewarding church workers is of significant importance not only to the church/believers but also staff themselves. The purpose of this study was therefore to find out the relationship between reward strategy and employee Commitment towards organizational development among church workers in Ankole Diocese. Specifically, the study sought to establish the current reward systems used by church workers in Ankole Diocese, to assess the positive and negative contributions of the current reward systems on commitment of church workers towards development in Ankole Diocese. The study used a descriptive survey research design which exploited a quantitative approach to collect data from church workers in 14 parish churches in two (2) Archdeaconries of Ankole diocese; Deanery and Greater Mbarara in Ankole Diocese. A sample size of 134 church workers was randomly selected from the 2 archdeaconries out of which only 120 workers responded to questionnaires as the main instruments for data collection. Data analysis was aided using SPSS and results presented as descriptive statistics. From the analysis, the study revealed that there is a very wide deviation in perceptions of fairness of the financial and non-financial rewards received by church workers, with most employees perceiving the rewards as unfair. However, the findings revealed that a good reward system motivates employees to work hard and exhibit all their skills and efforts to effectively and efficiently perform their duties and meet their targets instead of involving in counterproductive work behavior. This in turn improves employee commitment and productivity and job satisfaction as well as reduced labour turnover. The study however revealed that a poorly structured reward system can result in high labour turnover and low level of productivity among employees since it reduces their morale and commitment towards work. The study concluded that if Ankole diocese does not review the reward system to provide adequate and fair rewards to church workers, it is likely to contribute to conflicts and dissatisfaction among workers which can have a detrimental effect on employee productivity, performance and commitment towards church development. The study also concludes that employee rewards can be an effective tool for improving employee performance among church workers in Ankole Diocese due to its ability to prevent counterproductive work behavior and improve employee productivity, job satisfaction, commitment, and loyalty to the church where they serve and the diocese in general. The study therefore recommends Ankole diocese to review the pay structure in a way that it ensures all church workers are reward fairly and equitably without discrimination.
Digitization of the Church and its Effects on the Clergy: a Case of St. Luke's Church Ntinda, Kampala Diocese
(Uganda Christian University, 2023-09-25) Simon Katuba
The study topic was digitization of the church and its effects on the clergy: a case of St. Luke’s church Ntinda, Kampala diocese. Three research objectives guided the study and these were:(i) To establish how digitization enables the clergy to spread the gospel in the church of Uganda. (ii)To assess the barriers to the digitization of ministry in the church of Uganda (iii) To examine the coping mechanism used by the clergy in the digitization of ministry in the church of Uganda. A qualitative research design was employed taking a purposively selected sample of 43 participants. The study found that digitization enabled the spread of the gospel despite existing barriers such as technological glitches and financial constraints. The barriers were solved by coping mechanisms which included learning information technology skills, availing recorded preaching to the Christians on the CD.
Effect of Civil Conflicts on the Development of the Church: A case of the Episcopal Diocese of Yei, (Anglican Communion)
(Uganda Christian University, 2023-09-25) Emmanuel Charles Lokosang
The stand of this thesis is to examine the effect of civil conflicts on the development of the church: A case of the Episcopal Diocese of Yei. The study was directed by three main objectives: 1- it investigates the causes of civil conflicts in South Sudan, 2 - it assessed how civil conflicts affect the development of the church, 3- it examined strategies devised by the Church to maintain its development amidst civil Conflicts in South Sudan. And then it explores theological reflection on the matter. The Church in South Sudan (SS) lives amidst civil conflicts and wars for several decades which affected its life and development. South Sudan is a multiethnic and multi-religious country experienced civil conflicts and wars. Therefore, this thesis helps the church and the community to prevent the emergence of civil conflicts after identifying the causes of the conflicts in the society and how it affects the development of the church and the community for the church to maintain its development awake amidst conflicting civil societies. It makes clear a theological concept of origin of conflicts, the effect of the conflicts on the civil population including the church, and how the church remains progressive. However, this study realized a gap that need further study. The effect of political influence on the social development of the Church as the body of Christ. Effect of ethnic influence on the spiritual growth of the Church as the body of Christ. The gap has its root on the conflict of interest. Which has impact on the Social, economic, and spiritual being of the Church. Most of researches focus on the conflicts within the church and how it affects her development and growth, the role of the Church in conflict resolution and peace building. But few research is done on how the external factors influence the affairs of the Church and affects her state of development and growth, emerge problems to the Church . in this regard, the study established it foundation from this phenomenon based on the theories of conflict emergence and its effects on the society.

Browse

Browsing Bishop Tucker School of Theology and Divinity by Issue Date