THE EFFECTS OF PARENTAL DIVORCE ON NURTURING CHRISTIAN CHILDREN IN NAMIREMBE DIOCESE, A CASE OF MENGO ARCHDEACONRY, UGANDA.

Abstract

The present study examined the impact of parental divorce on the nurturing of Christian children in Namirembe Diocese, Uganda. In addition, Offspring exposed to parental break up in Namirembe Diocese encounter momentous contests, comprising expressive and emotional technical hitches, due to the collapse of customary family configurations and principles. In addition, the contemporary study further adopted a mixed-methods approach. Therefore, the study employed both qualitative and quantitativedata paradigms. In relation, the study consisted of 57 participants and data was collected from Clergy, counsellors, Teachers, children from divorced families, as wellas guardians. The participants to the study were designated using purposive and convenience sampling techniques. In addition, current study further reveales that parental separation has a deep and protracted emotional bearing on Christian children, resulting into mental state of loneliness, sadness, anxiety, anger, and low self-esteem. In relation, study reveal that, the effects can spill over into their divine lives hence, triggering some to qualm God's affection and righteousness. In relation, the study further established that, divorce obstructs with the social progression of children, exposing them to isolation, stigma, poverty, and poor academic performance. The study identified positive and negative coping mechanisms employed by Christian children, including prayer, reading the Bible, finding peer support, and opening up to trusted adults. However, faith and community resources were not equally distributed, and developmental pastoral and education interventions were needed to improve the resilience of children and inhibit the formation of maladaptive coping mechanisms. The findings have policy implications for child welfare and family support programs, advocating for child protection policies and family strengthening initiatives that incorporate psychosocial and spiritual support systems for children in divorced families. The research recommends collaboration between the government and faith-based organisations in planning and implementing child-centred programs to support Christian children affected by divorce.