Bachelor of Arts in Theology

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Pastoral Care for The Homosexuals in The Church With Reference to Zimbabwe.
(Tangaza University College, 2004) Mukupo, Xavier
The problem of homosexuality is a daily phenomenon in our contemporary society today. Homosexuality is found through out almost all the cultures and many religions as well. It is also found in all classes of people rich and poor alike. In Chapter One of this research I am going to look at definition and myths and misconception of people of a homosexual orientation. I am going to look at Africa in general and then keep my focus to Zimbabwe. In Zimbabwe I have talked to people of homosexual orientation at Gays and lesbian Zimbabwe Offices in I larare. I talk with one man was a general one but I was able get very vital information. I also got pamphlets, their constitution and a book to help to understand them. 1 am going to see if this problem was imported from Europe, as many people would say. Court cases reported show that as early as 19'h century the problem was already there. I wilt also look at prisons and schools and see if they contribute to this dilemma. I will also look at what happens at Gays and Lesbian Center in Harare. To be homosexual is not easy so I will treat the challenges of being homosexual in a country like Zimbabwe. I will them look at the issue of gay marriage and child adoption which is a hot issue these days. In Chapter Two, I am going to give the theological reflection. Basically. I am going to look at the bible. What does it say both in the Old and New Testaments? It is condemned through and through. Human beings are meant to be co-creators since they are created in the image ad likeness of God. The Catholic Catechism and the Magisterium is very clear as regards to the problem of homosexuality. Ihe Magisterium has a moral position and it talks about the dignity of human person and finally the discrimination against homosexuals. At the end of this chapter I will look at what the Church say on the Gay marriages and child adoption. In my last chapter, which is chapter three. I am going to give the pastoral reflection on the issue of homosexuality. Homosexuals need to be cared for pastorally. This is a special case and must be handled with care. These people need to be accepted without judging them but empathizing with them. No one fully understands their plight therefore we need to be kind to them We can also use the Theology of the Cross in order to help them to realize that they are not suffering alone hut with the crucified Christ. I will give sonic recommendation to help these people. Some of the recommendation have been used elsewhere and have proved to some extend to be hdpful. At the moment I know not a parish, which is handling this issue, but it is important to he prepared for this problem. Homophobia makes it hard for people to come out and seek help from priests and other competent people.
The Phenomenon Of Democracy And Its Impact On The Church: A Theological Reflection on the Church as People of God And a Communion of Believers with Equal Dignity and Specific Calling.
(Tangaza University College, 2003) Magwidi, Fanuel
When one hears of the phenomenon of democracy vis-à-vis the Church, what often comes to one's mind is: "But the Church is not a democratic institution! The Church can never be a democracy! There is no democracy in the Church, even though the Church may encourage civil governments to embrace democratic principles!' Whether these criticisms or remarks can be justified or not, is not the concern of this paper. Our main objective here is to see how the phenomenon of democracy experienced in the civil and secular society. impacts on the life of the Church. Our premise is that even though the Church is hierarchical in structure which means that power and authority in the Catholic Church are always related to, and proceed from the ultimate source of it's life, who is Christ Himself, and exercised by those who chosen by him, still when we look at the civil or secular society, people's perception of decision-making, authority and 'ministry' is rapidly changing. This unavoidably impacts on the life of the Church. The notion of democracy is not such an alien concept after all. In as much as the Church is a Divine institution, founded not by human beings, hut by Christ, still we have to bear in mind that the Church has also a human dimension. It exists in the world. Therefore, it is both a human and divine institutition. Since people live in the civil society, (in the world). the social ideologies, such as democracy, that are operative there, will definitely influence their outlook of life. What this paper aims at is to see how the Church. after carefully scrutinising the signs of the times, and having discerned the action of the Spirit in the world, can try to correlate itself through its members and as an institution with such movements like democracy. In other words, we intend to see how some good democratic principles already operative in the civil society can be utilised in the day-to-day life of the Church. Even though the Church "may not be a democracy". still the Church leadership, and indeed the whole People of God, can embrace some of the democratic ethos of participation, consultation, collaboration and co-responsibility without fearing that it will contradict the hierarchical nature of the Church's leadership. With this in mind, we begin our Chapter One by exploring and examining the phenomenon of democracy in the civil society. We shall look at the various theories and foundations of this phenomenon. We shall also outline the diverse principles operative in an ideal democracy. Yes, we admit that democracy can be a utopia. Like any other political and social ideologies, it has its setbacks and problems. Nevertheless, as an ideology and also a culture for our time, we realise that it is quite attractive and we could say that it is here to stay for an unforeseeable future. Also when we look at some of its characteristics or principles, some of the shortcomings become eclipsed. In Chapter Two, we shall reflect quite extensively on the phenomenon of the Church as taught by Vatican II. Basically, we shall highlight the fundamental understanding of the Church as the People of God and a Communion of Believers with equal dignity and specific calling. We shall focus our discussion on the two essential principles of equality and diversity among the people of God. These principles will prompt us to reflect deeper on the questions of the Church as a 'religious' community, but also a social institution, and how people in that community and social institution actually gather, configure and structure their common life. In Chapter Three, we shall look at the Church's practical life vis-A-vis democracy. In this section we shall not only look at the liturgical ministries that the laity can play within the Church, but also the secular sphere. The laity have a big responsibility in the civil society where they live, as members of the People of God. By their exemplary lives and their influence, they could be the moral conscience of the society. Therefore, by utilising the gifts and expertise of the laity, the Church can become relevant to the society and also be effective in its mission. Indeed the work of the laity in the Church, wherever they could be, is an essential and irreplaceable component of the mission of Christ.
Is The Place and Role of Women in The Community and Gospel of Matthew Reflected in The Church Today? With Special Reference to Ting'ang'a Parish in The Nairobi Archdiocese-Kenya.
(Tangaza University College, 2002-02) Thuku, David Mwaura
Who are the cornerstones of our church? Is it men as tradition has it or women who are considering themselves as forgotten partners in the Roman Catholic Church that is patriarchal, pyramidal and male defined. The question of women's place and role in the church has acquired particular importance in recent times. The growing volume of important literature addressing this concern indicates the significance that is being attached to this question in the present decade. It is one of the pressing pastoral problems and issues facing the church today. Lane says, " Anyone who is remotely in touch with pastoral rumblings will realise how serious the question of women in the church has become in recent times"! Okure writes: This issue of women's place and role in the church and society constitutes, perhaps the single most important theological question of our century. Indeed, some scholars2 have compared it to the question of the Gentiles in the early days of Christianity. Not surprisingly, as arguments rooted in scriptures were used to sustain the practice of forcing Gentiles to undergo circumcision as a condition of salvation, so too today, scriptural arguments are advanced to justly the age-old practice of excluding women from certain leadership and ministerial roles in the church. Until today, despite the ongoing debates, literature, seminars, workshops and conferences on women's role in the church, and despite the new biblical studies and new interpretation about the church community as a discipleship of equals4, the church is still holding a very rigid position regarding the type of ministry women can exercise. Women are not only the silent majority but they are also the silenced majority.5 A story is told of St. Bernard, that one day while he was praying before the altar of the Madonna, Mary suddenly opened her mouth and began to speak: 'Be silent! Be silent'! St. Bernard cried in desperation; 'women are not allowed to speak in the Church."6 The response of St. Bernard seems to be the same response of the Roman Catholic Church to all women. No wonder this year's theme on Women's International Day, Women breaking the Silence7, though a fitting theme, left many asking the major question, to whom do women break their silence? To whom do they tell their story when those meant to hear it are either blind to it, or do not care?8 This shows that they have little to celebrate. However, Pope John Paul II offers some hope to these silenced and marginalised women when he declares, "The hour is coming in fact has come, when the vocation of women is being acknowledged in its fullness, the hour in which women acquire in the world an influence, an effect and a power never hitherto The Pope affirms that women too are called and elected by God.1° Ironically there are still so many roles in the church that women are denied." The Catholic Church is invited to discover an appropriate role for women. Unless this happens the Church will continue to face this critical issue. Both women and men should therefore have more than a passing interest in this issue. This essay, therefore, endeavours to be my contribution to the noble and worthy cause of women's role and place in the hierarchical Catholic Church. It intends to offer an encouragement to those women who are working for self-empowerment and to have their voices heard.I2 achieved
Integral Role of the Church In Alleviating Poverty in Kinshasa (D.R.C.)
(Tangaza University College, 2002-03) Tilimbini, Kikay
The paper is entitled: "Integral role of the Church in alleviating poverty in Kinshasa." Its aim is to analyze the reality of poverty in Kinshasa, to diagnose the causes, and to seek ways to alleviate poverty. Due to many factors, Kinshasa and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) at large is facing poverty. A lot of Kinshasa's inhabitants lack basic needs: they lack educational facilities, live in poor housing conditions and environment; face hunger and have inadequate medical care, etc. All these are manifestations of poverty, which have created difficult consequences in the lives of the people of Kinshasa. Some of these are an increase of HIV /AIDS, crime, crises in family life, especially the crisis of faith. Poverty is somehow an obstacle for people in uniting themselves with God. It is therefore the task of every inhabitant of Kinshasa to work for both personal development and that of the whole nation. The Church in particular, being the extension of Jesus who came to liberate the poor, must carry out the mission of addressing this poverty. The Church in Kinshasa must enable the people to work towards their well-being. The Church must promote all aspects of human life. If our preaching, theology or faith are to make sense, we must be sensitive to the needs of the present day. Spiritual life must be supported by physical life as well.
Begging: A Challenge to the Church in Kenya.
(Tangaza, 2002-02) Oduor, Maurice
Human life is a gift from God, the sole Creator of all that exists (Genesis 1:27- 28). For this reason, it is something precious which has to be handled with great care. Nevertheless, at times this care is so minimal that more often than not, each person is more concerned about his / her own welfare and not of the other. The world is full of Cainine attitude. The Lord asked Cain, where is your brother Abel? He answered, I don't know. Am I supposed to take care of my brother? (Genesis, 3: 4-9). Cain knew the injustice he had dealt his brother and was not ready to take responsibility even over his dead body. In the world today, it is a matter of survival for the fittest. News of war and refugees seeking for a place to settle occupy a considerable space in the daily newspapers. For instance, the Afghans fleeing their country in fear of the United States of America attacks, the killing of Israel tourism minister Reharam Zeevi followed by Israel threats to Palestine that Arafat must hand over the assassins or face harsh retribution. Kenya, for example, hosts thousands of ref-Lines from various countries such as Rwanda, Burundi and Somali. Situations of war lead people to become destitutes while others, even though not real destitutes still want everyone to know that they have problems hence in need of help. One of the Little Sisters of St. Francis dealing with refugees had this to say, When people are displaced by war, they become desperate psychologically so much that even those that are able to do some work simply sit to be dished with money, food and clothing freely. According to them people should help them and so they keep knocking at the office for assistance'. Begging can be an attitude in a person. All in all, whether people beg out of the desire to acquire more, or out of real need for basic provisions, the truth of the matter is that, begging is a reality today particularly in the third world countries. This becomes a big challenge to the Church whose mission is that of Jesus as He described it, The Spirit of the Lord is in me. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to set free the oppressed and announce that the time has come when the Lord will save His people (Luke 4: 18-19) The Church exists so as to continue the mission of Christ and therefore faces the challenge of finding ways and means of bringing hope to the hopeless, particularly to beggars scattered all over the world.
The Impact of Women Development in the Church: Case Study of the Catholic Women at Holy Savior Parish, Kafue Zambia
(Tangaza University College, 2011) Sanicalimba, Kelly
This essay is intended to show the dignity of women in today's society by studying the impact of the service of women in the development of the Church and the society at large. This case study intends to show how women are actively involved in the process of development of the Kafue Parish in Zambia in the Archdiocese of Lusaka. It has been my concern to find out how women have been contributing to the development of the Church in Zambia. In this particular instance, I have looked at a particular case that will give an overview of the role of women in the development of the Church in Zambia. A case study of my Parish, Kafue in Zambia was what I came out with to help investigate this scenario. For sometime, I would say 15 years; I have seen great improvement in the way women are trying to contribute to the development of the Parish. As the number of women joining various organizations that exists at the Parish has steadily increased. I have been asking myself why this is the case. Fifteen years ago it was not like that. This has been my experience and that is what the parishioners who have been attending the Parish are also asking. I AM interested to know what cultural values were embraced at that particular time and if at all they were in conflict with values held by the parishioners and the teachings of the church. What then has changed that their development efforts are being recognized? I am motivated to find out what these channels are that women currently have employed in their contributions to the development in the Church. Have they overcome some stigmatizations or rather stereotypes that were there in the past years? We will also investigate what contributions women have made in the whole area of leadership in the church. We will further look at its theological and sociological implications. It is my view that this paper will also help in further research concerning women in the church.
Social Teaching Of The Church:A Survey On Disarmament And Nuclear Weapons (From " Pacem In Terris To" Centesimus Annus")
(Tangaza University College, 2006) Nkurikiyinka, Francois-Xavier
By its very nature, the church is missionary. The church continues the mission or the work of Jesus Christ through the Holy Spirit, according to the plan of God. Jesus sent his disciples into the world to continue his own saving mission. The church has indeed an apostolic mission of proclaiming and witnessing to the Kingdom of God as Jesus did. The church carries out this mission in different places and different situations of this world. This is why in her mission the church is always looking for a language adapted to different cultures and situations of people. How can the church preach the same Gospel to rich and poor people, educated and illiterate persons, sick and healthy people, oppressed people and their oppressors? How can the church accomplish effectively her mission in this changing world? It is indeed the mission of the church to bring the Good News of Salvation to all people all over the world. The Church's message must reach out to transform all aspects of human existence in this world. Thus, when the church is speaking up for social issues is not meddling in affairs, which it should not be dealing with. When the church is speaking up for the human dignity, human rights, peace, unity, human work, etc, it is always fulfilling her mission. Even though the ultimate end of the Church's mission is the eternal life, this mission has to do with temporal life as its way to eternal life. Consequently, the church should not remain silent on social issues, which are affecting the daily life of the people of God throughout the world. The church's mission is not limited to the spiritual dimension of life; it should reach and transform the whole human being, made of both spirit and matter. The Gospel itself on which the church's mission is based is about God becoming man to embrace all human realities. Created in God's image, the human being is called to reflect that image in his/her daily life. In fact, the church has been given the mission of safeguarding the transcendence of the human person. Being rooted in the very mystery of creation, the church's mission is a divine mission in its very nature. However, even though the church should be involved in different social issues due to her mission, it should always transcend every political or economic system because of the nature of her mission. Thus, to be involved in social issues is one thing and how the church should be involved is another one. Indeed, the church leaders have been intervening in different social issues from the early church. However, the official Catholic Social Teaching" dates from the Pope Leo XIII's encyclical letter "Rerum Novartun", issued in 1891. From Pope Leo XIII to the current Pope, Benedict XVI, the Catholic Social Teaching has developed very much. Today's world peace situation will be at the heart of this study. Peace is indeed among the very sensitive social issues of our modern world where the presence of different types of weapons remains the main source of violence, wars and different armed conflicts. The attacks of terrorists and the risk of nuclear war are increasing day after day. The proliferation of illicit small aims, light weapons and nuclear weapons has become a big threat to peace in this 21st century.
An Empirical Study on Abortion and Rape As The Major Challenges Facing the Kenyan Church Today
(Tangaza University College, 2006) K. Rutatinisibwa, Edwin
Throughout history Women have experienced various levels and diverse forms of violence. We hear of several incidents of sexual and domestic violence against women. It is believed that, women in our societies have been exposed to exploitations, discriminations, abuses and frustrations among others. Abortion and rape in Kenyan society have been increasing everyday. Problems facing women are not confined to those in traditional societies. They extend to the so called modern societies too. In Kenya nowadays, rape is one of the most worrying realities confronting females. It is shocking that daily there are incidents of rape and abortion being reported. The serious social impacts of such a situation poses, a major challenge to the Kenyan Church. Every individual by nature has to pass through various stages in life. It is unavoidable for a human being to live without challenges and problems in his/her lifetime. Always changes bring growth and make the individual become mature. The Church, which fights for equality and human rights in order to bring peace and justice all over the world, has a lot to do as far as Kenyan Society is concerned.
The Youth's Search for a Home in the Church a Pastoral Challenge In The Church's Mission to the Youth
(Tangaza University College, 2001-02) Luis Dimba, Joao
In the encyclical on the Mission of the Church, Redemptoris Missio, Pope John Paul IT includes the young in the list of priority issues of mission ad gentes. Mission to the youth of this "New worlds and new social phenomena" is being carried out in a "complex and changing reality2 and there are more than enough signs suggesting that the youth lack Christian communities that are sufficiently mature to help them live their full potential. Many youth in the Church need "re-evangelisation" or "new-evangelisation" because, although baptised, they have either not yet developed or have lost a living sense of their faith and they truly live a life far removed from Christ and from his Gospel? The Church has "not yet taken root in the youth." And, the culture of the youth has "not yet been influenced by the Gospel."4 Hence, the youth are still searching for a home in the Church. The urgency of mission to the youth cannot be ignored because both the present and the future of the Church belong to them. On the other hand, the youth, besides having special needs and requiring special approaches they have the right to know God and what He has done for them and for all in and through Christ.'
The Persecuted Church Of Sudan
(Tangaza University College, 2001-02) Tabu Ochung, Joseph
When I started to go deeper to understand better the problems of the Sudanese Church and the Islamic government of Khartoum, I wasjuzzled by the discriminations taking place in the Sudan. I stayed with the Sudanese Christian Communities in the northern Sudan-Khartoum, in the refugee camps in Kenya and Uganda experiencing the hard life poverty, diseases, famine and other difficulties Christian have from the hands of the Muslims. The atmosphere I lived in was all about questions, why are all these persecutions done to the Sudanese Christians and when shall the Sudanese be free? The Church in Sudan remains a Church of consolation and hope to its people. The Christian community in Sudan lives in its communities by teaching, communal life, sharing the joy and the sufferings, helping one another, celebrations and prayers like the early Christian community (Acts 2:42-47). Seeing and experiencing all that the Sudanese have undergone while their faith unites them inspired me to choose this topic, "The Persecuted Church in the Sudan": the present challenges in the Christian communities in the Islamic state. This long essay has been the chance for me to research more for my future work in the evangelization and missionary work in the Sudan or wherever I might work world-wide. From my present way of thinking in this long essay, I want to look at some of the questions that can help me answer the problems of the Sudanese Churches between Christians and Muslims, for example: What is the cause of the war between Muslims and Christians? What can the Church do to encounter and to overcome these challenges and difficulties? Are the other Christian denominations in the world relevant to solve the Church crisis in the Sudan? These questions are to help and accompany me work the theme of "The Persecuted Christian Religion in Sudan". For more than forty years Sudan has been experiencing civil wars, which have caused untold suffering for thousands of people. During these civil wars which have continued from the very moment of the country's independence in 1956, the Christian religion has suffered the blows and effects of the wars. 11tis is because, the Christian religion has spearheaded the move to preach about the social injustices effected by the Islamic religion. So without any prejudices the Church in the Sudan is persecuted on religious grounds. The Church's problem in the Sudan I shall present in this long essay, to show how the Church has been discriminated by the Islamic government of Khartoum, especially the Christians in the South Sudan. The Muslims prevented the Christians from worshipping God fully and from continuing with Christian evangelization, actions which are meant to categorize them as the second class citizens. In addition, the Islamic government oppresses their fellow Muslim tribes of the Beja Arabs, the Adandawa tribe, and the tribes in the Eastern Sudan from becoming Christians. The Objective of this long essay is to present the main challenges of the Christian Churches in the war areas in the Sudan, to reflect on some of the notorious of biblical suffering, the Church teachings and the theological aspect of the Church's evangelization. In the first chapter I shall present the history of the Christian Church in the Sudan, its origin and how it has continued to be persecuted by the Muslims under the Islamic laws. The second part of Chapter One, I will present the growth of the Christian Church through evangelization and martyrdom. In the second chapter, first part, I shall look on the use of the evangelization through the use of language translations and how they are a help in any process of evangelization in the South Sudan. The second part of chapter two, focuses on agents to the evangelization and the challenges the Christian Church faces in the formation of priests, laity and pastors. Also the question of the Christian refugees in exile will be discussed, especially the help given to the people by the Church leaders. While in the third and final chapter, which is "The Christians and Muslims Inter-Religious, I will focus on the Christian-Muslim Initiative to solving the country's religious crisis through "Dialogue", Inter-Religious dialogue as an act to know and to understand the exercise of religious freedom. This is the result arising from the necessity of dialogue for bringing peace and unity among the Sudanese communities. In the second part there is a reflection on the Sudanese women the initiatives of Muslims and Christians contributing to bring about justice and peace through the formation of women associations, such as the WAG (Women Association Group-Khartoum) and SWAN (Sudanese Women Association in Nairobi). I hope this long essay will be a benefit to the readers, especially those missionaries who want to research more work with the persecuted of the Sudanese Churches. This text is also a key to understanding the Christian life in the period of hardships in African Christian Churches.

Bachelor of Arts in Theology

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