The Evangelical Counsel Of Chastity As A Means Of Living Affective Love In Community Among Religious Women Living Along Lang’ata South Road In Nairobi, Kenya
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Date
2020
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
African Journal of Consecrated Life
Abstract
This study examined ways in which the Evangelical Counsel of Chastity enhances living
of affective love in communities among religious women. The objectives of the study
were: to examine the Evangelical Counsel of Chastity as a means of promoting mutual
trust and openness in living affective love in the community; to evaluate the Evangelical
Counsel of Chastity as a way of enhancing mutual respect and acceptance; to assess
how the Evangelical Counsel of Chastity could reinforce companionship and sharing;
to determine how the Evangelical Counsel of Chastity could facilitate teamwork and
effective communication; and to establish intervention strategies for facing the
challenges of the Evangelical Counsel of Chastity as a means of living affective love in
the community. The study was guided by the Stages in the Development of the
Community Model by Hammett and Sofield (1981). The research used a convergent
parallel mixed method design, which involved the use of questionnaires and interviews.
Quantitative data from the questionnaires was coded, tabulated and presented in
frequencies and percentages. Qualitative data was summarized according to the
emerging themes and presented in narrative form and precise quotes. The findings of
the study revealed that faithfulness to the values of the Evangelical Counsel of Chastity
enhances mutual trust and openness; mutual respect and acceptance; companionship,
sharing, teamwork and effective communication among the sisters. However, the results
of the study also showed some inconsistencies in the understanding of the values of the
vow and its practical living in communities. The study recommends that formators must
engage in continual update of the values of the vow of Chastity as well as incorporating
current theological, psychological and sociological advancements for more effective life of chastity. The study also recommends that major superiors and formators must
intensify formation for Chastity in both initial and on-going formation. Particularly,
they must pay attention to the uniqueness of each individual, impart practical ways of
living affective love in community as well as provide mentorship for consecrated
persons in the living of affective love.
Description
Keywords
Evangelical Counsel of Chastity, Affective Love, Community, Continence, Consecrated Women, Mutual trust, Openness, Mutual Respect, Acceptance, Companionship, Sharing, Teamwork, Effective Communication