The Implementation of the Isiseko Sokomoleza Hiv/Aids Programme in the Diocese of False Bay: a Critical Theological Investigation
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THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE ISISEKO SOKOMOLEZA HIV/AIDS PROGRAMME IN THE DIOCESE OF FALSE BAY: A CRITICAL THEOLOGICAL INVESTIGATION Desmond J. Lambrechts Student Number: 8322440 Dissertation submitted in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of D. Phil in the Department of Religion and Theology Faculty of Arts University of the Western Cape Supervisor: Dr Miranda Pillay And Prof Ernst Conradie Date: May 2019 1 http://etd.uwc.ac.za/ ABSTRACT The multidimensional nature of the AIDS pandemic continues to pose challenges within all spheres of society, for example health and religion, human rights, social development politics, economics, human sexuality, and Christian theologies - in particular, the pastoral and caring ministries, as well as the educational ministries. Its multidimensional nature is further exacerbated by factors of, stigma, gender power-relations, poverty, and violence against women and children. The Anglican Church of Southern Africa, in particular the Diocese of False Bay, has responded to the challenges relating to stigma reduction through many programmes, campaigns and workshops. Despite the implementation of the Isiseko Sokomoleza HIV/AIDS Programme in the Diocese of False Bay, it has had a limited impact on reducing the stigma associated with HIV/AIDS. As such, stigma remains a critical challenge in the pastoral response of the Church. In light of this observation, the question pertinent to this research project is; “What are the most significant reasons for the limited impact of the Isiseko Sokomoleza HIV/AIDS Programme in the Diocese of False Bay?” The framework of Practical Theology, with special emphasis on pastoral care and counselling, will be used as the theological framework to explore the reasons for the limited impact. In order to achieve this goal, the Primary Healthcare Model (2012) introduced in Brazil and Cuba was utilised. This does not imply that HIV/AIDS is only a medical problem, on the contrary, this medical model of implementation assists the pastoral model of the Church to analyse the reasons for the limited impact of the Isiseko Sokomoleza programme. Through a combination of both quantitative and qualitative strategies, the study focuses on the some of the most critical reasons for the limited impact of the Isiseko Sokomoleza HIV/AIDS programme. The data from the questionnaires and interviews conducted in the Diocese of False Bay, the findings of this study was analysed through the Primary Healthcare Model (Brazil and Cuba) and the pastoral model (Louw). Despite the implementation of the Isiseko Sokomoleza HIV/AIDS programme to reduce stigma, my observation is that it has a limited impact. The findings also identified the need for a theologically centred pastoral response (praxis), not only to the AIDS pandemic, but also to all future ministries in the Diocese of False Bay. The pastoral intervention being proposed is particularly to educate congregants and community who are the i http://etd.uwc.ac.za/ perpetrators of stigma. Some recommendations, informed by the findings, are presented for the Church to implement pastorally driven ministries that will reflect its identity, mission and witness. The Church will therefore continue to fulfil its calling to be an agent of care and healing to its members as it is well placed to implement pastorally driven ministries that are theologically well researched. Ultimately, this research endeavours to broaden the knowledge base in the theological discourse, for an effective, efficient and affordable/ sustainable pastoral care model. To this end, the context and relevance for this study is offered, stating the problem statement, hypothesis and methodology. A descriptive overview of the structures of ACSA, in particular the Diocese of False Bay, is provided. The implementation of the Isiseko Sokomoleza Programme, as well as its flaws and challenges are explored. The reasons for the limited impact are investigated through interviews and questionnaires, analysed through the Primary Healthcare Model (Brazil & Cuba), and the data interpreted through the theological discipline of Practical Theology (Pastoral Care and Counselling). ii http://etd.uwc.ac.za/ KEY WORDS/ PHRASES ACSA response Health and Religion Isiseko Sokomoleza HIV/AIDS programme Limited impact Pastoral care and support Primary Healthcare Model Stigma iii http://etd.uwc.ac.za/ LIST OF FIGURES AND TABLES Figures Figure 1: Does your Church have an HIV/AIDS ministry? Figure 2: If yes, do the parish leadership, clergy, and organisations support the HIV/AIDS outreach programmes? Figure 3: Is there a person responsible for co-ordinating the HIV/AIDS ministry in your congregation? Figure 4: Is the HIV/AIDS ministry part of the overall programme of the congregation? Figure 5: Does your congregation have a workplace policy in place for its members who are HIV/AIDS positive? Figure 6: Is there a special task team in the congregation to provide oversight, leadership, and direction to the programme, if any? Figure 7: Are you familiar with the Isiseko Sokomoleza programme? Yes /No Figure 8: If yes, where did you hear about the programme? Figure 9: Has your parish introduced the programme? Yes/No Figure 10: Were you as a parish involved in the process towards the implementation of the programme? Yes/No Figure 11: Have you received funding for the Isiseko Sokomoleza project? Yes/No Figure 12: Did you receive training in programme management, financial management, or writing reports? Please elaborate. Figure 13: Name a few programmes you have introduced since the implementation of the Isiseko Sokomoleza Programme in your congregation. Figure 14: What, in your opinion, were the changes or impact brought about by the programme? Figure 15: Why did the programme come to an end? Figure 16: How often do you hear sermons preached on HIV/AIDS? Figure 17: Is stigma and discrimination being highlighted in the sermons with special reference to HIV/AIDS? Figure 18: Have your routine liturgies incorporated and addressed HIV/AIDS? Figure 19: Are special prayers being offered for those living with HIV/AIDS and affected by it? iv http://etd.uwc.ac.za/ Figure 20: Are members living with HIV/AIDS included in the planning of programmes for the care and support groups? Figure 21: Has your congregation mainstreamed information on HIV/AIDS in the following organisations? Figure 22: Does your Church have safe spaces for people who want to share their experiences? Figure 23: Do you know of people in your Church who are HIV positive? Figure 24: Are you aware of any Church leaders who are HIV/AIDS positive? Figure 25: In your opinion, do they feel supported and welcomed in the congregation? Figure 26: Are members being encouraged to undertake the HIV/AIDS test? Figure 27: Does your parish provide on-going counselling and support to those who have declared their status? Figure 28: Are you having discussions on HIV/AIDS in your congregation? Figure 29: Do you see a link between your programmes for HIV/AIDS and the Church? Figure 30: Should the Church get involved in matters of poverty, gender, care and support? Yes /No Figure 31: Does your Church write reports on HIV/AIDS programmes? Figure 32: Are those reports shared with the members of the congregation? Figure 33: Do you have home based care groups? Figure 34: How often do they visit the homes of the members in need of care? Figure 35: Are there opportunities for testing in your support group or Church? Figure 36: Do the leaders or members know where the testing is being done? Figure 37: Is the congregation connected to the testing site and do they refer people there? Figure 38: Do members feel their information is being kept confidential by the Church leadership or the care group? Figure 39: Can couples, where one member is positive, receive advice and support from the Church? Figure 40: Do you use your Church buildings for the promotion of HIV/AIDS related work, for example schools, clinics and hospitals? Figure 41: Is there a budget devoted to the work for HIV/AIDS in your congregation? Figure 42: Did you receive donor funding from sources inside and outside SA to sustain your AIDS ministry? Figure 43: Has the lack of resources closed down your care and support ministry? Figure 44: Is your care and support group reporting to the parish council, social development department, health committees or any other body? v http://etd.uwc.ac.za/ Figure 45: Can you sustain your project without funding? Figure 46: Do you need funds to reach out and care? Tables Table 1: Respondents’ responses to question seven vi http://etd.uwc.ac.za/ DECLARATION I hereby declare that The implementation of the Isiseko Sokomoleza HIV/AIDS Programme in the Diocese of the False Bay: Critical theological investigation is my own work, that it has not been submitted before for any degree or assessment at any other university, and that all the sources I have used and quoted, have been indicated and acknowledged by means of complete references. Full Names: Desmond Johan Lambrechts Date: October 2017 Signature…………………………………..… vii http://etd.uwc.ac.za/ ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS & DEDICATION “To God be the Glory, great things he has done.” This journey was made possible through the many people who supported and encouraged me to complete this research project. This acknowledgement is a token of my deep appreciation and gratitude for their unselfish support. To Dr Miranda Pillay, who has acted as my supervisor during this project and believed in my ability to take on this challenge, I offer my heartfelt thanks and gratitude for her professionalism, guidance, leadership, and encouragement throughout this study. At the same time I thank Prof. Ernst Conradie, who stretched my vision and scope of this research far beyond my own understanding of what was required of me. Your academic excellence and willingness to assist is highly appreciated.