This study will explore and investigate the response of the Free Methodist Church of Southern Africa (FMCSA) to HIV and AIDS in the Southern KwaZulu-Natal region. 116 Table 6: Frequency and percentages of responses to attitudes of the church towards HIV and AIDS and.
Introduction
How they can maximize the use of available resources for the maximum welfare of the community. An overview of the theory used in this study, statements of the problem and objectives, and the methodology used in data collection and analysis will be presented.
Overview of the Free Methodist Church of Southern Africa
Genesis of the Free Methodist Church
Discourses reveal that the members of the Holy Club belonged to the Church of England (Bastian, 1974:7). It is through this expansion of Methodism in America that the mother church of FMC, the Methodist Episcopal Church (hereafter MEC) was founded.
Free Methodist Church in South Africa
In addition to the work in Natal, the mission was also started in the Transvaal (currently Gauteng). However, the change of political management in South Africa was followed by a change in the FMCSA's management.
The FMC‘s Missional Vocation and Commitment for Social Engagement
The Church is also expected to respond to all human needs, whether these are spiritual, social, emotional or physical. The church should not condemn or discriminate against people based on their conformity to church structures or beliefs.
Background and Outline of Research Problem
10 See a detailed illustration of the usefulness of WHCR in times of HIV and AIDS in section 3.3.4. However, no literature or documents were found on the FMCSA's response to HIV and AIDS.
Motivation for Undertaking this Study
The literature appeared to be silent on the analysis of the utility of Wesley's theology and practice in health care in relation to HIV and AIDS and gender. He also wanted to document literature on the potential of the WHCR to address HIV and AIDS and gender issues in a contemporary South African context.
Principal Theory
Problem Statement and Objectives
Brief Methodology
Concluding Remarks and Outline of Chapters
The focus of Chapter 7 is on the relevance of the WHCR in the FMSKZN response to HIV and AIDS. The FMCSA's use of the WHCR as a means of responding to HIV and AIDS will be assessed.
Introduction
Analysis Methods: Foucauldian Archaeology and Genealogy
Second, in the current study, the historical analysis does not necessarily provide the origin, evolution or development of the phenomenon analyzed, but some episodes that indicate shifts. Finally, all the analysis is done with the aim of understanding the current phenomenon of HIV and AIDS in South Africa and the response of the FMCSA.
HIV and AIDS in South Africa
Introduction
Third, the analysis does not excavate unknown or hidden events of the phenomenon, but deals with what is already known and emphasized through previous discourses. In this chapter, the social and discursive analysis concerns HIV and AIDS and its gendered nature in South Africa and the involvement of the FMCSA in responding to this phenomenon.
Emergence of HIV Prevalence
In the next section, these methods will be used to explore the social and discursive context of HIV and AIDS in South Africa. Regarding the emergence of HIV and AIDS in South Africa, it appears that the prevalence rate is increasing in the general population.
Situation of HIV and AIDS
Furthermore, De Waal and Whiteside (2006) consider HIV and AIDS in South Africa to be a Darwinian event. The last section of the answer to the question relates to the response to HIV and AIDS in South Africa.
The Gendered Nature of HIV and AIDS
Introduction
Emergence of HIV and AIDS among Males and Females
However, it reached 39% among women aged 20 years while it was 8% among men of the same age. The higher early prevalence of HIV in females than males was also confirmed by studies conducted by Parker and Hajiyiannis (2008:7) in Orange Farm, Gauteng; Laura Myers (2010:21) in South African Higher Education, and the South African National HIV Survey (2008).
Gendered Aspects of HIV and AIDS
This implies that although a gender issue with women being the most affected, HIV and AIDS are a threat to both men and women in South Africa. In summary, the analysis confirmed that women are proportionally most affected by HIV and AIDS.
The FMCSA in HIV and AIDS Discursive Debate
She reflects on the role of shelters in the lives of domestic violence survivors and sets an agenda for the UFMC. These discourses mainly focus on one circle of the FMCSA, namely the UFMC of Pietermaritzburg.
Conclusion
Therefore, this study examines FMCSA's response to HIV and AIDS to argue for the development of more life-saving strategies. Before we discuss the research and findings of the fieldwork, two questions must be asked: Why should FMCSA respond to HIV and AIDS?
Introduction
The second part will argue that the WHCR can be used as an instrument in fulfilling the missio Dei in addressing HIV and AIDS. The final section will argue that the WHCR presents a mission model for equipping the FMCSA for a contextual gender response to HIV and AIDS.
Missio Dei paradigm and HIV and AIDS
- Emergence of Missio Dei Concept
- The Goal, Activities and Agents of Missio Dei
- Missio Dei and Healing
- Missio Dei in the time of HIV and AIDS
- Missio Dei and gender sensitivity
Section one of the chapter will introduce the missio Dei paradigm in the context of HIV and AIDS. Traditionalists claim that God is the source and agent of mission, while the church is God's means (theocentrism).
WHCR as Instrument of Missio Dei in Time of HIV and AIDS
- Emergence of the WHCR
- Motivation and Practice of the WHCR
- The WHCR‘s Relevance of Missio Dei
- The WHCR‘s Relevance in the Time of HIV and AIDS
- The WHCR and Gender Equality
Therefore, in respect of this command to love, Wesley felt compelled to engage in health care, especially for the benefit of the poor33. Another supporting point is that Wesley responded to the obvious problems of the poor who did not have access to the health system.
The WHCR as FMCSA‘s Potential Missional Resource
Despite the problems he experienced in his own family, Wesley, in his holistic ministry, was an advocate for gender equality. In his explanations, he shows that the Gini coefficient is used to measure the distribution of wealth.
Conclusion
Introduction
Geographical Location and Research Population
In FMCSA parlance, preaching point is used for church planting project, church organized for fellowship, and circuit for fellowship. As an example, the FMSKZN Superintendent's report during the 108th Annual Conference held in Edwaleni from 20 to 24 February 2013 determined that women are dominant in the church and that their weakness is seen as such.
Theoretical Paradigm Frame
- System Based on Research Approach
- System Based on Ontology and Epistemology
- System Based on the Goal of the Research
- System Based on the Use of Research
- System Based on the Locus of the Researcher‘s Interest
- System Based on ‗Some Important Theoretical Traditions‘
In terms of the social world continuum, Rossman and Rallis (2012) distinguish two polar extremes of models of society and social process, the status quo and the radical change. On the continuum of the model of society, this study weighs on the side of radical change.
Data Collection Methods
- Use of Written Documents
- Individuals as Units of Analysis
- Research Techniques and Tools
- Sampling
- Interviewing Process
The HIV and AIDS database of the Sinomedo Center based at this school was also put to good use. The church's position on HIV and AIDS and PLWHA, its impact and initiatives for improvement.
Data Analysis and Interpretation
During the analysis, two main categories were identified in FMSKZN's response to HIV and AIDS. Likewise, five themes were identified in the second category: (1) The Church's response to society's attitude to HIV and AIDS; (2) Church response to prevention, care, and treatment; (3) the response to the gendered nature of HIV and AIDS; (4) health and social initiatives that include response to HIV and AIDS; and (5) Church Partnership to Fight HIV and AIDS.
Ethical Consideration
At that conference, they viewed their participation in the study as worthwhile to help improve the Church's response to HIV and AIDS. To meet this requirement, the motivation of the study and the methodology followed in collecting, analyzing and interpreting data were defined.
Methodological Limitations
However, this study focuses not only on a single case of the FMSKZN, but also on the perceptions of selective individuals from different circuits. Therefore, this study is not expected to provide a comprehensive picture of the entire FMCSA's response to HIV and AIDS, but only a glimpse, based on the perceptions of those included in the sample.
Conclusion
Because most church leaders in the FMSKZN have other secular occupations, they were very busy during weekdays and weekends. The inspiration from these assumptions was also extended to the analysis by categorizing the results into themes to interpret them, as well as in writing the research report.
Introduction
Attitude towards the Necessity of the Church to Respond to HIV and AIDS
Poorly Enlightened Approval
First, participants understand that the church should respond because HIV and AIDS is a threat to everyone, including church members. Fourth, participants said the Church should intervene because HIV and AIDS are similar to other diseases.
Reflection on the Participants‘ Attitude towards the Necessity to Respond
- Lack of Theological Rationale and Self-Centred Vision
- Lack of Vision of Prevention and Long-Term Strategies
Participants also offer various thoughts on how the Church should respond to HIV and AIDS. Participants in this study unanimously agree that the Church must be involved in addressing HIV and AIDS.
Attitude towards HIV and AIDS and People Living with HIV and Its Impact
Mixed Attitude
Therefore he notes that the attitude of the Church towards HIV and AIDS and towards PLWHA is negative. In some sessions, the view was held that everything about HIV, AIDS and PLWHA in the Church is negative.
Impact: Reserved Church Community
This extract shows the impact of a negative attitude towards HIV and AIDS and PLWHA in a Christian family. This extract demonstrates the impact of a negative attitude towards HIV and AIDS and PLWHA in the Church.
Critical Reflection on the Attitude to HIV and AIDS and PLWHA and Its Impact
- Retribution Theology
- History of Sexual Ethics in Christian Religion
Therefore, the attitude of the FMSKZN towards HIV and AIDS and PLWHA is mostly negative and leads to this pandemic being associated with the sin of sexual immorality. An effective response of the FMSKZN to HIV and AIDS will be examined in chapter 6.
Knowledge about Gender and Its Influence on the Spread of HIV and AIDS
- Limited Knowledge of the Concept of Gender
- Limited Consciousness of Gendered Nature of HIV and AIDS
- Male and Female as Unequal Perpetrators and Victims
- Critical Reflection: Victims as Responsible
It is clear from this table that in approximately 80% of all sessions, people are unaware of the link between gender and the spread of HIV and AIDS. Therefore, these results reveal the gap in awareness of the link between gender and the spread of HIV and AIDS in the FMSKZN.
Conclusion
Introduction
Response to the Attitude towards HIV and AIDS and PLWHA
Silence in the Church
Interviewer: From what we have been told, this means that the Church is not doing anything about HIV and AIDS. Finally, people are not afraid to talk about HIV and AIDS in the Church; it is only for these above reasons that it is not discussed.
Speculation about the Church‘s Action on HIV and AIDS
For this caregiver, the only contribution the Church has made regarding HIV and AIDS is to ask the youth to convert, instead of teaching them about it. Three cases cited by participants that discussed HIV and AIDS are acknowledged here.
Reflection on the Results: Deadly Silence, Hypocrisy, and Inadequate Attempt
Therefore, there is no convincing evidence that FMSKZN has initiated any form of significant action for HIV and AIDS awareness or improved the attitude of church or community members towards this pandemic. Therefore, from this exploration, it is arguable that FMSKZN's silence on HIV and AIDS and its few efforts to raise awareness convey a positive influence of the attitude of church members or the general community towards pandemic.
Prevention, Care and Treatment
- Inaction of the Church
- Some Individual Initiatives
- Unfunded Project Proposal
- Reflection on the Absence of Action to Address HIV and AIDS in the FMSKZN
- Denial of PLWHA in the Church and Lack of Compassion for Others‘ Suffering
- Isolation and Suffocation of Internal Potential Initiatives
- Dependency on External Donors and Neglect of Local Resources
For this guardian, passivity exists not only in the Church or in the lack of response to HIV and AIDS. Likewise, the lack of monitoring of possible initiatives in the Church marks its inability to respond to the challenge of HIV and AIDS.
Response to the Gendered Nature of HIV and AIDS
Domination of Oppressive Patriarchal Culture
So I'm not sure if the Church is at that stage of [addressing the issue of gender and HIV]. It is reported] in the family, not in the Church [..] I think we should not interfere in those family matters.
The Haven Shelter Project
Reflection on the FMSKZN‘s Response to the Gendered Nature of HIV and AIDS
- Influence of Imago Dei and Mind-Body Dualism
- Influence of the Free Methodist Church‘s Doctrine on Marriage and Family
- Influence of ‘Unholy Trinity‘
Additionally, a member of the Church who has divorced an adulterous spouse or been abandoned by an unbelieving spouse after attempts at forgiveness and reconciliation have been rejected may remarry (FMCNA, 2000:55). For this reason, some participants in this study believe that the Church cannot change the culture.107 It is clear, then, that FMSKZN is embedded in a context that can easily lead its leaders and members to tolerate or promote gender imbalance and thus promote the spread of HIV and AIDS.
Health and Social Initiatives Comprising the Response to HIV and AIDS
Health-related Initiatives
Social-related Initiatives
- Formal Initiatives: Housing, Domestic Abuse Projects, Pastoral Ministry
- Informal Initiatives: Visiting and Social Support
Tackling HIV and AIDS was not identified as an objective of the UCH project (Sheffield and Sheffield, 1998). Therefore, the Port does not qualify as an institution that positively addresses HIV and AIDS.
Attempts at Empowerment
- Gender Equality
- Poverty Alleviation
- Education
- Spiritual Empowerment
However, three aspects deter from stating that these trials in FMSKZN play a role in combating HIV and AIDS. This therefore shows that FMSKZN has no experience in engaging in poverty alleviation as a way of dealing with HIV and AIDS.
Partnership in Addressing HIV and AIDS
Absence of Collaboration
The common sentiment emerging from this study is that FMSKZN has not developed any strategic and systematic partnership as a way to respond to HIV and AIDS. In addition, the Church has sometimes responded to invitations or proposals from other institutions in the context of HIV and AIDS or gender.
Rejection of the EHAIA
Basically, one of the reasons is because EHAIA is a project under the WCC [..] and in terms of confessional biases. This therefore means that while the views of these pastors may disrupt the Church's partnership with institutions such as the WCC, this is not the norm in the FMCSA and elsewhere.
Conclusion
The participants also stated that the church is inactive because there are no PLWHA in the church. Finally, no partnership has been initiated by FMCSA/FMSKZN in response to the pandemic.
Introduction
Relevance of WHCR in the FMCSA‘s Response to HIV and AIDS
Relevance of WHCR in the FMCSA‘s Attitude to HIV and AIDS
Also, in his advice to people, preventive and long-term strategies for better control of the six can be found. Therefore, it is clear here that the perception of the participants of this study does not understand the value of preventive and long-term solutions to the disease.
Relevance of WHCR in the FMCSA‘s Concrete Response to HIV and AIDS
Relevance of Wesleyan Gender Sensitivity in the FMCSA‘s Response to the Gendered
WHCR as Resource to Address HIV and AIDS within the South African Context
Definition of Theological Rationale
Extension of Love and Care to All People
The Fight against Stigma
Development of both Preventive and Restorative Strategies
Development of Holistic Response
Use of Available and Low-Cost Resources
Breaking the Silence on Sexuality
Recognition of and Response to Gender Inequality
Conclusion
Introduction
General Overview of the Study Design
Review of Objectives and their Achievement
Assessment of the Quality of the Study
Validity/Credibility
Reliability/Dependability
Generalisability/Transferability
Reflexivity/Positionality
- Mechanism of Reflexivity/Positionality
- Features of the Researcher‘s Positionality
Contribution to New Knowledge
Identifying the Gaps and Suggestions for Future Research
Summary of Conclusions and Final Statement
Primary Sources
Oral Informants and Interview Transcripts
Unpublished Reports and Working Documents
Newsletters and Magazines
Dissertations
Secondary Sources
Published Books and Book Chapters
Published Journals
Government/Department Reports
Conference/Seminars Papers and Programme Reports
Online Sources
DVD
Ethical Clearance from the University of KwaZulu-Natal
Letter of Introduction
Informed Consent Form
Individual Interview Guide for Church Leaders and Caregivers
Focus Group Discussion Guide for Ordinary Church Members
List of interviewees per circuit
List of participants in FGDs per circuit
Letter of Approval from the Free Methodist Church of Southern Africa
