The history of conflict in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Zimbabwe (ELCZ) has had negative results for the life of the church. This history has seen at its best the disintegration of the strongest social cords that ever existed, including the indigenous resources ubuntu and ukama. In the communal life of the Shona and the Ndebele in Zimbabwe, the concepts of ukama and ubuntu challenge, in a neighbourly way, negative views that people hold against each another. This position is strengthened by Luther’s teaching on neighbourliness through the metaphor of “becoming a Christ for your neighbour.” This metaphor expresses the deeper relationship that exists within members of the same faith shared with those outside their boundaries. Luther’s notion of neighbourliness can be combined with the local resources to achieve unity and break tensions within the local communities in Zimbabwe. Divisions and tensions tarnish human identities and mar the future potential of people in the country in general. Besides, the tensions and divisions distract the vision and purpose of the church in society. An indigenous African theology of unity can be constructed to counter the dehumanization of humanity. This study attempts to construct a local theological framework of unity that can guide the ELCZ in the continuing divisions and tensions that exist. / Thesis (M.Th.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 2010.

Despite efforts by the government, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), faith-based organizations (FBOs) and churches, the HIV epidemic remains one of the major challenges in Zimbabwe. Its impact cuts across all sectors of life and society. The context of HIV in Zimbabwe reflects that the economic and political decisions and policies have contributed to the spread of HIV. The spread of HIV is also exacerbated by some socio-cultural practices in that context. Among these socio-cultural factors are marriage practices, stigma and discrimination. This study is an investigation of the response of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Zimbabwe (ELCZ) to HIV and AIDS. This is done through analysis of the ELCZ HIV and AIDS policy document (ELCZHAP). The ELCZ HIV and AIDS policy document is analysed by using the “HIV competent framework” (Parry 2008:20) in an attempt to understand the strengths and weaknesses of the response to the HIV epidemic by the ELCZ. From this analysis the policy document shows that the ELCZ has some competence but it needs to be strengthened in order to address socio-cultural and political factors, as well as improve engagement with government policies. The study reveals that the ELCZ lacks a comprehensive theological discourse in responding to HIV. Through this investigation, recommendations are made in order to strengthen the ELCZ HIV and AIDS policy document and indicate areas needing further research. / Thesis (M.A.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 2013.

This study investigated the attitudes of church leaders towards their perceived leadership roles in HIV prevention, using a sample of 85 clergy and lay leaders. Working from the premise that churches concentrate on care and support instead of HIV prevention, data were collected from Lutheran church leaders in Zimbabwe, using a questionnaire based on the constructs of the theory of reasoned action. The findings of this study suggest that the church is a potential source for HIV prevention. However, the capability to lead in HIV prevention was limited by barriers due to self-efficacy and cultural constraints, differences between communicator and audience, experiences and perceptions of the communicator and to some extent, institutional constraints. Programmers should focus on removing the barriers faced by the church leaders to improve their ability to lead in HIV prevention and strengthen prevention efforts. / Sociology / M.A. (Social Behaviour Studies in HIV/AIDS)

This study investigated the attitudes of church leaders towards their perceived leadership roles in HIV prevention, using a sample of 85 clergy and lay leaders. Working from the premise that churches concentrate on care and support instead of HIV prevention, data were collected from Lutheran church leaders in Zimbabwe, using a questionnaire based on the constructs of the theory of reasoned action. The findings of this study suggest that the church is a potential source for HIV prevention. However, the capability to lead in HIV prevention was limited by barriers due to self-efficacy and cultural constraints, differences between communicator and audience, experiences and perceptions of the communicator and to some extent, institutional constraints. Programmers should focus on removing the barriers faced by the church leaders to improve their ability to lead in HIV prevention and strengthen prevention efforts. / Sociology / M.A. (Social Behaviour Studies in HIV/AIDS)