A Pastoral Strategy for Addressing Spousal Violence in Northern Accra Diocese of the Methodist Church, Ghana
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South African Theological Seminary
Abstract
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The current nature of spousal violence has been described as a global problem that cuts across culture, class, ethnicity and age. This dissertation explores whether there is spousal violence within the context of the study and primarily aims to develop a pastoral strategy that would help the Northern Accra diocese address spousal violence within its confines. This pastoral strategy is intended to be a practical tool to guide pastors in the study area to address spousal violence. The research establishes the existing features and contributing factors of spousal violence within the study area. This study concentrates on the sociocultural practices in Ghana, the establishment of the Methodist Church in Ghana, and family lifestyle within the study area. A descriptive analysis of spousal violence in the Northern Accra Diocese is established based on the perceptions and experiences of the selected respondents.
Furthermore, a theological, psychological, and sociological normative analysis was established from biblical foundations, the constructs of the self-efficacy theory, and conflict theory. The normative analysis was used as the background for developing the pastoral strategy, which is constructed as an offshoot of the Triple Helix development model to present a realistic and achievable strategy. This pastoral strategy is desirable for the church, especially within the confines of the study area. A general direction is set for the church and its various components to achieve the desired state in the future, which will be effective in such a context. This pastoral strategy is called the Individual, Church, and Community (ICC) pastoral strategy. These three elements addressed spousal violence and proposed preventive measures against it. The findings of this study establish implications for theological education, practice and research. Recommendations were made to Theological Institutions, Northern Accra Diocese, Pastors in Northern Accra Diocese, Communities within Northern Accra Diocese, and spousal violence victims to surmount such a challenge. Ultimately therefore, this dissertation presents a constructive tool for practical implementation to address spousal violence in the said diocese.
Keywords
Methodist Church, Violence, Ghanaians