Bereaved mothers : a pastoral care challenge

Abstract

This research aims seeks to explore pastoral care models for bereaved mothers and to understand the various approaches clergy members use in providing support and care to mothers who have experienced the loss of a child. By comparing different pastoral care models, this research intends to identify effective strategies and best practices that can enhance the support offered to bereaved mothers by the clergy.

The death of a child is the most significant stressor a woman can ever experience. The impact of the death of the child is believed to be long-lasting and perhaps lifelong.

A qualitative approach to the study was appropriate as the data collection could only be drawn through interviews; interviews were conducted with the participants who were clergy of the Anglican Church of Southern Africa and were encouraged to tell their lived experiences. The comparative analysis of the data that compares the lived experiences of the clergy when they pastorally care for the bereaved mothers validated the gap that was noted in the literature review. The integrative model that is proposed and it incorporates elements from theology, psychology and social support to create a holistic approach that addresses the emotional, spiritual, and practical needs of grieving mothers. By utilising this model, clergy can offer comprehensive and tailored support to bereaved mothers, promoting healing, growth, and resilience during their bereavement.

The practical theology field in Southern Africa has under-studied this area of maternal bereavement. It's crucial for the Church to understand the nature of a bereaved mother's grief and how to support her pastorally. Specific ecclesiastical interventions are needed to shape maternal bereavement in practical theology. The study has identified the need for an Anglican pastoral care model that includes four integrated tasks to ensure that bereaved mothers receive comprehensive support in all aspects.