Male clergy violence against their spouses in the Presbyterian Church of Mozambique - a new theory of Praxis

Abstract

Background Women around the world have been denouncing gender injustice as a tool that merit critical analyzes and that hinders peace and justice. Therefore, the silence of the Church on the issue of Violence against Women is identified and challenged in the present study throughout the face of clergy’ wives in the Presbyterian Church of Mozambique. About the study The research is aimed at raising awareness that women and specially clergy’ wives in the PCM are living under violence and abuse perpetrated by their ministers and husbands, as Poling says, “The very people whom they thought they could trust” (1999: ix). The research is done by exploring the following key questions: <ul> <li>What causes the Church to be silent regarding male clergy violence?</li> <li>Why is it that the Church never addresses the problem of violence and abuse by clergy in church and at home?</li> <li>Violence and abuse among clergy’ homes is solved by transferring the male clergy family to another church. Is this process a better solution for solving the family and church problem? Or is it a holistic approach to healing the congregation?</li> <li>Why are clergy’ wives and the Christian community silent about violence happening in their midst?</li> <li>Which Pastoral Care model is needed to address and challenge this issue?</li></ul> The findings The research revealed existence of, among others: <ul> <li>Physical, psychological, spiritual, economical and sexual violence;</li> <li>Deceive, betrayal, discrimination and stigma;</li> <li>Lack of: Vision, education, formation, information, salary and houses;</li> <li>Weak notions of sin</li> <li>Complacent silence</li> <li>Biased notions of discipleship</li></ul> The challenges are: <ul> <li>To speak out; to challenge the Christian, cultural and traditional teachings that are harmful to women; Empower women; provide care; and to transform the patriarchal structures and systems of oppression.</li></ul> Conclusion and recommendations VAW is recognized to be a threat to life in all its aspects. Global and sector based efforts are needed in order to end it. Therefore, the Church is urged to work in a coordinated fashion with all sectors and stakeholders and to build partnerships as to be able to meet the objectives.