https://cris.library.msu.ac.zw//handle/11408/51 2026-04-08T11:32:09Z https://cris.library.msu.ac.zw//handle/11408/6875 Title: On pfukwa/mhvuko and the Ndau Christian Dilemma: A Case of the United Church of Christ in Zimbabwe (UCCZ) Authors: Sipeyiye, Macloud Abstract: he article engages with the notion of pfukwa/mhvuko (avenging spirits) among the Ndau Christians using the case study of the United Church of Christ in Zimbabwe (UCCZ). The study was motivated by a recurring question among some members of UCCZ on the phenomenon of the avenging spirits and the plight of the Ndau Christians. The article argues that the Ndau Christian converts are not immune to the effects of the avenging spirits in the metaphysical spaces of the Ndau because of the elaborate notion of collective existence (unthu/ubuntu) that defines the Ndau identity. The article unpacks the notion of pfukwa/mhvuko and its embeddedness in the whole matrix of Ndauness that does not spare the converted Ndau. The article is both a theoretical and empirical qualitative phenomenological enquiry that employs the netnographic research design. It uses the UCCZ WhatsApp social media microblogging site Eya Eya Haiwa Haiwa, to gather data through seminar (group) presentations and discussions. The article utilizes discourse analysis to filter data. It also engages with available relevant literature on the subject. The article uses two theoretical frameworks of unthu/ubuntu, and Goffman’s back and front stage theory to traverse the pfukwa/mhvuko phenomenon among the Ndau. The findings are that the Ndau notion of pfukwa/mhvuko is an existential metaphysical reality among both the Ndau practitioners of indigenous spirituality and Ndau Christians. The study recommends an authentic dialogue between the two spiritualties to build a contextually relevant Christian doctrine of pfukwa/mhvuko. It also raises the challenges that may stifle progress on the recommended trajectory. 2024-01-01T00:00:00Z Sipeyiye, Macloud https://cris.library.msu.ac.zw//handle/11408/6727 Title: Engaging Ngezi Baptist Church on poverty alleviation among women with disabilities in Mhondoro Ngezi District Authors: Mugoni, Grinwell Abstract: This study investigated the role played by Ngezi Baptist Church in Mhondoro Ngezi District to mitigate poverty in women with disabilities. The research employed focus group discussions with girls, women and men with and without disabilities in wards 1, 14, and 16 of Mhondoro Ngezi District. Interview instruments were given to pastors from the same wards. It emerged from the study that there are some positive traits within the Judeo-Christian and Shona cultural traditions inclusive. These positive traits include an understanding of inclusion of persons with disability as part of the society. However, the society (church included) has legitimised negative notions about disability. For example, religions as well as cultural beliefs use figurative or metaphorical language to bolster their views across. Furthermore, mental impairments or illness such as epilepsy are regarded as caused by witchcraft requiring medical intervention strategies like exorcism by special practitioners. The society has tended to perpetuate dominance, stigmatization, discrimination and exclusion of women with disabilities. It is suggested that the Zimbabwe Government and Civic Society could to carry out, enforce and implement legislatures that will assist women with disabilities. The church, using a feminist disability hermeneutical framework can influence a positive change towards the liberation and emancipation of women with disabilities. The investigation noted that disability is a societal construction. Women and girls with disabilities are subject to abuse, exclusion and discrimination as a result of the misconceptions and mythical traditional beliefs and practices. The church can harness its spiritual capital in its commitment to improving the well-being of women with disabilities. 2023-01-01T00:00:00Z Mugoni, Grinwell https://cris.library.msu.ac.zw//handle/11408/6726 Title: Exploring the position of women in the Church of Christ in Zimbabwe: A Case study of Zvishavane District Authors: Dehwe, Tapiwa Abstract: This research investigates the position of women in the Church of Christ in Zimbabwe. It was a case study of the Church of Christ, Zvishavane District. The main objective of the study was to explore the status of women in the Church of Christ in Zimbabwe, show challenges and areas where women in the Church of Christ in Zimbabwe are unfairly treated and to suggest strategies that can be implemented to enhance women’s participation on influential leadership positions, particularly focusing on the Church of Christ in Zimbabwe. The main data collection tools were interview guides and questionnaires. The questionnaires were completed by ordinary church members and face-to-face interviews were conducted with church leaders. The research also used the phenomenological approach to collect data. The research concluded that there is no equal participation between males and females in the Church of Christ in Zimbabwe. The study recommended that the gender activist groups should consider running programs that teach church-going women of their rights. The study also recommends church leaders to deliberate on gender mainstreaming in leadership positions without conditions. They should also consider revisiting and amending their church constitutions to allow full women participation in church activities and leadership positions. 2021-01-01T00:00:00Z Dehwe, Tapiwa https://cris.library.msu.ac.zw//handle/11408/6725 Title: Rethinking the Baptist tradition on women ordination: a case study of the Baptist Convention of Zimbabwe Authors: Chiombera, Richard Abstract: The whole thesis of this academic journey paper focuses on giving a second thought on the Baptist tradition within the Baptist Convention of Zimbabwe by examining the following questions. Why the Baptist Convention of Zimbabwe deny women ordination? What is the position of the church on women ordination? How do the Baptists generally view women in leadership positions? How has the Baptist Convention of Zimbabwe made use of the scriptures in making a decision on women ordination? Is there any role of the local church in the ordination of women since the Baptists believe in the autonomy of the local church and priesthood of all believers? How then is the church seemingly contradicting itself in its beliefs which are liberative, women accommodating and believed to be enacted from the scripture, but in practicality denying women ordination? The contextual bible study method will then be employed to probe the church to proper bible exegesis in a bid to probe for the inclusion of women in the ordination arena. The researcher used the method of surveying the history of the debate in the denomination vis-à-vis historical documents, confessional statements of faith, scholarly articles and books. Also, the writer tried to critically analyse the statements of faith and practice of the convention vis-à-vis their belief and understanding of the scripture. Relevant scriptures used to arrive at their conclusion on women’s ordination are also exegetically critiqued and evaluations are given. Major findings were; the Baptist Convention of Zimbabwe as a church is against the ordination of women based on some scriptural texts which includes but not limited to some Pauline directives to the church in Ephesus and Corinth. However, the church has been called to task in this research to re-evaluate their stand on women on the pretext that their fundamental beliefs and practices in the priesthood of believers, autonomy of the local church are not affirmed and exercised when it comes to the issue before hand and their grave faulty interpretation of scripture which is at question. 2021-01-01T00:00:00Z Chiombera, Richard