The Moravian Church Response to Domestic Abuses among Couples in Tanzania: A case study of Mbeya Municipality, with special reference to (Wa) Ndali and (Wa) Nyakyusa traditions (Comparison and Contrast)

Fumbo, Clement Donard (2013) The Moravian Church Response to Domestic Abuses among Couples in Tanzania: A case study of Mbeya Municipality, with special reference to (Wa) Ndali and (Wa) Nyakyusa traditions (Comparison and Contrast). ["eprint_fieldopt_thesis_type_phd" not defined] thesis, The Open University of Tanzania.

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Abstract

This study investigated the Moravian Church’s response to domestic abuses among couples in Mbeya Municipality. The aim was to find out the nature, causes and reasons of domestic abuses and the measures taken. The study utilized ecological systems, systematic theology and anthropological theories. The methodology employed included: field work research in collecting and analysing data through quantitative and qualitative methods; SPSS was partially used as a processing, classifying and one of the presentation techniques; sample size was around 600 respondents randomly selected from the eligible adults men and women; those married, divorced, widowed or about to get married including church ministers. The study has revealed that since the Moravian theological teachings, theoretically, do not condone domestic abuses and Moravian members worldwide share the ‘same’ background of Moravian traditions and teachings that encourage respect and dignity for every individual person. Then the Moravian Church in local settings and Mbeya Municipality has not significantly been able to contextualise from the original teachings of the Church and is in need of adjustments. Hence, diversity of cultures and traditions has a direct influence on the Moravian Church traditions and teachings in the local settings; as such condoning domestic abuses systematically. Essentially, the Ndali and Nyakyusa traditions and other ethnic groups have a direct impact on how the Church operates in the study area, basically, on the principle that the husband is the head of the family. Literary, the Church is a more likely to be a patriarchal institution as long as males are more privileged than women in domestic abuses are. Therefore, the study suggests that through redefining, redesigning and reformulating its teaching and practice by discussion with African cultural values the church will elucidate their views on domestic abuses and identify unhealthy cultural values that condone ill-treatment to women and discourage them. Through the above initiatives, it is likely that the good African values will be taken on board for a better Church and a better world to live. The study further recommends that more women practitioners and researchers should be involved to examine cultural influences on domestic abuses in African families and Tanzania in order to acquire a balanced picture. Finally, it is high time for both men and women to work together to make a difference in the Moravian Church by involving more women in decision-making and authority organs.

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