The relationship between pastoral care and worship in the context of HIV/AIDS : a study of the development and impact of the liturgical material 'Worship and HIV/AIDS' in selected parishes of the Diocese of Cape Town

[摘要] ENGLISH ABSTRACT: In September 2002, the Anglican Church of Southern Africa authorised a set of liturgicalmaterial for use in the church in an attempt to make congregations aware of the extent of theimpact of HIV/AIDS on the church and the community in the nations in Southern Africa inwhich the CPSA is active. This research explores the relationship between Worship andPastoral Care in the context of HIV/AIDS by examining the development of this liturgicalmaterial and offering a critique of it in the light of the impact it had on a number of parishes.A general review of published material found little with a specific focus on the relationshipbetween Worship and Pastoral Care, and the search was extended to approach thisrelationship from a number of directions in an attempt to find factors that had a bearing onthe hypothesis that the community at worship is the primary point of pastoral care.The hypothesis was examined from two directions. The first considered a biblicalperspective. This approach considered the images of God presented in the Old Testament,a number of the healings of Jesus in the gospels, and Paul's comments on the celebration ofthe Eucharist in 1 Corinthians 11 against the social background of meals shared within thecommunity. The imperative that worship should be inclusive, with a particular emphasis onthe poor and marginalized was established.The second direction considered a theological reflection on AIDS and established a numberof criteria against which the liturgical material could be critiqued. An important section of thiswork considered the impact of prejudice and discrimination that has led to the stigmatisationof those living with HIV/AIDS and their reluctance to disclose their status and needs. Thisremains an important obstacle to the ability of the church to provide appropriate hospitalityand care.Interviews were conducted with the Rectors and leaders of the Parish AIDS Task Teams insix parishes within the Diocese of Cape Town to look at the ways in which the material wasused, and the impact that it had on the pastoral work of those congregations.The liturgical material is then examined in the light of the theological criteria established, andagainst the impact that it had on the pastoral work of the parishes. Particular issuesrecognised in this section were the use of inclusive language and the absence of anyemphasis on Repentance and Confession.The importance to Worship and Pastoral Care of compassion, personal contact with personsliving with AIDS, grace and hospitality are some of the conclusions made. Suggestions weremade for further research and development in terms of stigmatisation, language andappropriate liturgical formation and training.

[发布机构] Stellenbosch University