AN INVESTIGATION OF FACTORS THAT AFFECT MORU WOMEN IN THEIR CHRISTIAN WITNESS:

Abstract

The purpose of this research is to investigate what affects Moru Christian women in their Christian witness. The idea is to find out these factors so that suggestions can be made on how to effectively involve women in Christian witness. Women form the largest part of the population in South Sudan and they are also the majority members in many of the churches, as for example St. Andrews Parish the church which this research investigates. This research was carried out using qualitative research methods where 50 people filled out questionnaires, and 12 were interviewed. The researcher also used participant observation for data collection. After the data was analysed, it was discovered that their understanding of Christian witness influenced the way Christian witness is done at St. Andrew’s parish. However, there are some positive factors that if women use adequately will enable them to witness. These include being prayerful, God-fearing, counsellors, and caring people. The fact that the church encourages contextualization of songs and the increasing numbers of women in the church are all positive factors. Amongst the negative factors are the attitude towards women who found themselves in a polygamous marriage, belief in evil spirits and witchcraft, extended bereavement period, lack of training, the low place of women in the society, lack of knowledge amongst others. One of the conclusions is that women are interested in Christian witness but they need to be trained in how to do it. Since there is a willingness on their part, they will be able to do it if the church can address some of the negative factors that are hindering them.