The Catholic Church and the Zimbabwean Crisis: A Critical Reflection on the Catholic Church’s Response to the Plight of the Oppressed

Author

Nelson Virimayi Nyamayaro

Date of Award

5-2020

Document Type

Thesis - SCU Access Only

Publisher

Santa Clara : Santa Clara University, 2020.

Degree Name

Licentiate in Sacred Theology (STL)

Director

Julie Hanlon Rubio

Abstract

In this thesis, I argue that the formation of consciences strategy adopted by the Catholic bishops of Zimbabwe in response to the political and economic crisis in Zimbabwe has not been sufficient in helping those who suffer oppression. The approaches of liberation theology and the capabilities approach of Martha Nussbaum are compatible and can work together to push Catholic social thought further on the subjects of solidarity and human dignity. Therefore, there is need for the Catholic Bishops to also concentrate their efforts on challenging oppressive structures and defending the capabilities of those who are victims of political and economic oppression through advocacy. I rely on the framework of Catholic social thought to demonstrate that it is appropriate for the Church to engage in advocacy to liberate those who are oppressed.

Recommended Citation

Nyamayaro, Nelson Virimayi, "The Catholic Church and the Zimbabwean Crisis: A Critical Reflection on the Catholic Church’s Response to the Plight of the Oppressed" (2020). Jesuit School of Theology Dissertations. 62.
https://scholarcommons.scu.edu/jst_dissertations/62