The Catholic Charismatic Renewal Movement in Kenya: A Case of the Catholic Diocese of Meru, 1996-2022
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Date
2023-05
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Kenyatta University
Abstract
The emergence and widespread of the Catholic Charismatic Renewal Movement (CCRM) is clad with opportunities and challenges. It has attracted admirers and eritics in equal measure. Moreover, it is facing resistance from parish priests who accuse its members of defiance, causing divisions, confusion, and suspicion among the faithful. This study sought to survey the historical development of the CCRM in the Catholic Diocese of Meru (CDM), as well as the challenges encountered by this movement. It was guided by the following objectives: to assess the history and development of CCRM in CDM from 1996 to 2018; to explore the distinctive features of CCRM in the CDM and to establish the challenges faced by the CCRM in CDM. The study employed the Rational Choice Theory. This theory argues that religion and its systems compensate humans while human beings themselves are viewed as actors who act rationally as they make their best choices. Thus, they calculate costs and gained benefits. The research study used a descriptive survey design whereby opinions of the CCRM members across CDM on the origins, features and challenges of CCRM in the CDM were gathered. The study targeted a study population that comprised of 4,091 CCRM members drawn from the 9 deaneries in CDM. The sample size was 352 respondents drawn from CCRM members, their leaders, priests and a bishop. The study stratified the population into deaneries from where three parishes per deanery were sampled using simple random sampling. Then systematic random sampling was employed to obtain five CCRM members from the sampled deaneries, totalling to 352. The study also used stratified and purposive sampling to select three leaders from every sampled parish resulting to 81 leaders. One parish priest was purposively selected. This gave 27 priests and one bishop of CDM. Six CCRM members were selected through simple random sampling totalling up to 243 members. On data collection, questionnaires, interviews and POs were used. Specifically, the study used questionnaires to obtain data from members and leaders of CCRM, while interviews were used to gather qualitative data from the Catholic bishop and parish priests. A PO guide was used to collect information on how CCRM members carry out their activities. Validity and reliability of the instruments were tested before actual data collection. A reliability coefficient (r) of 0.734 was obtained; hence, deemed reliable as the coefficient fell within the recommended range of above 0.7. Quantitative data was analysed and findings presented using frequency distribution tables, means, percentages and standard deviation with the aid of computer software; Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). Qualitative data collected through interviews and POs was analysed thematically. According to the study findings, CCRM has distinctive features, they include: prophesying, carrying out exorcism and deliverance services, speaking in tongues and praying for healing of the sick. The challenges the movement experiences included: inadequate resources, defection, and social unacceptability. CCRM started in CDM in 1996 and has continued to spread and grow. The study recommended that members of CCRM should work together with the Church leadership to ensure that they receive the required support.
Description
Thesis Submitted to the School of Law, Arts and Social Sciences in Partial Fulfilment of the Requirements for the Award of the Degree of Master of Arts in Religious Studies of Kenyatta University, May 2023.
Supervisor
Philomena Njeri Mwaura
Zacharia W. Samita