Effects of divorce on lay leadership roles in the church: A case study of the Roman Catholic church in Suneka parish, Kisii County - Kenya

Abstract

The study was conducted to examine the effects of divorce on lay leadership roles in the Roman Catholic Church in Suneka Parish, Kisii County. The research showed the effects of divorce on lay leadership roles in the Roman Catholic Church. It examined the causes of divorce on lay leaders in the Roman Catholic Church and investigated the Christian's view on divorce. It also determined the possible solutions for divorce among lay leaders in the Roman Catholic Church. The research was conducted through sampling of the lay leaders and church member in the Roman Catholic Church, at Suneka Parish between May 2013 and June, 2013. The study will be of great help to the Roman Catholic Church in assessing the extent by which divorce has affected its lay leadership role in the church. The study target population was 205 Christians consisting of25 catholic catechists, 25 church chairpersons, 25 secretaries and 130 catholic adherents (members) and sample size of 169 of target population which was appropriated through simple random sampling which was used to choose randomly the respondents. The study employed a quantitative approach. The quantitative approach used was a questionnaire. It utilized a descriptive sample survey design, which was largely descriptive. Data was analyzed by the use of frequencies and percentages and were presented in tables. The research revealed that the majority of lay leaders and church members agreed that divorce has become a problem threatening leadership position in the Roman Catholic Church. The Roman Catholic Church lay leaders should ensure that leader hip role i effective and efficient in the Roman Catholic Church. The study recommended that, divorce should be controlled by instituting the bible teachings on divorce, counseling by experts and also the Roman Catholic Church should discourage polygamous within Christians.