The Impact of Selected Catholic Teachings On Women Development a Case Study of Kansanga Parish, Kampala Archdiocese

ABSTRACT The major aim of this study was to explore the impact of selected teachings of the Catholic church on the development of women in Kansanga Parish. The study was based on three major objectives, which were; to examine the impact of sacred ordination of baptized men in the Catholic Church on the development of women; to examine the impact of ratified consummated marriage in the Catholic Church on the development of women; to examine the impact of the indissolubility of a valid marriage in the Catholic Church on the development of women. The study employed both quantitative and qualitative methods of research. It involved a total of 430 respondents from the selected zones. The instruments used for data collection included questionnaires, interviews guides and documentary reviews. Findings indicated that women are particularly oppressed and challenged by the teachings on ratified consummated maiTiage and indissolubility of a valid marriage especially in today's developing society and changing times, and this has greatly limited their ability to take part in economic, social and political transformation of the society. The study recommended that; all stakeholders in the Catholic Church need to be more open to the possibility of religious liberation as a means of promoting the growth of all Catholics to religious maturity and conviction; fundamental revision and gradual amendment of the Catholic teachings and laws on ratified consummated marriage be considered to suit the changing society; the authorities of the church need to embark on religious and educational campaigns to raise the awareness of their congregations about their own human dignity and worth, as well as enhancing their critical judgment so that they do not just believe what they are taught or what they presume without being analytical and asking questions.