Assessment of counselling skills among the clergy : a case study of the Roman Catholic priests in the diocese of Masvingo in Zimbabwe

Abstract

The purpose of this research was to assess counselling skills among the Roman Catholic priests in Masvingo diocese- Zimbabwe. This research took place because the priests encountered challenging situations that called for pastoral counselling skills. The research examined and assessed the competence of the clergy. To carry out this research, a survey of 40 priests and 50 parishioners was undertaken. The methods used to collect data were the questionnaire and unstructured interviews. The research structure began with the general introduction, followed by several themes discussed in relation to the literature on counselling in general, pastoral counselling skills and Christian reaction. After analysing the findings, there was confirmation that there was some lack of counselling skills among the clergy. In conclusion, the study recommended a thorough training and supervision in pastoral counselling. This includes the engagement of experts in psychological and pastoral counselling skills.