[procaare] Where is the voice of the church?

[AIDS2002 <procaare@usa.healthnet.org>]

Where is the voice of the church?
***************************

Currently there is a severe lack of sessions exploring the role of the churches and
faith-based organisations in HIV/AIDS prevention, treatment and support.

Strategies of Hope recently launched their newest publication, Journeys of Faith. At this
launch Dr Lucy Steinitz from Catholic AIDS Action presented ten reasons why there is a
need to focus more on the role of churches in the fight against HIV/AIDS.

* Churches reach further than any other institution in Africa. For example, Namibia is 95%
Christian, mostly affiliated with mainline churches, and prevention and outreach programs
in only four denominations make it possible to reach 70% of the population.
* Churches fill a critical partnership role with the government, a role both groups
recognise. For example, in Uganda both government and churches now preach the ABC
(Abstinence, Be faithful, Condoms) approach to prevention. Together this led to a delay in
the average age of onset of sexual activity by Uganda youth, which is attributed to the
decline in HIV rates of infection in Uganda.
* By contrast to several church-based organizations, many national governments have been
slow moving in providing leadership or new initiatives to fight against HIV. Churches have
a level of flexibility that governments don't have.
* Faith based churches fill a critical gap in civil society.
* Spirituality is very important to African people. The church is a good entry point for
serious issues.
* Churches are already providing much of our countries HIV-related leadership, education
and outreach.
* Church structures are sustainable for long term community outreach, education, and
support. Churches won't go out of business and have the potential sot support long-term
change.
* Churches maintain moral authority and espouse values of compassion, care, and youth
outreach. People listen to church leaders.
* Churches possess a reservoir of volunteers, local leadership and youth activists.
* Many African countries have ecumenical relations across church denominations, including
several national inter-church AIDS initiatives.

Key Correspondent
Health & Development Networks

AIDS2002 Conference
Barcelona, July 7-12, 2002

Email: correspondents@hdnet.org
Web: http://www.hdnet.org

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