Documents
- Sexual health awareness calendar, Uganda 2004. Photo: Peter Williams
During the last two decades the World Council of Churches (WCC) has developed a wide range of HIV/AIDS related statements and tools. Some are not in use any more, others are remarkably timeless and still in high demand. The Ecumenical HIV and AIDS Initiative in Africa (EHAIA), which started in 2002 under the WCC's Health and Healing Programme, in cooperation with the All Africa Conference of Churches, has since added publications which are certainly relevant not only for African settings. All these have been assembled here. Most are available in English, many also in French, some in Spanish or Portuguese and a few in African languages, like Lingala, Malagasy and Swahili.
The material includes basic studies and policy statements of church leaders consultations for reflection in the churches and the wider society. A framework for engagement for greater participation of People Living with HIV in the life of the Church has now been added. Practical training and teaching as well as pastoral counselling and liturgical materials are also included.
The HIV and AIDS pandemic in Africa is one which has substantially challenged traditional theological scholarship and pedagogy. Theological institutions now need to equip their graduates with the knowledge and skills necessary to be conversant with HIV and AIDS issues, thus facilitating their effective leadership and participation in efforts to address the pandemic.
By Ezra Chitando
HIV competent Churches
A Framework for Action
This handbook is a framework for action designed for those who have leadership roles in churches, particularly for those who are already involved in responding to HIV. It seeks to explain what HIV competence is, why the need for competence, what is often missing, and to challenge the reader to seek to develop such competence. The principles outlined here are not confined to church leaders and may have relevance to anyone in involved in this demanding field who may feel that ‘something is lacking’.
By Sue Parry