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African Church leaders share concerns on AIDS
2003-021-6
2/3/2003
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[Episcopal News Service]
More than 35 Anglican Church leaders from across Africa converged in Uganda last month for a crucial workshop on strengthening church leadership for HIV/AIDS prevention and care.
The meeting, which was the first of its kind in bringing together representation from all Anglican provinces in Africa, was aimed at enhancing the capacity of church leaders to plan and implement effective HIV/AIDS activities in their churches and communities.
Among the key points of deliberation were how to remove stigma facing HIV-positive people, encouraging home-based care and reduction of HIV prevalence through behavior change.
The workshop was officially opened on January 27 by the Prime Minister of Uganda, Apollo Nsibambi, who underscored the critical role of church leadership in the fight against AIDS.
'We as governments of Africa urge you, religious leaders, to continue playing your traditional and divine role of caring and providing spiritual support to those infected and affected by AIDS,' he said.
He also called on the church to take a proactive approach in advocating HIV/AIDS preventive measures.
Archbishop Livingstone Mpalanyi-Nkoyoyo of the Church of Uganda commended the government for working closely with the Anglican Church and other faith-based organizations, saying the church has the benefit of a good grassroots network and a captive audience.
The workshop was organized by the Council of Anglican Provinces of Africa (CAPA) and drew resource people from Africa, America and Europe. All the Anglican provinces in Africa were represented in the workshop.
As the host nation, Uganda provided participants with a rich showcase for the progress it has made in addressing stigma, reducing HIV transmissions and promoting family based care.
The workshop deliberated ways of realizing the vision of the Anglican Church in Africa, which is to see future generations born and living in a world free from AIDS.
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