Organisation and mobilization of the ecumenical church with regard to the AIDS epidemic in the Western Cape

Abstract

Describes the aim of developing a basis for intervention in respect of the church's reaction to HIV/AIDS. The study reveals that people in the church are ignorant about this disease, and also do not know how to react towards people who are infected with and affected by HIV/AIDS. There is a lack of information and awareness regarding programmes that are offered by various churches. Church leaders are also poorly equipped to deal with this matter. The urgency of the matter and the pastoral needs of HIV/AIDS sufferers necessitate the development of a new model - responsible citizenship. The development of this model is discussed and sympathy as a ministry is presented as a new universal pastoral model. A plan of action is suggested.