As Christians we strive to live up to the imperatives of our faith through our spirituality and theology, the base for our decisions and activities. This life-long, on-going process is sometimes hindered by our doubts, our failures and our bewilderment, especially when new phenomena occur. In the beginning of the HIV pandemic many, especially in the secular world, saw our churches as part of the problem, and not as a part of the solution. Many forgot, and still forget, that it was Christian hospitals who cared for the people with AIDS, both in Kampala and New York, when secular hospitals shunned them and did not want them as patients. HIV has mobilized churches in many more ways than we know and understand. In many parts of Africa, where HIV has hit communities particularly hard, women are caring for orphans, both own relatives and other. They do this because of their faith. Community’s resilience against HIV is based on faith. More and more of all churches leaders are taking active part in HIV related issues, and there is a tremendous interfaith collaboration around HIV, something which is not very well known.
CUAHA has relentlessly worked on HIV Competence since it started in 2002, and is now one of the most dynamic and effective networks of churches in Africa. The way it connects people and churches over the borders is an outstanding example on ecumenical collaboration. Ecumenical cooperation HIV related issues is not easy to achieve. CUAHA's members have, however, managed to move past their differences and towards a common goal: a society where everyone is free to participate, the most vulnerable are cared for and no one is denied their rights because of their HIV status.
As our Christian lives, HIV Competence is something we strive for. We do not one day pass an exam and can say that we are competent. New issues constantly challenge us and we have to adapt and learn. "Towards an HIV and AIDS Competent Church" will assist both churches and people of other religions to start dealing with intricate issues around human sexuality, prevention, stigma, advocacy, empowerment, liturgy, leadership and healing; all central in our Christian lives and not confined to HIV only. It is my hope that this publication will reach out to the many who need it and that this truly ecumenical document will inspire many both in CUAHA and outside it.
Rev. Dr Samuel Kobia
General Secretary
World Council of Churches