AIDS infected church leaders slam discrimination

A three day retreat for church leaders infected with AIDS convened in Mukono, Uganda, this week discussed ways of overcoming the stigma and discrimination associated with the disease.

The retreat was organised by friends of Reverend Canon Gideon Byamugisha, the first serving prelate in Africa to disclose publicly that he was living with HIV, and an advisor to Christian aid agency World Vision.

At the meeting priest after priest freely disclosed they were HIV positive.

Rev Byamugisha said he found the disclosures encouraging.

“There was a time when I asked God whether I was the only church leader living with the virus. Today we can generate strength and encouragement from one another,” he said.

A cross section of the pastors expressed interest to disclose their HIV status publicly, but felt they needed more support to do so.

“I have confided in some of my relatives and friends, and I would like to go public before the year end,” one of the participants said.

World Vision AIDS expert Rev. Christo Greyling said correct information about the disease can be liberating.

He highlighted the challenges he faced from friends who did not want him to publicly announce he was infected, but concluded with a story of hope after he did disclose.

Church of Uganda minister Sam Ruteikara told the meeting it was unfortunate the church had contributed to discrimination against AIDS victims.

“The church, picking from Jewish tradition, teaches that disease and suffering are a sign of God’s punishment against sinners,” he said.

“Moslems teach that incapacitation is God’s way of taming people who would have been dangerous to society.”

Rev Ruteikara decried such teachings and called for support for moves to influence churches with better theology.

“We need to think of alternative scripture teachings and practices that do not heighten stigma and discrimination,” he said.

World Vision Uganda national director Robby Muhumuza told participants that World Vision is committed to granting equal opportunities to all people who seek employment with the relief and development agency.

He said the agency had recognized the role of the church and as a result was working towards partnering with churches in the fight against AIDS.

The guest of honour, Rev. Edward Baralemwa, National Coordinator of the Botswana Christian AIDS Intervention Programme also emphasized the central role of the church in the fight against AIDS.

“A study conducted in Botswana showed that 38 per cent of people attend political rallies, while 69 per cent attend church. This means that the church can reach up to 69 per cent of the population with transforming messages,” he said.

He said it was important to equip church leaders with knowledge about AIDS to make them better and meaningful agents of change.

Pastors were drawn from 10 countries in Africa - Botswana, Burundi, The Democratic Republic of Congo, Kenya, Malawi, Namibia, Rwanda, South Africa, Uganda and Zambia.