How should the church and its leaders deal with the origin and meaning of HIV/AIDS, and with the stigma it engenders? How should they address the needs of those affected, and minister to the infected? This book is designed for all who have to handle situations created by this relatively new epidemic - church leaders/workers, Sunday school teachers, youth leaders, the laity. It seeks to equip the church leader/worker with strategies to break the silence and stigma surrounding HIV/AIDS, creating a compassionate and healing Church. Bib, 260pp, SWITZERLAND. WORLD COUNCIL OF CHURCHES.

Explores how AIDS is understood, confronted and lived with through religious ideas and practices, and how these, in turn, are reinterpreted and changed by the experience of AIDS. Examining the social production, and productivity, of AIDS - linking bodily and spiritual experiences, and religious, medical, political and economic discourses - the papers counter simplified notions of causal effects of AIDS on religion (or vice versa). Instead, they display peoples resourcefulness in their struggle to move ahead in spite of adversity. This relativises the vision of doom widely associated with the African AIDS epidemic; and it allows to see AIDS, instead of a singular event, as the culmination of a century-long process of changing livelihoods, bodily well-being and spiritual imaginaries. 407pp, NETHERLANDS. BRILL.

Sixteen contributor from thirteen African countries grapple with the ethical dilemmas thrown up by the HIV/AIDS pandemic in their respective countries and critically examine the strategies adopted by governments, NGOs and churches in the fight against the disease. All of the contributors are from Christian denominations, so there is an ecumenical dimension to the volume. 221pp, BOTSWANA. BAY PUBLISHING.

2007 9789991259765 Paperback

Situating her analysis squarely within the context of debates about the role of religion in African politics and society, Amy Patterson systematically analyzes the efforts (and sometimes lack of effort) of Christian churches in shaping HIV/AIDS policy. Patterson considers how theological worldviews, material resources, historical interactions with the state, and global networks influence church advocacy on AIDS. She is particularly interested in why various churches have responded in such differing ways to the political questions associated with the AIDS epidemic. With the issue of AIDS as a focal point, she offers a cross-national, critical analysis of Christian church mobilization in Africa. 237pp, USA. LYNNE RIENNER.

A handbook challenging Christians and churches to look at HIV/AIDS in a new light and consider new ways of responding to this humanitarian and theological crisis in South Africa. Includes practical advice and resources. Index, 190pp, SOUTH AFRICA. CLUSTER PUBLICATIONS.

Opens a new chapter in African religious discourse by placing the pandemic at the fore-front of theological discussions. In a series of incisive essays, Musa W. Dube examines the HIV/AIDS crisis in light of biblical and ethical teachings and argues for a strong theological presence alongside current economic, social, and political efforts to quell this devastating disease. 208pp, USA. SCRANTON UNIVERSITY PRESS.

A collection of brief statements, extracts and writings by Catholic bishops relating to HIV/AIDS. Covers the period 1987 2003. Index, 112pp, KENYA. PAULINES PUBLICATIONS AFRICA.

2004 9966219331 Paperback