The relationship between moral intervention strategies and the stigmatisation of people living with HIV: a Christian perspective
Abstract
One of the ways in which sexual transmission of AIDS is addressed is through moral
interventions by organisations affiliated with Christian churches. However, this approach has
been heavily criticised in recent literature, implying that moral interventions by churchaffiliated
organisations generally lead to stigmatisation which is one of the major obstacles to
their involvement in HIV prevention. This article explores the origin of this accusation and
discusses the Christian-ethical aspects related to HIV or AIDS. The conclusion is that the fact
that churches take the Word of God and Christian morality as point of departure in HIV or
AIDS intervention programmes does not imply that people who transgressed religious moral
teachings may be condemned. On the contrary, the church preaches Christian forgiveness,
mercy and empathy. Churches and organisations affiliated with churches should therefore be
regarded as valuable partners in the fight against AIDS, for while propagating a normative
lifestyle, they also preach love, compassion and support for people living with HIV