Anglican Communion News Service

All Anglican Bishops in Southern Africa will undergo a voluntary HIV/AIDS test in the near future and they hope to encourage other clergy and leaders in their congregations to follow suit.

This was unanimously agreed at the synod of bishops, presently happening in Bloemfontein.

In a statement issued by the bishops they say the decision was reached against the following backdrop:

• Awareness of the enormity of the AIDS pandemic in Southern Africa;
• Concern that the church has not been seen to be in the forefront of the struggle to fight the spread of HIV/AIDS; and
• A determination to demonstrate the church's solidarity with people infected with and affected by HIV/AIDS.

The resolution reads as follows:

1. That all members of the Synod of Bishops will undergo a voluntary HIV/AIDS test in the near future;
2. To encourage the clergy and lay leaders of their Dioceses to be tested with them;
3. To assure them that the results of their tests are confidential;
4. To support all those who wish to declare their HIV status;
5. To provide guidelines on pre- and post-counselling, testing and publication of results for use in Diocese and parishes.

Archbishop Njongonkulu Ndungane said he felt really good about the decision. "It has set the ball rolling in terms of breaking the steel band of silence which makes so many people feel the need to keep quiet about being positive. Economist Clem Sunter says it is the little things that make a difference and we hope, by setting an example, to encourage others to be tested. As community leaders we also hope to remove the stigma attached to HIV/AIDS."