Statement issued by Anglican Archbishop Njongonkulu Ngungane
Bishopscourt, Capetown
4 July 2001
I am pleased to announce an initiative - supported by Anglicans worldwide and driven by the Anglican Archbishops of Africa - that is geared to assist an effective sub-Saharan response to the AIDS pandemic because we are all working for a generation without AIDS.
This initiative is unique and a global first in that it draws together: faith-based communities; international agencies (such as UN AIDS and the World Bank), the donor community and pharmaceutical companies.
Most importantly, the programme is poised to become the critically needed catalyst that will ultimately bring governments, the private sector, civil society and faith communities into a synergistic and effective relationship as they, at last, join forces in this crucial battle for survival.
The main thrust of the initiative is to develop a basic “tool kit” that can be used to address nine core concerns. These are counselling, people living with AIDS, care, the role of leadership, prevention, spiritual guidance, orphans, funding and advocacy/lobbying. (Please see attached diagram)
Although it is an Anglican initiative, the task ahead is so great that we plan to involve other Christian denominations and faiths, NGO’s and civil society. We are already actively supported by the Anglican Consultative Council (International); the Episcopal Church in the USA; Christian Aid (UK) the US Agency for International Development and UN AIDS.
The programme will be officially launched at a strategic planning conference/ workshop at Boksburg, South Africa, from 13 to 16 August The conference will address the nine concerns identified as key to the battle against AIDS and delegates will be equipped to return to their diocese throughout the continent armed with the ability to evaluate the situation in their region or parish. They will also have the skills to initiate programmes that address education, counselling, home based care and grief management because no-one should die alone, and no-one should care alone.
Among those who have been invited to participate are Mr Nelson Mandela, Mrs Graca Machel and Dr Mamphela Ramphele. Deputy President and Head of the South African National Aids Council, Jacob Zuma, has already accepted the invitation.
There are three key components to the August event:
From a base of knowledge and understanding of HIV/AIDS, the conference/workshop aims to establish and secure three dynamics - commitment, energy and partnerships.
Representatives from other parts of the worldwide Anglican Communion will be present to observe and assess whether a similar initiative would be appropriate in their countries.
A follow up conference is likely to take place in a year's time to evaluate and sustain the movement.
If one considers the ability of churches to reach deep into communities and to adopt a hands-on approach to the pandemic, there is little doubt that our commitment can and must impact on all Africa and, indeed the whole world. We know this is not going to be an easy task. In many instances we are going to have to cut across tradition and culture in terms of issues such as sex education for our young people and burial customs that take up too much land and place poverty stricken families into a permanent debt cycle.
We ask for the world’s prayers as we embark on a prophetic challenge in which we dare not fail, especially in our role of providing spiritual and emotional healing.