Faith in Action presentation

Faith in Action: Keeping the PromiseEcumenical and Interfaith Pre-Conferences at the XVI International AIDS Conference10-12 August 2006 Toronto, Canada: 

Faith in Action: Keeping the Promise Ecumenical and Interfaith Pre-Conferences at the XVI International AIDS Conference 10-12 August 2006 Toronto, Canada Conference Summary

Effective ministry is rooted in the presence & full integration of people living with HIV and AIDS.: 

Effective ministry is rooted in the presence & full integration of people living with HIV and AIDS.

Our Promises: 

Our Promises Breaking the silence Inclusion of people living with HIV Eradicating stigma Compassionate & inclusive communities Protection of human rights Speaking truth to power Raising awareness & speaking candidly

Our Challenges: 

Our Challenges Eradicating stigma, discrimination, denial, & inaction Addressing underlying causes - poverty, powerlessness, and gender inequity Demanding universal access to education, prevention, and treatment Moving beyond “ABC” Building on movement of churches, leaders and congregations Challenging our complacency & our own attitudes & biases

Plenary Themes: 

Plenary Themes Keeping our promises Moving commitment into action Improving cooperation Between interfaith groups, churches & sectors Between north & south Between south & south Solidarity Being “one body” Sharing country specific strategies Marginalized communities & populations

Breaking Silence & Overcoming Stigma: 

Breaking Silence & Overcoming Stigma Understand our own prejudices Are our messages & actions consistent? What is our role in perpetuating stigma & discrimination? Self reflection & honest questions Marginalized populations – socially isolated Requires proactive actions by FBOs

Greater Participation of PLWHA: 

Greater Participation of PLWHA Leadership in planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation, and decision making Active partners – not passive recipients Advocacy & education

Building a language of compassion & inclusion: 

Building a language of compassion & inclusion Language shapes our attitudes FBOs must talk openly about sex & sexualities

“More youth voices equals fewer youth infections”: 

“More youth voices equals fewer youth infections” Comprehensive education & accurate prevention messages Children are vulnerable Infected youth Sexually active youth & street children Orphans Facilitate dialogue between youth & church leaders

Challenges of Working with Faith Based Organizations (FBOs): 

Challenges of Working with Faith Based Organizations (FBOs) Working with FBOs not always easy Essential tension between conversion and non-judgmental acceptance Theological & moral messages about HIV & AIDS must respect public health realities

Challenges of Working with Faith Based Organizations (FBOs): 

Challenges of Working with Faith Based Organizations (FBOs) Overcoming systematic disconnect between church leadership & good work of church members Challenging structures & language that reinforce gender inequities Collaborating with other sectors Developing a language that supports open dialogue

Giving Voice to Those Who Are Not Heard: 

Giving Voice to Those Who Are Not Heard Make real our commitment to the poor and vulnerable Address economic realities of current epidemic Combat the invisibility of marginalized communities

Addressing Gender Inequity: 

Addressing Gender Inequity Sexual, economic vulnerability of women Vulnerability of sexual minorities Vulnerability of sex workers Female, male and transgender Challenge male sex roles Address relationship of poverty & sex

Getting Beyond “ABC”-“SAVED” : 

Getting Beyond “ABC”- “SAVED” ABC not a holistic approach, can stigmatize S – Safer sexual practices A – Access to treatment (ARVs & OIs) V – Voluntary Counseling & Testing E – Empowerment D – Disease Control

Documenting Effectiveness & Lesson Learned: 

Documenting Effectiveness & Lesson Learned FBOs critical in continuum of HIV & AIDS care Need to document efficacy Build partnerships across sectors Data for advocacy & resource mobilization

KEEP THE PROMISE!For more information:www.e-alliance.ch: 

KEEP THE PROMISE! For more information: www.e-alliance.ch