The Centre for Public Theology at Huron University College hosts its second conference, “HIV-AIDS and the Churches: Responses to the Pandemic in Africa and Canada” on May 14-15.
“HIV-AIDS and the Churches” seeks to bring together theologians and other academics with
policymakers, representatives of NGOs, religious leaders, the media and members of the public.
Discussion of policy priorities, medical research, and front-line strategies, together with
theological and ethical issues arising from the scourge of HIV-AIDS globally is the broad
concern.
The conference begins at 6 p.m. on Friday.
Keynote speakers include:
Archbishop of Rwanda Emmanuel Kolini
University of Western Ontario Rwanda Project, ‘AIDS and Africa’
Amongst other activities, Kolini chaired the Rwandan government Commission on
HIV-AIDS for five years working with inter-faith groups, foreign governments (USAID) and
NGOs on strategies which saw a huge drop in infection and an increase in care after the genocide.
Professor Robin Gill, Michael Ramsey Professor of Modern Theology, University of Kent and Honorary Provincial Canon of Canterbury Cathedral
‘AIDS and Religious Ethics’
Gill is a participant of the 2003 UNAIDS and World Council of Churches Windhoek
workshop in Namibia from which his 2007 edited volume Reflecting Theologically on AIDS
developed. He is also a contributor to the Ecumenical Advocacy Alliance’s 2009 work, HIV-AIDS: A Global Theological Conversation.
Professor Oveta Fuller, Associate Professor, University of Michigan Medical School
‘Religious Leaders as Trusted Messengers in HIV-AIDS’
Fuller’s work in Preventive Medicine and Medical Education is the use of a science-based
HIV/AIDS intervention through religious leader networks to actively address infectious disease
health disparities. Specifically, she seeks to validate effectiveness of a prevention model
designated the “Trusted Messenger Intervention” (TMI) that reframes HIV as a virus infection
that can be controlled. TMI works with clergy and faith leaders within official established networks so they become more confident to use their substantial community access and influence to effectively address HIV/AIDS.
Professor Katherine Attanasi, Assistant Professor, Regent University, Virginia Beach, Va.
‘Complex Realities: Black South African Women, HIV-AIDS and Pentecostalism’
Attanasi’s research has focused on Pentecostal women’s experiences of HIV/AIDS in South
Africa. Drawing on her fieldwork, she employs feminist methodologies to suggest a prevention
strategy that coheres with Pentecostal theology and better accounts for women’s experiences.
For more information, visit https://www.huronuc.on.ca/news/?id=507.