Women, HIV, and the Church

Synopsis: As the world watched the biggest global epidemic in history evolve, many anticipated that Christians would embrace those who were affected just as Jesus during his time embraced those who were sick and dying. Mostly, the Christian church stood back and observed. Sometimes Christians responded with stigma and discrimination. Many who sought refuge in the churches--churches where they had served the sick and the poor--were turned away as they now sought refuge for themselves and their children. Individual authors address the critical issues related to the HIV epidemic, women, and the Christian church: how the HIV epidemic affected so many women and children; what the Old and New Testaments teach about our responsibility to the poor, the needy, the sick, the widow, and the orphan; and how difficult it should be for Christians to ignore these teachings. The HIV epidemic continues, and millions of women and children bear a disproportionate share of the pain and suffering without a refuge. Although HIV is a specific disease, it serves as a paradigm for all Christians to ask what other needs they may be ignoring. Endorsements: "I will never forget Joanna, the first woman I met who was dying from AIDS. She was living under a tree, having been expelled from her rural village in Mozambique because of stigma. Where was the church of Jesus Christ in her terrible suffering? Women, HIV, and the Church urgently calls us in the global church to act on behalf of the millions of other 'Joannas' who desperately need compassion and practical assistance from those who name his name." --Kay Warren, Founder of HIV&AIDS Initiative, Saddleback Church "Whether in the ghettos of America or the bush villages of Africa, the church has failed to meet Jesus's standards for caring. Ammann and colleagues alert us to the 'feminization of AIDS' and call the church of Christ to meet their needs the way Jesus would." --Diane M. Komp, MD, Professor Emeritus of Pediatrics at Yale University "In the pages of this book, I found a compelling invitation to go deep. The authors have successfully navigated the delicate balance of solid, scholarly work and accessibility for readers across a wide spectrum of the church who want practical, tangible, and compassionate engagement with women living with HIV." --Paul B. Tshihamba, Pastor of Mission Christ Presbyterian Church Author Biography: Arthur J. Ammann is Clinical Professor of Pediatrics at the University of California, San Francisco Medical Center. He is the founder of Global Strategies for HIV Prevention. Ammann became interested in HIV when it was discovered in 1981. Throughout the world, and particularly in resource-poor countries, he has conducted research and directed programs for women and children on HIV prevention and care. Ammann has published numerous articles and essays on these subjects. He is the coeditor (with Arye Rubinstein) of Prevention and Treatment of HIV Infection in Infants and Children. Julie Ponsford Holland has been a freelance copyeditor and writer for 17 years, working for ad agencies, publishers, and individuals. She earned an MA in orientation and mobility, allowing her to teach travel skills to those with visual impairments.