Donation from Mrs Esther Prakash Address: 12b Islamabad Av. Marcoury, Abidjan-Cote D' Ivoire   Dearest one in the Lord,   Greetings in the Name of God almighty, I am Mrs Esther Prakash married to Mr.Anderson Prakash who worked with Kuwait embassy in Ivory Coast for many years . My matrimonial situation is that I lost my husband and two kids in Motor accident on 23 December 2005. I am suffering from Throat Cancer and I am suffering very bitterly as I write you this  message with help of a Sister in Christ Mrs Joy Kenndy,my doctor just informed me that my days are counted considering my health status.   When my late husband was alive he deposited the sum of Two million six hundred thousand dollars in Bank of Africa, Cote d 'Ivoire ($2.600.000.00USD)   I don't have any child that will inherit this money and my husband relatives are evil plotters and I don't want my husband's efforts to be used in evil way. I don't want a situation where this money will be used in an ungodly way. This is why I wanted a gracious way and a way to help the less-privileged; I count on your sincere willingness to employ this fund in a Godly manner.   Please if I reach you this time as I am hopeful that you will endeavour to get back to me as soon as possible with the below information to enable me obtain an authorization letter that legally and officially approved you the new beneficiary of my inheritance from Ministry of Justice- Cote D' Ivoire so that immediately the authorization is ready, I will send it to you, with the contact of the bank.    1. Full Name & Address 2. Date of Birth   Yours Sister in Christ Mrs Esther Prakash

Good morning everyone, my name is Jutatip Dechaboon and you can call me 'Ann' for short. Thank you the organizer of this workshop for giving me a chance to share my personal experience with the Church of Christ in Thailand, AIDS Ministry as you may know in the short name 'CAM'.

In 2002, I knew my HIV positive status at the same time when I got to know 'CAM'. I had been involved in 'Saraphi Flower group' which is a network of People Living with HIV (PLHIV) at the district level in Chiangmai province.

Since my background was in computer graphic designing, I could use my skills in helping the network in their activities. I started with the 1^st Mini-marathon for World AIDS Day in 2002; it was my first involvement in this network and partners including CAM.

At the same time, I also worked with the New Life Friend Centre, a centre which provided care and treatment services to PEOPLE LIVING WITH HIV. Through working with them, I heard many people talking about Ajaarn Sanan or Rev. Sanan Wutti from CAM. They said that Rev. Sanan is a very good man, very kind, very supportive and someone who had dedicated his life to help People Living with HIV.

As I was living in the old faith at that time, I never heard about Christianity or Jesus. So I felt it unbelievable that there was a man who could do everything for others even dedicating his personal life. I heard he would woke up during bed time when he got a phone-call and would run out to see people who were very sick and needed emergency help even though those people were not his relatives. So I thought what I heard was a half-truth and I didn't believe there will be any person willing to do many things for others unconditionally in this world.

Years after, I had a chance to re-marry with someone who was born in a Christian family. And this factor allowed me to hear more about Christianity and the love of Jesus. However, I still couldn't understand what God is and how His love is; and I still believed in myself.

During that period, I also attended church activities and worship with my new family. I still remember the first time I went to church; I was so impressed after seeing old ladies aged between 60-70, singing Christian songs so clearly and loudly.

During 2 years attending church, the ordinary words from sermons and lyrics of Christian life songs had touched my deep heart amazingly. Words from the Bible had changed my thoughts, my feelings and had healed my soul. I realized that what I thought about people always hurting me was not true, but it was me who allowed others to hurt me because of my own weaknesses.

Then I realized what I thought about Rev. Sanun and people from CAM, was wrong. I could see their love, their sincerity through their clear actions. And it inspired me to open my mind and my heart to the Christian faith. I decided to be baptized on November 14, 2004 by Rev. Sanan Wutti.

 

(Show photos and explain)

 

From that day till now, my spirit had been continually edified by observing Christian people around me. I observe and learn from them how to walk into this faith.

Especially, from Rev. Sanan, brothers and sisters from CAM, they definitely show me how Jesus' love is. I can see it from their works in the local community, the way they treat People Living with HIV, not as pathetic people but like their own relatives.

What Rev. Sanan and people of CAM have done is not only their work, but truly their serving.

Thank you very much.

Pre ICAAP Interfaith Conference and Skills Building Workshops

"Empowering People, Strengthening Networks"

Hotel Dhyana Pura Beach Resort, Jalan, Camplung Tanduk

Seminyak, Denpasar, Bali, Indonesia

August 6-9, 2009

 

Schedule of Activities

August 6 (Thursday)

0800                            Arrival and Registration

1800                            AINA, INTERNA and Local Organizing Committee Meeting

1830                            Dinner

19.30                           Registration continues

 

August 7 (Friday)

 

0700                            Breakfast

0800                            Registration

0900                            First Session                           Opening Ceremony

                                    Master of Ceremony  Mohammad Abdus Sabur

                                                                                    AINA Committee Member

 

                                    Interfaith Prayers                    Rev. Sanan Wutti

                                                                                    The Church of Christ in Thailand

                                                                                    Sayardaw U Thayzarddipidi

                                                                                    Buddhist

                                                                                    Swami  Pragyapad

                                                                                    Hindu

                                                                                    K H Abdlah Hasyim

                                                                                    Muslim

           

                                    Opening Remarks                   Dr. Prawate Khid-arn

                                                                                    General Secretary

                                                                                    Christian Conference of Asia

 

                                    Introduction/Recognition of Guest, Religious Leaders,

                                    Organizers, Supporters, Speakers, Facilitators, Participants

                                                                                    Dr. Asavari Herwadkar                                  

                                                                       

 

                                    Welcome –      Dr. Alphinus Kambodji, President

                                                            President

                                                            Indonesian Interfaith Network on AIDS

           

                                    Opening of the Interfaith Meet

                                    (by the sounding of the Gong)

                                    Prof. Dr. Nassarudin Umar and

                                    Prof. Dewa Nyoman Wirawan, MPH

 

                                    Welcome Dance – Maha Borga Marga

                                    Traditional Drums -  Nahdlatul Ulama Dance Troupe

 

                                                                                   

                                    Greetings         Prof. Dewa Nyoman Wirawan, MPH

                                                            Dr. Zahidul Huque

                                                            Ms. Geeta Sethi, UNAIDS

                                                            Dr. Manoj Kurian, World Council of Churches

                                                           

                                    Introduction of the Guest Speaker – Ms. Anggia Ermarini

                                                                                                    General Secretary

                                                                                                    INTERNA

 

                                    Keynote Address – Prof. Dr. Nassarudin Umar

                                                                        General Director of Religious Affairs

                                                                        Indonesia

 

                                    Words of Appreciation – Mohammad Abdus Sabur

                                                                                    Master of Ceremony

 

                                    Group Photo

 

1030                            Coffee/Tea Break

 

1100                            Session 2:  "Building Partnerships Among  People Living with

                                    HIV and AIDS and Faith-Based Organizations"

                                    Moderators:     Ms. Zarah Kathleen T. Alih, AMAN

                                                            Ms. Geeta Sethi, UNAIDS

 

                                    Speakers:         Prof. Dr. Musdah Mulia

                                                            Ms. Shanti

                                                            Mr. Surachart Suchakam

                                                            Sr. Mercedes Placino, INAT

                                                            Dr. Asavari Herwadkar, IICA

                                                            Ms. Anggia Ermarini, INTERNA

                                                            Ms. Sophie Dilmitis

 

1230                Lunch Break

 

1400                Session 3 – Faith Based Responses to HIV and AIDS

                        Moderators:                 Fr. Philip Kuruvilla

                        Speakers:                     Mr. Greg Manning, World Evangelical Alliance

                                                            Fr. Giovanni Contarin, Camillian Social Center

                                                            Muslim – KH Abdullah Hasyim

                                                            Hindu – Swami Pragyapad

                                                            Buddhist – Sayardaw U Thayzarddipidi

 

1600                Tea/Coffee Break

 

1630                Skills Building Workshops

                        Building HIV-Competent Faith Based Organizations

                                    Calle Almedal, Manoj Kurian

                        Vulnerability in HIV Epidemics

                                    Greg Manning, Sophie Dilmitis, James Matarrazo

                        Collaboration, Rights-Based Advocacy and Campaigns

                                    Thabo Sephuma, Bianca Marks

                        Working with People Living with HIV and AIDS

                                    Mr. Peter Borges, Ms. Zarah Kathleen T. Allih

                                    With support of Ms. Anne Harmer

                        Addressing Stigma and Discrimination

                                    Mr. Lawrence Maund, Sr. Mercedes Placino,

Rev. Sanan Wutti and Jutatip Dechaboon

                        Channels of Hope

                                    Dr. Christopher Baskeran

 

1830                Dinner

 

1930                Formal Opening of All Pre-ICAAP Events

                        Steering Committee Meeting:  AINA, INTERNA, LOC

 

August 8

 

0630                Breathing Exercises/Meditation

                        The Art of Living Foundation

0800                Breakfast

0900                Continuation of Skills Building Workshops

 

1200                Lunch Break

 

1400                Plenary Session

                        Moderators:  Anggia Ermarini and Geeta Sethi

                        Rapporteurs of all Skills Building Workshops

 

1600                Tea/Coffee Break

 

1645                Book Launching

"A Handbook on HIV and AIDS: Guidelines for an Interfaith Response"

Statement of Purpose: Dr. Erlinda N. Senturias, Editor

Presentation of the Writers

Message:         Phrakhru Pipitsutatorn

to be read by Mr. Lawrence Maund, Sangha Metta

                        Distribution of the Handbook – Mr. Ekapong Fongmoon

1700                Introduction to the 9^th ICAAP – Dr. Alphinus Kambodji

 

1800                Closing Ceremony – c/o Sr. Mercedes Placino

                        Reading of Conference Statement

                        "Empowering People, Strengthening Networks: Interfaith Response"

 

18.30               Dinner and Cultural Evening

                        Courtesy of Hotel Dhyana Pura Beach Resort

 

 

Opening Ceremony

 

The opening ceremony started with an introduction of Asian Interfaith Network on AIDS (AINA), initiator of this interfaith event by the Master of Ceremony, Mr. Mohammad Abdus Sabur, Executive Director of the Asian Muslim Action Network and a Committee Member of AINA.

 

The Asian Interfaith Network on AIDS was founded in Chiang Mai, Thailand on May 7, 2005 with support from the Christian Conference of AINA.  AINA is aimed at creating a common platform for action to work together to build caring communities, to address stigma and discrimination, to protect human rights of people living with HIV and AIDS, and to prevent the further spread of HIV. AINA believes in the greater involvement of people living with HIV and AIDS.  The first pre ICAAP Interfaith Conference was in Colombo in August 2006.

 

The Interfaith prayers were given by Rev. Sanan Wutti (Christian) Director of The Church of Christ in Thailand AIDS Ministry (CAM), Ms. Mitali Nandeshwar (Buddhist) working with sex workers through the Human Touch organization in Nagpur, India,  Swami Pragyapad (Buddhist) of the Art of Living Foundation in India, K.H. Abdullah Hasyim (Muslim) of the Nahdlatul Ulama, Indonesia, and Sayardaw U Thayzarddipidi (Buddhist Monk) from Myanmar.

 

Dr. Prawate Khid-arn, General Secretary of the Christian Conference of Asia (CCA) gave the opening remarks. 

 

Venerable Religious Leaders,

Distinguished Delegates

and Friends

 

 (Sawaddee Krab)! Salamat Pagi! and Good morning everybody!

Let me first of all extend my warm greetings and sincerely welcome you all to the opening of the Pre-ICAAP Interfaith Conference and Skills Building Workshop "Empowering People, Strengthening Networks". 

Our gathering this morning brings my good memory as we people form various religions and faith-based organizations came with the same spirit to be more meaningful citizen of the world.

This Conference becomes yet another milestone for faith-based communities. It has opened up space for wider interfaith cooperation among Buddhists, Christians, Muslim, and Hindu faiths to exchange ideas and experiences on this sensitive and significant issue of HIV and AIDS.

This year (2009) marks 28 years in international battle against HIV and AIDS. Over the last 28 years, we have seen encouraging responses from faith-based communities.

There is no doubt that the faith-based communities are providing a huge share of the services in response to HIV and AIDS.

HIV and AIDS is a critical test of our faith and commitment to sustainable community. We as faith based communities have been challenged by our faith and divine teaching to raise our voice against stigma and discrimination, to protect the dignity and basic rights of all those living with HIV and AIDS as well as to change social life styles and behavior that pose a risk to HIV and AIDS.  

My appeal today is that "let the communities of faith speak out with clear, prophetic and moral voices, calling for an end to the suffering and death bred by this global pandemic." 

There is a need to ensure sustained access to preventive and treatment services for all high-risk groups. The goal of prevention is best achieved through an ongoing process, open to change and flexible to adaptation.

To ensure ongoing usefulness of public health policies related to HIV prevention, we must learn to synthesize old knowledge with new, and, at the same time, utilize opportunities to choose new directions.

I am sure many have been done as I mentioned above. Still, many need to be done in the years ahead to prevent and control HIV virus spreading and to care for the infected people. We are competing running toward the goal – to help people free from HIV and AIDS, and sustain healthy life in the midst of AIDS crisis.

Friends,

The main objective of this conference is to take stock of the role played by religious communities, faith-based organizations and networks in the area of prevention, care, counseling and advocacy and their successes and failures. This conference will discuss challenges and adopt strategies for future course of action.

Only words will not help us in our fight against the pandemic. Now is the time for collective action to all of us  

Let our dialogue and discussions help us strengthen faith-based coordination and cooperation to reach out to all faiths and may we continue to include people living with and affected by HIV and AIDS. 

May God's peace be with you.

Thank you. 

Recognition and Vote of Thanks

 

Dr. Asavari Herwadkar, a medical doctor and a Hindu member of the AINA Committee recognized and expressed thanks to the contributions of all the guests, religious leaders, resource persons, organizers and supporters of he Interfaith Conference and Skills Building Workshops.

 

Chief Guest

Prof. Dr. Nasruddin Umar, General Director of Religious Ministry, Indonesia

Prof. Dewa Nyoman Wirawan, MPH, Co-Chair International Congress on AIDS in Asia and the Pacific

 

Religious Leaders

Hindu faith leaders – Swami Pragyapad (The Art of Living Foundation, India)

Buddhist faith – Sayardaw U Thayzarddipidi (Myanmar)

Christian faith leaders – Catholic, Orthodox, Protestant, Evangelicals

Dr. Prawate Khid-arn, General Secretary, Christian Conference of Asia

Mr. Gregory Manning, representing the World Evangelical Alliance

Fr. Philip Kuruvilla, representing the Malankara Syrian Orthodox

Rev. Sanan Wutti, representing the Protestant Churches

Fr. Giovanni Contarin, Roman Catholic Church

Rev. Gomar Gultom, Secretary on Diakonia, Communion of Churches of Indonesia

Rev.Dr. Erick Barus, Secretary on Marturia, Communion of Churches of Indonesia

Ms. Manju Baroi, CCA President

Ms. Elijah Fung, representing Rt. Rev. Thomas Soo Yee Po, Honorary Treasurer of CCA

Mr. Kingphet Thammavong, representing Rev. Dr. Khamphone Khounthapanya, President of CCA

Mr. Nefos Jaya Daely, PELKESI

Rev. Gomar Gultom, Diakonia, Communion of Churches in Indonesia

Rev. Tony Hutagalung, Huria Kristen Indonesia, Lutheran World Federation

Islam faith leaders – K.H. Abdulah Hasyim

 

Local Steering Committee in Indonesia

Dr. Alphinus Kambodji, Coordinator, United Evangelical Mission/INTERNA

Ms. Anggiah Ermarini, General Secretary, INTERNA

Mr. Samidjo, Programme Officer on Advocacy, UNFPA, Jakarta

Dr. Toha Muhaimin, MPH

Yahya Ma'shum

 

9^th ICAAP Coordination

(Links with the ICAAP)

Elis Widen, Congress Coordinator, 9^th ICAAP

Alautiah Miftahayati R, Community Forum Officer, 9^th ICAAP

 

Asia Interfaith Network on AIDS (AINA) Committee

Phrakhru Pipitsutatorn, Chairperson, AINA – sends apologies

Members

Dr. Asavari Herwadkar, Indian Interfaith Coalition on AIDS/Hindu

Mohammad Abdus Sabur, Asian Muslim Action Network

Fr. Philip Kuruvilla, Malankara Syrian Orthodox Church, India

Sr. Mercedes "Karuna" Placino, Daughter of Charity

Ms. Usanee Nanasilp, Catholic Committee on HIV and AIDS

Office Secretary

Mr. Ekapong Fongmoon

 

Interfaith Network on AIDS in Thailand – Recipient of Global Fund Support

Phrakhru Pipitsutatorn, Chairperson

Rev. Sanan Wutti, The Church of Christ in Thailand AIDS Ministry

Sr. Mercedes Karuna, Daughter of Charity

Mohammad Abdus Sabur, Asian Muslim Action Network

Mr. Lawrence Maund, Sangha Metta/Buddhist Leadership Initiative

Ms. Jutatip Deechabon

 

India Interfaith Coalition on AIDS (IICA)

Dr. Asavari Herwadkar

 

Indonesian Interfaith Network on AIDS (INTERNA)

Dr. Alphinus Kambodji, President

Ms. Anggia Ermarini, General Secretary

Sinta Gardiana

Meta

Ami Wayuhni

 

Supporters

 

Christian Conference of Asia

Ms. Manju Baroi, Member of Presidium, Bangladesh

 Dr. Prawate Khid-arn, General Secretary

Dr. Erlinda Senturias, Consultant on HIV and AIDS

Dr. Liza Lamis, Communication Consultant

Ms. Dominica Faurillo – Ecumenical Formation, Gender Justice and Youth Empowerment Special Program in East Timor

Supported AINA Committee and participation of 37 participants

 

United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA)

Dr. Zahidul Huque, UNFPA Jakarta Office

Ms. Anne Harmer, Socio Cultural Technical Advisor, United Nations Population Fund, Regional Office in Bangkok

Mr. Samidjo, Program Adviser on Advocacy, United Nations Population Fund, Jakarta

Supported one full day of full board for 200 participants

 

United Nations Joint Programme on AIDS (UNAIDS)

Ms. Geeta Sethi, Asia Pacific Leadership Forum, UNAIDS Regional Office in Bangkok

Recognition was also given for the support of Ms. Sally Smith and Ms. New New Aye

 

United Evangelical Mission

Dr. Alphinus Kambodji, Coordinator, Anti-AIDS Programme, United Evangelical Mission

Supported participation of 12 participants

 

Nadhlatal Ulama

Ms. Anggia Ermarini

 

Speakers

Prof. Dr. Siti Musdah Mulia, Research Professor of Sciences. 2009 Yap Thiam Hien Award for promoting women's rights and minority rights and International Woman of Courage Awarded from USA in 2007 for human rights, democracy and moderate Islam

 

Ms. Sophie Dilmitis, HIV and AIDS Coordinator, Young Women's Christian Women's Association

Ms. Shanti, Muslim

Mr. Surachart  Suchakam, Thai Red Cross

Ms. Anggia Ermarini, General Secretary, INTERNA

Sr. Mercedes Placino, Daughter of Charity, INAT

Dr. Asavari Herwadkar, IICA

Fr. Philip Kuruvilla, IICA

 

Facilitators of Sessions and Workshops

Session on Building Partnerships between PLHIV+ and FBOs

Ms. Zarah Kathleen T. Alih, Regional Programme Coordinator, Asian Muslim Women's Commission, HIV and AIDS Components, Peace Studies and Conflict Transformation

Ms. Geeta Sethi, APLF Manager, Regional Support Team, Asia and the Pacific, UNAIDS

 

Session on Faith-Based Responses on HIV

Mr. Greg Manning, World Evangelical Alliance

Rev. Fr. Giovanni Contarin

Muslim – K.H. Abdulah Hasyim

Buddhist – Sayardaw U Thayzarddipidi

Hindu – Swami Prayapad

Fr. Philip Kuruvilla, Facilitator

 

 

Workshop on Building HIV Competent Faith Based Organizations

Mr. Calle Almedal, Consultant, World Council of Churches HIV Competent Churches

Dr. Manoj Kurian, Executive Secretary for Health and Healing, World Council of Churches

 

 

Workshop on Vulnerability in HIV Epidemics

Mr. Gregory Manning, MICAH Network and Representative of World Evangelical Alliance

Ms. Sophie Dilmitis, World Young Women Christian Association

Rev. James Matarazzo, Positive Faith

 

Workshop on Interfaith Collaboration, Rights-Based Advocacy and Networking

Mr. Thabo Sephuma, HIV and AIDS Campaign Officer, Ecumenical Advocacy Alliance

Ms. Bianca Marks, Women's Campaign Coordinator, World AIDS Campaign

 

Workshop on Networking with People Living with HIV and AIDS

Mr. Peter Borges, Interim Coordinator for Asia and the Pacific, INERELA+

Zarah Kathleen Allih, AMAN (helped train Muslim Positive)

Ms. Anne Harmer, UNFPA provided assistance

 

Workshop on Addressing Stigma and Discrimination in Faith Based Organizations

Mr. Lawrence Maund, Sangha Metta, Buddhist Leadership Initiative

Sr. Mercedes Placino, Daughter of Charity/AINA Committee Member to Accompany the Workshop

Rev. Sanan Wutti, The Church of Christ in Thailand AIDS Program

 

Workshop on Tourism and HIV and AIDS

Mr. Caesar D'Mello, Director, Ecumenical Coalition on Tourism Foundation, Inc.

Fr. Giovanni Contarin

Mrs. Usanee Nanasilp, Catholic Committee on HIV and AIDS/AINA Committee Member to Accompany the Workshop

 

Workshop on Channels of Hope (Model of Christo Greyling, World Vision International)

Dr. Christopher Baskeran, World Vision India

 

 

Dr. Alphinus Kambodji, President of the Indonesian Interfaith Network on AIDS (INTERNA) welcomed the participants to the land of 4S – Sun, Sand, Service, and Sex. He advocated for the reduction of stigma and discrimination, for the human family to develop solutions, share, learn in a new spirit, improve knowledge and skills, develop networking, work together and love from the heart to support People Living with HIV+ (PLHIV+).

 

To formally open the Interfaith Conference and Skills Building Workshops, the Chief Guest, Dr. Nassarudin Umar, General Director of Religious Affairs Indonesia and Prof Dewa Nyonan Wirawan, Co-Chair of the ICAAP sounded the gong.

 

The participants were welcomed in the Balinese way through a solo dance number from the Maha Borga Marga Foundation (MBM), a foundation of the Protestant Christian Church in Bali that works with PLHIV+ and key affected populations followed by the Traditional Drums and chanting prayers performed by the Nahdtadul Ulama Troupe. 

 

Greetings were given by Prof. Dewa Nyonan Wirawan, Co-Chair of the ICAAP, Dr. Zahidul Huque of the UNFPA, Ms. Geeta Sethi, UNAIDS, and Dr. Manoj Kurian, World Council of Churches.

 

Prof. Dewa Nyonan Wirawan, Co Chair of the ICAAP welcomed the participants and acknowledge the critical challenge of HIV in Faith-Based Organizations (FBOs) and encouraged the human rights approach to eliminate stigma and discrimination.  He encouraged the participants to engage in inter and intra-faith dialogues, work on the spiritual orientation using religious values and responses to human suffering.  FBOs offer unique contribution to the overall response to the HIV epidemic.

 

Dr. Zahidul Huque of UNFPA Indonesia Office emphasized that we are dealing with HIV as the virus that causes the disease of AIDS. Stigma and discrimination are not acceptable. God loves human beings and cares for the well-being and health of the population.  The support of religious leaders – monks, ulama, priest is important such as in providing economic and social support to PLHIV+ and in fostering human understanding.  He recognized the publication of "Handbook on HIV and AIDS:  Guidelines for an Interfaith Response" which will be launched during the gathering as a very useful handbook for promoting common understanding among religious leaders on responding to HIV. UNFPA is also producing a book on Faith in HIV/AIDS, Islamic teachings and foundations of HIV prevention and care for people authored by Prof. Dr. Musdah Mulia.

 

Ms. Geeta Sethi, APLF Manager, Regional Support Team Asia and the Pacific of UNAIDS recognized that religion is a powerful force.  People turn to religion when they are in trouble and unhappy.  Some of the painful aspects of the epidemic are brought about by stigma and discrimination. Religion and faith has a unique role to find from within us the compassion and love.  UNAIDS will take forward the ideas emanating from this gathering and the results of the skills building workshops.

 

Dr. Manoj Kurian, Executive Secretary for Health and Healing of the World Council of Churches emphasized that religion provides a framework that would guide society to put into practice respect and human dignity.  The questions that everyone would face in the end are – "What have you spoken in your seminar?" What did you do to eliminate stigma and discrimination?" "What have you done with the church buildings and facilities when it is not used for prayers and worship?"  "What did you do when people need me?" "How are the least of our brothers and sisters treated?" He challenged the participants to consider our lack of actions and listen to care for others, and learn from our failures. PLHIV+ are precious members of society.  Let us bring the best in us – in our actions, prayers, liturgies – may we extend universal care and love for all especially to the vulnerable people in our society.

 

The Chief Guest of the conference was introduced by Ms. Anggia Ermarini, General Secretary of INTERNA.  She  said that in addition to being General Director of Religious Affairs in Indonesia, Prof. Dr. Nassarudin Umar is the Secretary General of the Surpreme Board of Nadhlatul Ulama, Rector of Koranic Studies, Zakat Advisory Board of Indonesia.

 

(We need to get the speech of Prof. Dr. Nassarudin Umar)

From what I recall, Prof. Dr. Nassarudin Umar cited that there are 75M sex workers, 5.1M are living with HIV in Asia and 376,000 new infections as of 2007 statistics.  He challenged the religious leaders to enhance work to support the key affected populations (based on the report of the Commission on AIDS in Asia, the key affected populations are the sex  workers and their paying male clients who practice unprotected sex and the monogamous and faithful wives and girlfriends who get infected, Injecting drug users sharing contaminated needles and syringes and those who practice unprotected sex between Men).  There is a need to educate and provide guidelines and lead by example.  He cited the importance of empowering  people and strengthening networks.  There is a need to increase networking with all stakeholders and to implement effective strategies to respond to the HIV epidemics.  He is happy that there are seven community for a taking place before the actual ICAAP.

 

The word of appreciation to the Chief Guest of Honor was given by Mr. Mohammad Abdus Sabur.

 

Session:  2 "Building Partnership Among People Living with HIV and AIDS and Faith-Based Organizations.

 

Ms. Zarah Kathleen T. Alih was the moderator of the session.  In this session, there were three sets of presentations:

 

One was an opening presentation by Prof. Dr. Musdah Mulia and two testimonies from people living with HIV – Shanti and Jo.  The second set was the sharing from the three interfaith organizations:  Interfaith Network on AIDS in Thailand (INAT) by Sr. Mercedes Placino; Indian Interfaith Coalition on AIDS (IICA) shared presentation by Fr. Philip Kuruvilla and Dr. Asavari Herwadkar, and the Indonesian Interfaith Network on AIDS (INTERNA) presented by Ms. Anggia Ermarini, General Secretary of INTERNA. The third set was the presentation of Ms. Sophie Dilmitis from Zimbabwe but based in Geneva as HIV Coordinator of the World Young Women's Christian Association (World YWCA) and member of  the International Community of People Living with HIV and the summary of the session given by Ms. Geeta Sethi of UNAIDS.  In between the sessions, there was an open forum.

 

(We need the record of the presentation of speakers.)

 

From what I recall, Prof. Musdah Mulia talked about her research on women living with HIV.  She cited three ways of transmission:  1) blood transfusion of contaminated blood, 2) transmission from husband who engaged in unprotected sexual intercourse with other women, and 3) raped by boss in the workplace.  What needs to be done:  1) Need advocacy for empowerment and support of women 2) End stigma 3) Need education to avoid behaviors that put people at risk, 4) Need to reconstruct culture and enhance the culture of love, 5) reform the public policy and law, 6) reinterpret religious teachings, 7) promote human rights and human dignity, 8) encourage religious leaders to stand in the forefront of PLHIV+ that they may have access to treatment and a friendly, loving and caring environment.

 

Shanti shared her testimony on how she acquired the virus and experienced discrimination even from her own family. Jo shared his testimony on how he was cared for by The Church of Christ in Thailand when he his CD4 was very low and he had opportunistic infections.  He is now back to good health and is working with the Thai Red Cross on Anonymous Screening and giving counseling to those who are found positive.

 

Question was raised on how to reinterpret religious teachings.  The response was for religious leaders to give right information on family and to exercise more honesty in relationship as well as doing preventive actions to stop the virus from spreading such as the use of condom when husband is infected. Religious leaders need to change attitude towards women who speak up and advocate for protection by labeling them as pro free sex

Sr. Mercedes Placino shared the formation of INAT, its involvement in the International AIDS Conference in Bangkok in 2004,  the advocacy for "no new HIV infection" and the scaled- up responses in interfaith activities to support people living with HIV after INAT received a grant from the Global Fund that is currently managed by Norwegian Church Aid.  They conduct home visits, home based care, capacity building for counselors, care of AIDS orphans and child watch to protect children from abuse.

Fr. Philip Kuruvilla shared through powerpoint presentation the formation of interfaith organization in  

South Asia. Dr. Asavari Herwadkar shared the Hindu Caucus and other activities of IICA in partnership with PLHIV+.

Ms. Anggia Ermarini shared the activities of INTERNA, established in February 2007 and the Signing of the Religious leaders of the "Call of Action to Fight Against AIDS" in May 2007.

 

Women Leading Change

Bridging Partnerships Between People Living With HIV and AIDS and Interfaith Organisation

 

 Sophie Dilmitis, World YWCA HIV and AIDS Coordinator

It is a great honor for me to participate in this panel on building partnerships between people living with HIV and interfaith organisations. I would like to start by thanking the conference organizers especially Erlinda Senturias who is coordinating this event.

I must confess that I do not know much about the Asia and the Pacific Region so I have been on a steep learning curve and an exciting one.  For that reason this presentation is going to focus on my own personal perspective.

I have stood before many audiences and given similar presentations and sometimes I myself am tired of listening to what often feels like rhetoric. I only hope that when we all walk away from this interfaith pre conference that the AIDS response changes so that people living with HIV and people of faith work together.  I am not pointing fingers at one – but speaking to all of us – including myself.

 

As a person who has been living with HIV for 15 years I know how important this topic is and as I come from the Young Women's Christian Association, which is a movement that has been around for over 150 years we have seen how support, acceptance and love can grow health, economies and leaders and how being alienated, afraid and alone is possibly the worst experience for many of us. 

 

There are three things that I would like to cover in this presentation.

 

The first is the belief that many faith-based organisations have and I was reminded of this when I was reading the publication called HIV in Asia by Paula Clifford and I wanted to share a short sentence with you. I quote "We have a moral duty to offer care for positive people as well as prevention work" end quote.  I would like to push the envelope a little more and whilst this moral obligation is great it also tips the scales and can make relationships unequal as then there is always the supporter and the supported. We need to put the facts and the truth on the table about risk and vulnerability to HIV and AIDS and move beyond a victimization consciousness. We need to move from moral obligation to meaningful partnerships – where a person who uses drugs can be spoken to as Jesus spoke with Zacchaeus (Zachaos), the tax collector, the Samaritan women, the leapers and all of those who were rejected by the 'pure' society. Jesus spoke with them as equals, without looking down on them.  Please don't misunderstand me – I am not saying that all people of faith look down on people living with HIV or people who use drugs or sex workers but I do think that there is an element of sometimes wanting to reform and fix instead of recognizing the role that sex worker living with HIV have in prevention and supporting their rights. My husband and I recently went to a Tracy Chapman concert and a song she sang that was about her relationship with God touched me. She started the song by saying that many times we need saving from the very people who are trying to save us

 

Secondly, I would like to talk a little about the kind of partnership that we would like to have with interfaith organisations as PLHIV.

Equal partnerships bridge issues around morality as HIV is so much more than just a health issue but touches on assumed promiscuity, homosexuality, drug use and sex work.

 

We need to be open to talk about what needs to be said.  We often hear about the important role that faith based organisations have in providing health worldwide and with so many who urgently need support this is so critical but what we still need is more religious leaders and interfaith organisations who boldly speak out against human rights violations, especially the sexual and reproductive health violations that so many women experience today. It is most often the people who have experienced these challenges first hand who stand alone and advocate for change.  We want you to stand beside us and join us in our advocacy.

 

The third issues is reminding ourselves that human rights were founded on the very values that almost all people of faith uphold and yet many people of faith struggle to balance rights versus values.  I am not talking about more contentious issues like abortion (a word we rarely speak yet that accounts for 13% of the 526 000 maternal deaths globally every year) I am talking about the human right to information and education.  Often this in the context of sexuality education is ignored. Whilst we recognize that we are a faith based organization who is doing this work and that there are many we also recognize that this is still a huge gap and a bridge that needs to be built to meet the needs of all of us who are vulnerable. 

 

As we move into this meeting I would like us to remember these points – as I will.  None of us are above criticism and this is a great opportunity as we move forward to ICAAP and beyond that we start working together to achieve all universally agreed Human rights – especially for and in partnership with people living with HIV.

 

To conclude, I would like to make three recommendations that I made at the Ecumenical pre conference in Mexico, as I believe that today they are still relevant to this discussion.

 

1. We must work with people who have the lived experience and messages that we are trying to convey.   A colleague of mine back at the World YWCA said that God gave us his only son so that he could experience through him and us, every day what it means to be human. As you address HIV remember the responsibilities we all have to provide correct and consistent information.  If you are not comfortable doing this – bring someone in who can do this and who is comfortable addressing issues around sex and sexuality which are so closely linked to HIV and are central to our human nature. 

 

The second is acceptance, empathy and understanding.  As people of interfaith we do not always share similar ideas and respecting different opinions is critical. As a person living with HIV I need prevention messages to reflect my reality. Exclusion of any human right and evidence based prevention method should simply not be happening at this stage in the epidemic.  This is contrary to the will of God and something I hope we will be held accountable for.

 

And last but not least religious leaders need to become well versed in the language and have well developed knowledge around HIV. Millions have died and millions continue to die. I cannot think of a better reason for religious leaders to speak out on these issues, WITH people living with HIV and provide accurate and comprehensive information.

 

The cost of not building these partnerships would be a failure that will shame the achievements of the last 25 years of AIDS and will mean that we have failed as part of God's own family and it is our duty not to let this happen.

 

I thank you for your attention.

Ms. Geeta Sethi gave her appreciation for the honest sharing of stories by the members of the panel. the sharing of the panel.  She summed up the presentations by citing the need for strengthening our network among different sectors and more partnership building with those who have actual experience on HIV and bridging the gaps in human relationship using the human rights approach, founded on the values of our faith.  There is a need to work and relate this partnership with messages on what it means to be human.  There is a need to address the issues of women and what could lead to their empowerment amidst issues raised by the members of the panel, the need to address gender justice and the role of religious leaders in eliminating stigma and discrimination. There is a need to strengthen the network, train and empower faith leaders.  Correct and consistent messages should be grounded on what is happening – on reality on the ground.

Session 3:  Faith-Based Responses to HIV and AIDS

This afternoon session was chaired by Fr. Philip Kuruvilla.  Each speaker from different traditions were given 15 minutes to present their responses. Mr. Greg Manning presented the response of the World Evangelical Alliance, which he represented in the meeting; Fr. Giovanni Contarin gave the Roman Catholic Response especially their experience in Thailand; Swami Pragyapad of the Art of Living Foundation gave the Hindu response, K. H. Abdulah Hasyim gave the Muslim response and Sayardaw U Thayzarddipidi of Myanmar gave the Buddhist response.

Greg Manning shared the statement of the World Evangelical Alliance on HIV Call to Action:

HIV – A Call to Action

 

While we have not always acknowledged it, we recognise today that the Body of Christ, His Church, is living with HIV. With brokenness we admit that as Evangelical Christians we have allowed stigmatisation and discrimination to characterise our relationships with people living with HIV. We repent of these sinful attitudes and commit to ensuring that they are changed. We will follow Jesus' example and identify with those who are affected (Matthew 9:12-13) as we intercede fervently for one another (Romans 8:26).

 

We recognize that as the current generation of young people in our churches enters adulthood and becomes sexually active we have not always provided a clear, biblical framework of human sexuality and life skills for their guidance and nurture. We are cognizant that we have been insensitive to the inability of women, children and the most marginalised to exercise real choices and that in many areas of the world marriage and gender-based violence are risk factors for HIV transmission. We apologise for this failure and resolve to model and teach the essential value of human sexuality within the bounds of God-honouring lifestyles. We also commit ourselves to listen with understanding to our children, youth, women, and the most marginalised – especially people living with HIV – so that we can work together for a healthy and safe future which will enable all people to live in the abundant life Jesus promised (John 10:10).

 

The HIV pandemic has reminded us that the health of all communities is connected to the health of the most vulnerable and marginalised in our societies. We commit as leaders to equip ourselves and our congregations to follow the footsteps of Jesus. Since ours is the ministry of reconciliation (2 Corinthians 5:18-19) we will seek to live out incarnational faith working in partnership with the most marginalised and vulnerable to HIV infection.

 

As a community of Evangelical Christians we believe that all people regardless of belief, identity, gender, ethnicity or health are created in the image of God (Genesis 1:27). Hence it is an essential element of our identity that we bear witness to the love of God for all people in word and deed, in private and in public. We therefore resolve to strengthen our theological reflection and practical action in our advocacy, respect for life and justice with dignity for all people. We realize that this resolution will profoundly challenge us as we deeply long to be a holy people who please God (1 Peter 1:15-16; Matthew 5:8). We reaffirm that we all live in and by the grace of God (Ephesians 2:8-9; Romans 5:1-2) and agapé love (1 Corinthians 13:1-8).

 

We commit to working in HIV prevention in partnership with others to halt and reverse the spread of HIV. In so doing we understand that there are many social drivers that contribute to HIV transmission and that no one group or organisation can do everything. We will therefore work alongside other sectors of society so that all people will know how to protect themselves from infection and have access to the services needed to do so.

 

We commit to playing our part in caring relationships – individually and corporately – working to mitigate the impact of HIV on individuals, families and communities and advocating for comprehensive HIV services in prevention, treatment, care and support. We will work towards universal access for these services for people living with HIV so that they become less vulnerable and are enabled to be meaningful contributors within the Church and society.

 

We commit to develop a comprehensive HIV strategy in collaboration with our member-networks, people living with HIV and other partners.

 

As a community of Evangelical Christians expressed globally, nationally and locally we will foster connections between parts of the Body of Christ. We will strive for practical solidarity and sacrificial giving among Christians – person-to-person, congregation-to-congregation, denomination-to-denomination, and country-to-country – in order that Jesus may be lifted up, the Father glorified and men and women brought into His saving grace through the life revolutionising power of the Gospel we preach (Romans 3:23-24; 6:23; Ephesians 5:8; Colossians 1:13).

Fr. Giovanni Contarin provided the Roman Catholic teaching and its application in the midst of the HIV epidemics.  He emphasized faithful adherence to monogamous relationship and protection from those that could put people at risk. The Church needs to help prevent, treat, give care and support for people living with HIV.  He cited the experience of the Camillian experience in the nineties.

We need the text of the religious leaders.

 

Skills Building Workshop

There are seven skills building workshops August 7 1630H-1730H and August 8 0900H-1200H in different rooms in Dhyana Pura Beach Resort.

Building HIV Competent Faith-Based Organizations

Dr. Manoj Kurian and Mr. Calle Almedal

(There is a list of ways by which FBOs could demonstrate their competencies in HIV distributed to the participants)

(We need notes from the Rapporteur)

 

Vulnerability (The Ability to be Wounded) in HIV Epidemics

Mr. Greg Manning and Ms. Sophie Dilmitis

(We need notes from the Rapporteur)

 

HIV and Vulnerability (Outline of the Workshop given before the start of the Pre-ICAAP)

 

Faith-based participation in HIV and AIDS prevention has invested heavily in education, raising awareness, and building knowledge about HIV and AIDS. 

 

This participatory skills building session will cover challenging questions like – why is it difficult for individuals, organisations and communities to prevent new HIV infections, even when equipped with good knowledge about how HIV spreads, and how to prevent its transmission?

 

This workshop will develop an understanding or risk and vulnerability and clarify the difference, develop capacity to respond to vulnerability by hearing from people who are vulnerable to HIV infection and explore relationships between religion and belief and vulnerability.

 

The session will be in three parts

1. Introduce the concept of vulnerability, and explore vulnerability specifically in relation to women and girls
2. Build on the themes in part 1, focusing on vulnerability in HIV epidemics in Asia, including the identification of some faith-based tools for reducing vulnerability
3. Build confidence and communication skills to speak, listen and engage in dialogue about HIV and AIDS in both religious and multi-sectoral contexts.

 

 

 

Interfaith Responses on Stigma and Discrimination

INAT Team:  Sr. Mercedes Placino, Rev. Sanan Wutti, Mr. Lawrence Maund

 

REDUCTION/ELIMINATION

OF STIGMA AND DISCRIMANTION

Sister Mercedes Karuna Placino, DC

1.Introduction:

2.Objectives:

2.1 To share experiences of faith-based organizations in the

      reduction/elimination of stigma and discrimination in their

      particular context.

2.2 To reflect on lessons learned and learn from the experience

      so as to focus on the best practices that can be multiplied in

      other settings.

2.3 To assess the challenges that emerged from the experiences

      and to find appropriate response to those challenges. 

2.4 To consider the best possible actions to go forward and

      advance in the reduction/elimination of stigma and

      discrimination, not only in each particular community but

      also in the in community at large through connectiveness,     

      cooperation and collaborative actions.

 

3. The actors in effecting the above objectives:

    3.1 PLWHA – is the most important actor in the

                                reduction/elimination of stigma and

                                discrimination.  Since PLWHA is the most

                                affected, it is imperative that they own the

                                problem by accepting the reality of their

                                health status and live "normally" as much as

                                possible, participating in social economic,

                                political and spiritual life of the community.   

                                Understanding human rights and its

                                corresponding responsibilities and act

                                accordingly enhanced human dignity,

                                promote and sustain self-confidence.

                                Avoiding self-discrimination and apparent

                                unconscious attempt to protect their identity

                                without realizing the limitations of that

                                thought. Living a healthy positive life that

                                attract collaboration and support from the

                                community.

3.2 Government at all level –

Ø                  3.2.1 At the national level – by recognizing and owning the problem and making effective response through legislation, pro-life and holistic policies. It covers the prevention, treatment, care, support, space for advocacy, active and creative participation of PLWHA and the communities in the planning of programs, as well as adequate allocation of budget for the activities mentioned above.

Ø      3.2.2 Provincial and District levels-

              The Implementor of policies made at the higher level and hold the

              budget for the activities in their particular areas.

Ø      3.2.3 Sub-District - Tambon Administrative Organization

                 (TAO) the local government who carry out specific and concrete

                 task in combating AIDS.

Example: Provision of monthly financial support to persons who are living with AIDS, orphan children and those who takes care of orphans and vulnerable children. Education assistance through the provision of school materials and school lunch. Nursery and day care program for small children that cater to both HIV positive children and vulnerable children.

4. Civil Society- 

The organization of Prachakom Tambon or Sub-District Committee on AIDS.  Its primary role is to carry out awareness campaign and the education of the community regarding AIDS and the leaders and government personnel organization of support for persons living with HIV and AIDS and the affected families. Regular meetings were held with community and PLWHA at the with

with critical understanding and acts at the root cause of the problem. However, its main role is animation, education, formation and the promotion of life through its various activities that are based on the precepts of their particular belief, culture and traditions. Holistic approach and inclusive target group lessen the stigma and promote unity and solidarity in diversity. (Example BMT PHA Group) Many members of different sectors community level. These activities were carried out in collaboration of the community such as village heads, village leaders, health volunteers, spiritual leaders, and persons of influence, community leaders and school administrators.

 

5. The community - where the PLWHA are residing – Considering the influence of the local political leaders, it is important that they are part of the solution of the problems on AIDS. Allocation of funds and other services are distributed according to the needs of the people including those persons who are living with AIDS and those who are affected. For example: Assistance in the preparation of legal papers.  Issuance recommendation documents for referral to agencies and services from facility-based centers and institutional services.

 

6. Non-Government Organizations (NGO) Phi Liang (guide) to the PLWHA Group. Provide technical assistance to group organization, group management, provide training on Human Rights, Project Cycle Management (PCM) Project Proposal Writing, techniques on monitoring and evaluation, connecting the PLWHA with funding agencies. Support and participate at advocacy activities and AIDS awareness campaign. Provision of short and long term assistance for development.

 

7. Faith-Based Organizations – by virtue of its mandate, faith-based organizations are the oldest and most stable agencies that provides spiritual, social and health services through its extensive network and resources.  FBOs acknowledged the reality of HIV and AIDS PHA Support include persons and families who are non-HIV and AIDS.

8. Partner agencies – to some extent, partner agencies are indispensable agents of transformation and development.   The current trend for development and advancement of people necessitated that the recipient bring with them at the negotiating table their needs, aspirations, feelings and the way they are going to implement the Project of activities in relation to their particular context. Therefore, it is imperative that short and long term financial assistance are gear toward the building of human capacity for self-determination and sufficiency. 

 

4. Strategies

      Strategies in working with people living with HIV and AIDS is limitless, but we have to choose what is more effective, participative and holistic so as to That provides avenues and expressions for a convergence of efforts and resources in most effective ways.  In my own experience, I combined the Action –Reflection in Faith-Action (ARFA) with the method and principles of Social Work and Development: which is:

 

1)      Environmental scan

 

2) Data analysis

 

 

3) Establish Priority

 

 

4) Prepare Project Proposal

 

 

5) Project Implementation

 

 

6) Monitoring/Periodic Assessment

 

 

7) Evaluation (may use SWOT or Evaluation-Based Objective, Impact Evaluation, Etc.)

 

 

8) Revision of the Project/Turn over or Closure

 

 

9) Start the Process All over again to make it more relevant to the needs of the time.

 

 

5. Lessons Learned:

Ø      That, it is not easy to change attitude and behavior that are related to stigma and discriminations. One need to have a deeper understanding of culture, traditions and practices based on their belief that are variables in contributing to the stigmatization and discriminations of persons living with HIV and AIDS.

Ø      Start where the PLWHA are, and build from their strength to enhance their capacity to respond and act with conviction on the reduction of stigma and discriminations.

Ø      Critical understanding of laws, policies and the implications of human rights and its corresponding responsibilities challenged the PLWHA to disclose their health status so as to be able to work with a sustained sense of freedom and regained their role in society.

Ø      People's and community organizing, counseling and other techniques of reaching the unreachable segments of society particularly those living with HIV and AIDS are effective means of neutralizing HIV and AIDS.

Ø       Creative and non-threatening communication that includes: observation, expression of needs, expressions of feeling that leads to decision making are helpful in the reduction and elimination of stigma and discriminations.

Ø      Healthy human relationship and respect for one another that draw its strength from the inner self that is positive, free from fear, can appreciate the value and meaning of life then, and it is only then, that stigma and discrimination will disappear from the earth.

 

7. The Way Forward, CD.  AINA:

Thank you very much for your attention.

References:

-          BMT and Pro-Life Initiatives Annual Report 1996-2008

 

Rev. Sanan Wutti and Mr. Lawrence Maund presented their strategies on August 8.  (We need notes)

 

 

Channel of Hope

Christopher Baskeran, World Vision, India

(Video on Channel of Hope was presented.  This model originated from Mr. Christo Greyling, World Vision International)

(We need the notes of rapporteur)

 

Working with People Living with HIV and AIDS

Peter Borges (INERELA+), Zarah Kathleen Alih (AMAN), and Anne Harmer (UNFPA)

This workshop group did a SWOT analysis of the situation

(We need the notes)

 

 

Tourism and HIV

Caesar D'Mello, Ecumenical Coalition on Tourism

(Outline of the Workshop)

 

Prevention is crucial in checking the spread of HIV-AIDS!

As people of faith and goodwill, we instinctively respond to the suffering of human beings. It should be so given the faith based call to compassion and care.

Compassion and care are also served if we use our energies and resources – mental, financial, political - to help prevent an ill, especially one which is so destructive.

HIV-AIDS is a fact of life, and so is the suffering. Preventive strategies will help reduce the spread of the pandemic, ensuring that more people are free of its impact: stigma and social isolation, disrupted families and communities, pain and eventual death. It is not inevitable that societies must suffer from HIV –AIDS as long as they emphasise prevention within their communities.

HIV-AIDS is sourced from several directions, and one of these is tourism and the environment it engenders for the spread of the disease. And yet the link between the two is not explored to the extent that it should. And this is crucial given the universal  presence of tourism which is one of the four largest industries in the world besides oil, arms and armaments, and pharmaceuticals. And it is the size of the industry, and the potential for tourist income, that render both the industry and governments unwilling to face up to the link between tourism and HIV-AIDS. And so there is a strange disconnect: on the hand governments may consider allocating huge amounts of resources to the treatment of HIV_AIDS (effect), but on the other hand want tourism (a causative factor) to grow unchecked 

The Workshop

Within the constraints of time, the Workshop will focus on these elements:

• The link between Tourism and HIV-AIDS
• Policy recommendations for the tourism industry, governments, faiths, and other relevant stakeholders
• Inter-faith perspectives
• Campaigning for better preventive policies in light of faith perspectives
• Networking and alliance-building

 

The leadership of the Workshop

The Workshop was led by ECOT Director, Mr. Caesar D'Mello in collaboration with Fr Giovanni Contarin and Ms Usanee Nanasilp. The Workshop will enable participants to share their experience and expertise to enrich the discussions and outcomes for all.

caesar@ecotonline.org

Session Summary Report

DATE	TIME	SESSION 3	NAME OF PRESENTER
07/08/09	15.55	Faith Based Response to HIV/AIDS	Sayardaw U Tay Zadipati Shwe Chin Thae (Golden Lion) CBO Sagaing Division Myanmar
Summary Note   Care & Support Programs •         Advocacy:  local authorities & other implementing partners •      Linking with public health system for Clinical care & support:        -  treatment of O.I at 4 clinics        -  provision of hospital support cost •         Home visit: assessment & pyschosocial support to the patients & family members. •         Voluntary Confidential Counseling & Testing (VCCT): pre-test counseling, referral for blood testing, post test counseling •         Nutritional support: 3 main staple foods: rice, bean, oil. •         Funeral support •         Gathering meeting: hold quarterly -  experience sharing -  awareness raising -  games •         Exchange visit among other partners in other areas.   Other Community Active •         Organising of blood donor group •         Library •         Free Tuition for Formal Education •         Buddha's Philosophy Training

 

 

Name of Rapporteur : (MBM Team)

1. Putu Oka Yudhana
2. Pipit Purwadi
3. Desmi Togatorop

 

SESSION SUMMARY REPORT

DATE	TIME	SESSION	NAME OF PRESENTER
08/08/09	09.00	Session  : Skills building Workshop – continuation of 7th program
Summary Note •

 

DATE	TIME	SESSION	NAME OF PRESENTER
08/08/09	13.30	Session  : Plenary Session
Summary Note VULNERABILITY – the ability to be wounded Faith-based participation in HIV prevention invest heavily in education, raising awareness, and building knowledge about HIV and AIDS.  Even when equipped with good knowledge about how HIV spreads, and how to prevent its transmission, there are many things which make it difficult for individuals and communities to prevent new HIV infections. Information about HIV is not enough to equip religious communities to make communities safer to live in for people who are living with HIV or trying to prevent HIV infections and epidemics. Women Our discussion enabled a group of men to sustain an inquiry into the vulnerability of women to HIV infection, guided by a woman. We looked at the broader issues why women and girls cannot protect themselves and why communities aren't protecting women and girls from HIV infection, and stigma, despite good knowledge.  Our discussion turned to drug use by women and girls in Asia.  The design of services and strategies are prone to overlooking female drug users.  Labels We considered whether religious groups identifying 'vulnerable groups by name help us  to craft good responses to HIV, or do they stigmatise and keep HIV outside our communities of faith. Our conclusion was that we need to keep looking of how HIV is spreading in our community.  This year may be different from next year. And that the people affected by HIV should be involved in the discussion. We talked about men How can our religious teachings help us to transform our understandings of masculinity.  What is it to be a man.  e.g. are you really a man? In Asia MSM is an important element in the future of HIV and AIDS in the region.  We must acknowledge this in our communication, but not as a block removed from us, but people we can talk to and listen to and understand. Our discussion also reflected on our own meeting here. We wondered how or whether women who are outraged by certain teaching of male religious leaders can influence male leadership.  We recognized in this interfaith gathering that people who are vulnerable to HIV infection and people who are vulnerable to stigma and discrimination are still vulnerable to problematic religious cultural practices: ·         the tendency towards silence, when we differ, ·         The unchallenged prevalence of blame that persists in religious discussion

 

DATE	TIME	SESSION	NAME OF PRESENTER
08/08/09	15.30	Session  :  Book Launching "A Handbook on HIV and AIDS ; Guidelines for an Interfaith Response"	Phrakru Pipitsutatorn (AINA Chairperson) Dr. Prawate Khid-arn Dr. Manoj Kurian
Summary Note •

 

 

 

DATE	TIME	SESSION	NAME OF PRESENTER
08/08/09	16.00	Session  :  Introduction to the 9th ICAAP	Dr. Alphinus Kambodji
Summary Note •

 

DATE	TIME	SESSION	NAME OF PRESENTER
08/08/09	16.30	Session  :  International AIDS Conference, Vienna Austria (2010)	Thabo Sephuma
Summary Note •

 

DATE	TIME	SESSION	NAME OF PRESENTER
08/08/09	16.45	Session  :  Reading of Conference Statement	Dr. Asavari Herwadkar MD
Summary Note •

 

DATE	TIME	SESSION	NAME OF PRESENTER
08/08/09	17.15	Session  : Closing Ceremony	Sr. Mercedes Placino, DC
Summary Note •

 

 

In the afternoon session, the rapporteurs presented the outcome of their skills building sessions.

(notes are with local organizers)

 

Book Launching

A Handbook on HIV and AIDS:  Guidelines for an Interfaith Response

 

Dr. Erlinda Senturias, Editor of the Handbook, presented the AINA Writing Committee:  Ms. Zarah Kathleen T. Allih,  Dr. Alphinus Kambodji, Sr. Mercedes Placino, Fr. Philip Kuruvilla,Mr. Lawrence Maund, Ms. Usanee Nanasilp, Mr. Abdus Sabur, Winai (Soleh) Sawehsiripol, Dr. Erlinda Senturias and Rev. Sanan Wutti.

 

The "Handbook on HIV and AIDS:  Guidelines for an Interfaith Response" was launched.

Message from Phrakhru Pipitsutatorn, Chairperson of AINA

(read by Mr. Lawrence Maund, Sangha Metta/Buddhist Leadership Initiative)

 

As faith communities we all recognize that the values of our religions compel us to respond to all kinds of human suffering. Our religious values provide a unique and distinctive contribution to the overall response to the AIDS pandemic drawing on the dignity sacredness, rights and responsibilities of individuals and communities, faith communities are committed to work to overcome HIV in an inclusive manner, mobilizing the human, spiritual, institutional and financial resources that our faith communities possess.

 

Actually faith communities have already been active in addressing all aspects of HIV and AIDS from raising awareness to providing treatment, care and support to those infected and affected. However, we still commit to ensure that the tremendous social assets and competencies of our faith communities are energized to engage religious leaders, build partnerships and mobilize communities. We believe that religious leaders can and must play a constructive role in the response to HIV and AIDS.  However, it needs to educate and mobilize religious leaders to advocate, educate and lead by example in their respective faith communities.

 

Religious leaders at all levels must be equipped to provide accurate, evidence-based information on preventing the spread of the virus, while at the same time focusing on the values and teachings and our faith traditions that also contribute to reducing HIV infections.

 

This "Handbook on HIV and AIDS:  Guidelines for an Interfaith Response" is the result of an effort of faith communities responding to HIV and AIDS.  The first part of this handbook gives background to the interfaith response, space for interfaith interventions including faith values and motivation, faith-based interventions as well as interfaith experiences. The second part provides statistics on HIV and AIDS, learning about HIV and AIDS and their challenges, addressing stigma and discrimination, human rights and HIV and AIDS, comprehensive community-based intervention, advocacy, networking and sharing of resources, capacity building of human resources and program management.

 

On behalf of religious leaders, I would like to express my gratitude to all who have put their effort to complete this handbook. My special thank is, also, to all religious leaders, community leaders, and people living with HIV and AIDS for their active collaboration on HIV and AIDS interventions that produced constructive outcome and impact all over the world.

 

The books were distributed by Mr. Ekapong Fongmoon.

Copies of the book are available at the AINA Office – c/o The Church of Christ in Thailand AIDS Ministry, 1/100 Rattanakosin Road. Muang, Chiang Mai, Thailand 50000, Tel/fax+66 53 247460.  Email ainaaisa@yahoo.com

It is also available at the Christian Conference of Asia PO Box 183 Chiang Mai, Muan Chiang Mai 50000, Thailand. Telephone: +66 53 243906/7 Fax: +66 53 247303. Email: ccagensec@cca.org.hk or linda.cca@gmail.com

 

 

Presentation of the Conference Statement, Discussion and Approval of the Interfaith Presentation

 

Dr. Asavari Herwadkar chaired the session. Dr. Manoj Kurian presented the draft statement for discussion.  The final statement was read by Dr. Alphinus Kambodji to the Community Events Reporting in ICAAP on August 9, 2009.

 

Statement from Interfaith Forum to the 9^th ICAAP

Bali – August 7^th- 9^th, 2009

 

"Working together to empower people"

 

 

We, 160 men and women of faith, from 20 countries, with various roles and responsibilities in religious communities and organizations from Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, and Shinto, met in Bali on the 7^th- 9^th August, 2009, to strengthen Faith-Based responses in meeting the challenges of HIV in Asia and the Pacific[1].

 

We are committed to united and coherent action among our varied faith communities to face up to HIV and AIDS in our region.

 

People living with HIV have reminded us during our meeting that our communities still need to know more about HIV and we are committed to delivering the necessary information and overcome indifference associated with ignorance and existing attitudes, which contribute to stigma and discrimination.  We will continue to build our religious capacities to speak personally and in public about HIV without judgment and without increasing stigma.

 

We are committed to building on the provision of care and support and information and raising awareness in our communities.  However we realize that this is not enough.  It is not enough to equip people with information without making it possible for them to use the information to protect themselves and their communities.  It is not enough to provide care, support and treatment for a select group of people without struggling for access to treatment for the many who are currently unsupported.

 

We asked ourselves:

• How can we de-construct our cultures for the well-being of all? 
• How can we re-form our laws and public policy?
• How can we interpret our religious teachings, which are clear about the unity of humanity and our inter-dependence and responsibility to each other so that we overcome destructive attitudes about 'them and us'.

 

In response to these questions:

• We held sustained discussions about human rights and injustice and violence related to gender throughout our meeting.
• We discussed the devastating impact of the criminalization of drug use, and lack of quality services for male and female drug users.  We will join in and advocate for the review of laws, cultures, policies and regulations that facilitate the transmission of HIV, and exclude people who are living with HIV from the workplace and from access to health care. 
• We are confident we can change ourselves.  We will listen to people from all walks of life and we will read and apply our sacred texts for the empowerment of communities.  We are determined that our beliefs about overcoming stigma and discrimination will be reflected in our lives as individuals and as communities of faith.

 

We also began a regional discussion about HIV and tourism.

 

The value of sharing wisdom within this international, multi-cultural, multi-lingual, multi-religious network is clear to us.  We will strive to include more people in our networking, both within our own national borders and throughout our regional context.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ADDRESSING 
STIGMA  AND  DISCRIMINATION

SUMMARYPOINTS
address stigma and discrimination by:

      Hearing the stories of PLWHAs, to dispel shame and blame

      Welcoming and integrating PLWHAs in the community (love neighbors as one's self, offer our caring, loving and healing hands)

      Helping PLWHAs regain their dignity through giving care, facilitating their economic empowerment

      Recognizing and not denying the reality of HIV and Aids

      Changing our language about HIV and Aids (victims to stakeholders, beneficiaries to partners)

      Facilitating awareness building activities on HIV and Aids

v     Community in general (on correct information on HIV and Aids)

v     Young people (for best practices and life skills)

v     Religious leaders (to talk about suffering and compassion)

      Studying our sacred texts (Bible, Qur'an, etc.) and recovering our religious teachings (on suffering, compassion) to use as a framework in addressing stigma and discrimination

      Challenging religious leaders to put their words into actions NOW. For example, by accompanying PLWHAs (to show a good example and to dispel wrong beliefs, and thus remove stigma and change attitudes)

      Challenging religious leaders to put their words into actions NOW. For example, by accompanying PLWHAs (to show a good example and to dispel wrong beliefs, and thus remove stigma and change attitudes)

 

      Involving the  community in developing a community-based response that is holistic, integrating prevention, care and support

       Promoting open and participatory discussions on different issues (e.g. health issues) in the family, community, church

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Faith Based Responses in HIV & AIDS

Presenter: Sayardaw U Tay Zadipati

Shwe Chin Thae (Golden Lion) CBO

Sagaing Division

Myanmar

Supported by International HIV/AIDS Alliance in Myanmar

 

Location

Cover Urban and rural areas in

Shwe Bo,

Sagaing Division

 

Care & Support Programs

•          Advocacy:  local authorities & other implementing partners

•          Linking with public health system for Clinical care & support:

                     - treatment of O.I at 4 clinics

                    - provision of hospital support cost

•          Home visit: assessment & pyschosocial support to the patients & family members.

•          Voluntary Confidential Counseling & Testing (VCCT): pre-test counseling, referral for blood testing, post test counseling

•          Nutritional support: 3 main staple foods: rice, bean, oil

•          Funeral support

•          Gathering meeting: hold quarterly

                        - experience sharing

                        - awareness raising

                        - games

•          Exchange visit among other partners in other areas

•          Income generation activities

•          Formation of Self-Help Groups (SHG):

- meeting

- fund contribution of the members

- psychosocial support

 

Prevention Activities

•          Awareness raising: Health talk

•          Condom distribution

•          IEC events: regular IEC distribution in the community

            - World AIDS Day, Library Anniversary day,  Pagoda Festival :

                        - Health talk

                        - IEC distribution

                        - contest (cartoon, poem, essay)

Orphan & Vulnerable Children Programs

•          Child Development Centre: feeding program, Non-formal education, personal hygiene

•          Awareness raising sessions: Children, family, care givers, community

•          Home visit

•          Life Skill training

•          Painting: every Sunday

•          Nutritional support: 3 main staple foods

•          Education support

•          Vocational training: hair cutting

 

Other Community Activities

•          Organising of blood donor group

•          Library

•                                                          Thank You          
To contact Shwe Chin Thae:

             

•                                              International HIV/AIDS Alliance in Myanmar
                                                            Programme Manager U Kyaw Thu

•                                                                           Email: kyawthu@alliance.org.mm

•           

•          Free Tuition for Formal Education

•          Buddha's Philosophy Training

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Global Hindu Declaration

n      Reaffirm our commitment to educate and mobilize Hindu priests and faith leaders to advocate and lead by example in the response to HIV / AIDS;

n      Commit ourselves to ensure that the Hindu faith leadership at all levels is equipped with relevant information to help them guide the community to reduce HIV infections and fight stigma and discrimination;

n       Recognise the need to incorporate HIV information in appropriate ways into our discourses, our rituals, our festivals, our religious education and training of future leaders of our faith;

n      Pledge to work towards overcoming HIV in an inclusive manner and for this purpose, mobilize the human, spiritual, institutional and financial resources that our community possesses;

n       Dedicate ourselves to safeguard the rights of Hindus living with HIV and ensure their complete inclusion in familial, social, economic and religious life;

n      Commit to engage the Hindu communities in holding our governments and other international actors accountable for the commitments they have made to provide increased resources and to work towards universal access to treatment, prevention, care and support services;

n       Affirm that the full realisation of all human rights and fundamental freedoms for all, regardless of their HIV status, is an essential element of the Hindu faith;

n       Commit to addressing the vulnerabilities faced by women, children and marginalised populations;

n       Pledge to exhort pregnant women to access formal healthcare, HIV testing and qualified doctors so that their babies are born healthy and free of HIV, in recognition of the fact that HIV positive mothers can have children free from HIV;

n      Commit ourselves to addressing the vulnerabilities faced by children affected by and living with HIV, to ensure their access to education, treatment, care, support and a loving environment;

n       Pledge to advise people to protect themselves from the risk of HIV infection through contaminated blood by always using safe tested blood from authorised blood banks and never sharing injection syringes and needles;

n       Resolve to utilise our places of worship, our educational and health facilities and our women and youth programs to provide the full range of prevention, treatment, care and support services in coordination with the government;

n       Pledge to keep our promise to provide the leadership and resolve to overcome HIV and AIDS and bring hope and prosperity to all humanity;

n      And in all these commitments, we seek strength, guidance and support from the divine.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Statement from Interfaith Forum to the 9^th ICAAP

Bali – August 7^th- 9^th, 2009

 

"Working together to empower people"

 

 

We, 160 men and women of faith, from 20 countries, with various roles and responsibilities in religious communities and organizations from Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, and Shinto, met in Bali on the 7^th- 9^th August, 2009, to strengthen Faith-Based responses in meeting the challenges of HIV in Asia and the Pacific[1].

 

We are committed to united and coherent action among our varied faith communities to face up to HIV and AIDS in our region.

 

People living with HIV have reminded us during our meeting that our communities still need to know more about HIV and we are committed to delivering the necessary information and overcome indifference associated with ignorance and existing attitudes, which contribute to stigma and discrimination.  We will continue to build our religious capacities to speak personally and in public about HIV without judgment and without increasing stigma.

 

We are committed to building on the provision of care and support and information and raising awareness in our communities.  However we realize that this is not enough.  It is not enough to equip people with information without making it possible for them to use the information to protect themselves and their communities.  It is not enough to provide care, support and treatment for a select group of people without struggling for access to treatment for the many who are currently unsupported.

 

We asked ourselves:

• How can we de-construct our cultures for the well-being of all? 
• How can we re-form our laws and public policy?
• How can we interpret our religious teachings, which are clear about the unity of humanity and our inter-dependence and responsibility to each other so that we overcome destructive attitudes about 'them and us'.

 

In response to these questions:

• We held sustained discussions about human rights and injustice and violence related to gender throughout our meeting.
• We discussed the devastating impact of the criminalization of drug use, and lack of quality services for male and female drug users.  We will join in and advocate for the review of laws, cultures, policies and regulations that facilitate the transmission of HIV, and exclude people who are living with HIV from the workplace and from access to health care. 
• We are confident we can change ourselves.  We will listen to people from all walks of life and we will read and apply our sacred texts for the empowerment of communities.  We are determined that our beliefs about overcoming stigma and discrimination will be reflected in our lives as individuals and as communities of faith.

 

We also began a regional discussion about HIV and tourism.

 

The value of sharing wisdom within this international, multi-cultural, multi-lingual, multi-religious network is clear to us.  We will strive to include more people in our networking, both within our own national borders and throughout our regional context.

Christian Conference of Asia

Writeshop on HIV and AIDS Policy

Hotel Dhyana Pura Beach Resort

Seminyak, Depasar, Bali, Indonesia

August 5-6, 2009

 

Introduction

Note to the Readers of this Document: This is not yet the Official CCA Policy on HIV and AIDS

A Special Committee was suggested to prepare this proposed document.  Resource persons were invited to give a background on Building HIV Competent Churches and cite examples on Churches Ministry on HIV and AIDS, Understand the Gap between theology and practice, between reality and practice, and learn lessons. 

The Final Outcome of the Writeshop was documented for further study especially by the General Committee who will meet in Bangkok on 29 September to 2 October 2009 to approve the document for use of Member Churches and Councils of Churches.

 

PROPOSED CCA POLICY DOCUMENT ON HIV AND AIDS FOR CHURCHES

(For action of the General Committee Members, General Committee Meeting, Bangkok, 29 September to 2 October 2009)

 

PREAMBLE

 

The Christian Conference of Asia (CCA) seeks to act from deep spirituality and theology: loving others as oneself (John 13: 34-35); serving the least of our brothers and sisters (Matthew 25: 31-40); seeing the whole community as part of one body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12;12); nothing can separate us from the love of Christ Romans 8: 35); Jesus came that we may have life in all its fullness (John 10: 10). Jesus also clearly mentioned the 'other sheep' in John 10:16a and the Church needs to look into the response to these people of God as well.

 

This policy is built on the Christian principles of peace-making, healing and reconciliation, and aims to equip churches in Asia to be 'HIV competent'. CCA acts as a facilitating agent for dialogue and action on common concerns and for the breaking down of barriers that separate and cause division between peoples. . As a common problem, HIV and AIDS is breaking down barriers and enabling various faith communities to come together to find solutions.

 

Many Asian countries have witnessed the slowing down and reversing of the HIV epidemics among specific populations, for example, children.   CCA commits to the prevention of new HIV infections. CCA also commits to slowing down existing epidemics and preventing new epidemics.  Christian attitudes and teachings have contributed to stigma and discrimination and we acknowledge that we are part of the problem for a long time. Therefore, CCA commits to removing stigma and discrimination, to empowering individuals, families and communities who are living with HIV to gain access to effective treatment, care and support. 

 

National and ethnic cultures have a strong influence on the practice of Christianity in Asia. The powerful action of Asian cultures often supports harmonious and rich relationships involving Christian individuals and communities.  Our cultures also present us with many serious challenges as we reach 'in' to our own Christian communities to mobilize ourselves as best we can to deal with HIV.  Theological reflection, scientific inquiry and public opinion all make competing claims on our responses to HIV.  HIV competent churches are those which can assess their own capabilities, and which can discern which elements of their local epidemics they will directly engage or not engage.

 

 The following policy is based upon the CCA's Pastoral Guidelines on HIV and AIDS

 

1.      Vision

 

The active response to HIV and AIDS cuts across fair and respectful relationships, human sexuality, gender justice, human rights and universal access.  The ministries of the Churches need to address vulnerable children, orphan children, elderly, young people, women, men and key affected populations.

 

CCA is called to:

 

1.1 deepen the theology and spirituality of HIV and AIDS and reflect this into the pastoral life of the Church;

1.2   assert the roles and rights of affected people in the Church and in its work;

1.3   integrate prevention, treatment, care and support;

1.4   conduct lobby and advocacy for people living with and affected by HIV and AIDS; and

1.5   ensure stewardship of time, finances and resources in the area of HIV and AIDS.

 

2.      Spiritual and Pastoral life of the Church

 

2.1   HIV and AIDS challenge us to break down barriers between 'us' and 'them' and our judgment that leads to stigmatization, discrimination and the violation of human rights. 

2.2   There is a need to examine the liturgical rites in churches, such as the practice of baptism, Eucharist, and funerals to ensure fuller participation of people living with HIV and AIDS in the life of the church 

2.3   The active participation of people living with HIV and AIDS in the life of the congregation will enrich our spiritual experience and bridge the gap between our religious teachings and the realities on the ground. 

 

·        We will promote HIV- and AIDS-competent Churches in Asia by:

o        preaching and teaching non-judgmental messages about HIV and AIDS in our Sunday Schools, worship, various lay-led fellowship meetings and Bible Studies;

o       conducting community outreach programs, designate special times of healing and prayers;

o       learning from the experiences of positive people and those affected, and inviting them as full participants in preventing the HIV transmission;

o       celebrating World AIDS Day every December 1^st and AIDS Sunday on the nearest Sunday following

o       equipping pupils and students in Church-related and owned institutions, and in seminaries and other formation centres with knowledge, skills, attitudes that will actualize our roles as a healing and reconciling community.

 

 

3 Prevention

 

CCA calls on Member Churches and National Councils to address the prevention of HIV in a holistic manner including encouraging discussion on, and understanding of:

·        the social factors that can make us vulnerable to HIV, including how these affect members of our congregations;

·        cultural practices within our society that enhance our vulnerability;

·        issues such as domestic violence, incest, substance addictions that are often not discussed openly;

·        the sacredness of sex and relationships that emphasize mutual respect and honesty within families;

·        scientifically proven and evidence-informed methods of prevention e.g. condoms; and

·        new and alternative methods of prevention.

 

 

4  Treatment, Care and Support

 

·        We commit to enhance access to treatment for all, and those in substance addictions, through efforts such as treatment literacy, awareness workshops, promotion of voluntary confidential counseling and testing (VCCT) dispensing of medicines, treatment of Opportunistic Infections (OIs), Anti-Retroviral Treatment (ART), and post exposure prophylaxis (PEP).

 

·        This includes actively helping individuals to access services that are available from providers other than the Church.

·        We will promote scientifically proven methods of care and support as a special ministry of the Church, following the principles of non-discrimination and de-stigmatization, as well as support those looking for alternative treatment and supportive measures.

 

We will promote policies and dialogue that enhance the human rights and dignity of people living with HIV and AIDS.

 

·        Within our organizations, we will seek to create an environment that empowers people living with HIV and AIDS to communicate with their family and community and openly share their HIV status and co-workers, in order to bear witness and to encourage others to do so.

 

·        We will promote the adoption of policies and practices that protect confidentiality and enable openness between Churches and people living with HIV and AIDS.

 

5   Advocacy and Collaboration

 

We will advocate for and with people living with HIV and AIDS:

 

·        to bring about greater awareness of the global HIV and AIDS situation and its root causes;

·        to ensure dignity and rights of affected persons, especially to access adequate health care (universal access), education and employment;

·        to obtain treatment (medications and laboratory tests) and to ensure access to the full range of education, counseling, voluntary HIV testing and care;

·        to allocate adequate resources and provide programs that serve to decrease the incidence and impact of HIV and AIDS in the region;

·        to reduce costs of treatment.

·        to form partnerships as required: ecumenical, other faiths, other people living with HIV and AIDS networks, civil society, business and government;

·        to work with political and other leadership to introduce legislation as appropriate

·        to have more understanding of the scientific findings and reconciling basis of our faith on issues such as  human sexuality

 

6  Gender Justice

 

Gender inequality is at the centre of gender-based violence which is a pervasive public health and human rights issue worldwide.  Gender-based violence includes domestic violence against women, exploitation of children (child labor, sexual abuse, incest, child marriages), prostitution, human trafficking and unfavorable cultural practices ( polygamy, female genital circumcision and cleansing rituals).  All these increase the risk of HIV infection.

 

Therefore:

 

·        We will uphold the ideals of public-spiritedness, social service, family values and traditions that enhance relations and respectful communication with each other.

·        We encourage fidelity and the fruit of the spirit, viz: "love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness, and self-control." (Galatians 5: 22-23)

·        We will promote fairness and respect in relations between women and men, boys and girls in society and in the Church, encouraging more equal status, levels of responsibility, access to resources and share in decision-making.

·        We will promote discussion on cultural, traditional and our own religious practices which undermine such fairness and respect.

 

7. Human Sexuality

 

One of the challenges for what the Churches can do is to seek to understand more fully the gifts of human sexuality in the contexts of personal responsibility, relationship, family and Christian faith.  We can no longer ignore the importance of discussing this gift of God in Churches.  We can draw some wisdom from the findings of the research of scientific communities on the different forms of sexual practices. We need to uphold mutual respect in all forms of relationships.

 

8. Stewardship of Time Finances and Resources

 

To ensure that HIV and AIDS is addressed in the Asian region, CCA is expected to identify staff persons mandated to follow through on HIV and AIDS, and will work with Member Churches and National Councils to do the same.  Available structures should be maximally utilized and time provided.  CCA will have mechanisms that ensure accountability to the people we serve, and those from whom funds are received.

 

CCA calls upon Member Churches and National Councils to discuss and disseminate this policy in all official decision making bodies and to encourage concrete action and implementation at all levels.

Participants

 

Special Committee Members

Ms. Manju Baroi, Member of Presidium, Christian Conference of Asia (National Council of Churches Bangladesh)

Dr. Prawate Khid-arn, General Secretary, Christian Conference of Asia

Mr. Kingphet Thammavong, Coordinator of Tribal Ministry, Lao Evangelical Church, representing Rev. Dr. Khamphone Kounthapanya (Lao Evangelical Church)

Ms. Elijah Fung, representing Rt. Rev. Thomas Soo Yee Po (Anglican Church)

Fr. Philip Kuruvilla, representing Ms. Susan Jacob (Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church)

Ms. Dominica Faurillo, Ecumenical Accompanier, Women Ecumenical Accompaniment of Vision and Empowerment (WEAVE), Program of Ecumenical Formation, Gender Justice and Youth Empowerment (EGY), East Timor

 

Resource Persons

Mr. Caesar D'Mello, Ecumenical Coalition on Tourism Foundation (ECOT) based in Chiang Mai

Dr. Alphinus Kambodji, Coordinator, Anti AIDS Program, United Evangelical Mission based in Jakarta

Rev. Sanan Wutti, Director, The Church of Christ in Thailand AIDS Ministry (CAM), Chiang Mai, Thailand

Mr. Surachart Suchakam, Community of Anonymous Screening, Coordinator, Thai Red Cross, Chiang Mai, Thailand

Ms. Jutatip Dechabon, Computer Graphic Designer, New Life Friends Center, Chiang Mai, Thailand

Ms. Arlyn D'Mello, Anthropologist, Melbourne

Mr. Greg Manning, Micah Network and representing the World Evangelical Alliance, Brisbane, Australia

Mr. Calle Almedal, Consultant on HIV Competent Churches, World Council of Churches

Bishop Drs Wayan Sudira Husada, Protestant Christian Church in Bali

Rev. Made Priana, General Secretary, Protestant Christian Church in Bali, Member, Central Committee, World Council of Churches

Dr. Made Nyandra, Protestant Christian Church in Bali, Psychiatrist, Public Hospital and Counselor, VCT Merpati Clinic

Rev. Nengah Suama, MTh, Maha Borga Marga (MBM), Protestant Christian Church in Bali

Rev. Gomar Gultom, Coordinator, Diakonia, Communion of Churches in Indonesia

 

Observers

Rev. Fr. Desmond Cox, Anglican Church, Hong Kong

Rev. Max Sujardinata, Bukit Doa International Church, Protestant Christian Church in Bali

Dr. Asavari Herwadkar, Asian Interfaith Network on AIDS (AINA), Indian Interfaith Network on AIDS (IICA)

Secretariat

Mr. Ekapong Fongmoon, Secretary, AINA

CCA Consultant on HIV and AIDS

Dr. Erlinda N. Senturias

 

 

 

 

Welcome Address – Bishop Wayan Sudira Husada

 

Good morning brothers and sisters in Christ.  In this special occasion, I would like to welcome you all the participant of the CCA's Writeshop on the HIV and AIDS Policy.  It is really a great privilege for us The Protestant Christian Church in Bali that you have chosen Dhyana Pura Hotel, which is one of our facilities to hold this important event.

 

          The Human Immune-deficiency Virus (HIV) and Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) which has been spreading rapidly since the turn of the twenty-first century is not only the problem of the church but it is the problem of all people in world.  The latest statistics compiled by UNAIDS suggest that at the end of 2007, 5 million people were living with HIV in Asia.  This data makes us aware that HIV and AIDS has threatened the life of human beings on the earth.  The disease has become a pandemic which frightened people in this world.

         

          The Church as the Body of Christ and also as a fellowship of the people who believe in Jesus Christ and all at once as part of the community where they grow should be more active in collective involvement to combat the deadly virus by doing prevention, treatment, care and support of people living with HIV and AIDS. But in fact many Churches in Asia and also many parts in this world do not see the point in engaging with the HIV and AIDS issue. In this matter, we have to be fully aware that local churches have a very important role to be played because the pandemic occur on the grassroots level. From a note given by HIV/AIDS volunteer, there are many church members who are living or affected with HIV/AIDS but ironically it is not realized by the church. On the other hand, church members who are living or affected with HIV/AIDS feel unsafe to share their HIV status with others in order to avoid being marginalized.

 

          The Protestant Christian Church in Bali as part of ecumenical churches both in national and international level through the Maha Borga Marga (MBM) Foundation has started to act and continue to actively involve in the collective movement to combat the HIV and AIDS by working together with social institutions and Faith-Based Organizations (FBOs) through seminars, workshop and even direct clinical treatment.

 

          The biggest challenge of Churches in Indonesia and Asia is to coordinate collective strategy/policy integrating HIV and AIDS prevention, treatment, care and support of people living with HIV and AIDS with the church's healing and reconciling ministry.  The collective strategy/policy will lead churches to ecumenical movement either in theological or ethical levels in combating the deadly virus.  The similarity of churches' theological and ethical viewpoints will extremely determine the HIV and AIDS prevention, treatment, care and support. In this matter, the collective strategy/policy should be centered around Jesus' ministry as the good Shepherd who is willing to guide, support, reconcile, forgive, take care and also to heal.  Those basic of ministry should proportionally be spelled out in the collective strategy/policy either in regional, national as well as in local levels and they should be implemented in a holistic manner in the local churches.  By referring to Christ's love as a center of HIV and AIDS ministry, the congregation would be able to become as a healing and reconciling community that will capacitate the Church to embody peace and happiness through the presence of the Holy Spirit.

 

          Based on the many important reasons that I have mentioned just now, the Protestant Christian Church in Bali gives a high appreciation to this meeting.  We do hope this writeshop would be able to produce a concrete formulation on collective strategy on the prevention, treatment, care and support of people living with HIV and AIDS in order that churches would be able to witness Christ's love among the community.

 

          In God's care I do believe that all participants would stay healthy to join the meeting until it is finished and I wish you the best for the outcome of the meeting for the sake of God's glory in Asia and around the world.  Please forward our greeting to members of your churches.  May God bless you always.

 

Opening Worship Service

(Prepared by Rev. Made Priana, General Secretary of the Protestant Christian Church in Bali)

 

Notes on the Reflection by Rev. Made Priana

 

Human existence is only possible in relationship with God to fellow human beings, world and all of creation.  God who came into this world through Jesus Christ wish that we live in peace and not perish and that we fulfill and reach the vision of God agape loves.  The way God loves the world is different to the way people love neighbors.  God's agape love extends to all of us sinners. Generally, people's love of neighbors is 'egoistic' love.  We love the rich in the hope that one day the rich would love us.  We close our eyes to the poor and the marginalized.  We thank God that we are called to be Church and that we belong to God.  We are sent to the world to proclaim God's love.  Jesus' commanded us to love our neighbors not in 'partial' or 'egoistic' love but agape love.

 

We thought that people living with HIV do not deserve to be loved because they are sinners. We are scared to show our love for people living with HIV because other people may think we also have HIV.  This is not agape love. We ask forgiveness from God and we ask God to give us strength to walk in Jesus way.

 

The Maha Borga Marga* (MBM) of the Protestant Christian Church in Bali is a foundation that provides care and support to more than ten people living with HIV. One lady became aware of Jesus and understood real life in Christ's way.  In John 9, Jesus said that the illness was not because of the blind man's parents but that the work of God may be displayed.  It is easy to blame the people living with HIV.  But when we blame, we will not solve the problem. Jesus does not want us to make problems on top of the problem but to see the grace of God beyond any problems.

 

 

God bless our endeavor and that CCA will be blessed with good policy.  We need to be caring communities and realize that the Church is not the building but the people.  God's grace is sufficient for everyone.

 

*Maha Borga Marga means the way to prosperity

 

HIV and AIDS in Bali

(Dr. Made Nyandra)

 

Statistics at the VCT Merpati Clinic shows a rising trend in People living with HIV

 

	July 2009	2005-2009
HIV test	31	993
HIV test +	14	339
ARV	2	84
Death before ARV	3	57
Patient with TB --> VCT	13	127
Patient from VCTàTB	4	57

 

Medical Problems of People Living HIV and AIDS

-         Long incubation period

-         Silent killer

-         Snow ball effect

-         ARV Compliance of the patient and available stock of ARV

Social Problems of People living with HIV and AIDS

-         Stigma and discrimination

Dilemma – If the husband is HIV+, should we tell the wife about the status or no?

If the test is negative – conduct prevention education

If the test is positive – conduct preventive, curative, and rehabilitative procedures

 

One of the causes of HIV in Bali is addiction to narcotic drugs.

 

We need to open our eyes to this fact.  But there no disease that cannot be healed by love and Jesus demonstrated that by having love, He healed many both physically and spiritually.  We need not only to work with PLHIV+ but work with them. God uses PLHIV+.

 

Keynote Address

Calle Almedal, Consultant to WCC

Developing an HIV Policy for Christian Conference of Asia – Building HIV Competent Churches

Good morning,

As Manoj Kurian was unable to come to Bali in time I was asked to make the key note address.

I do not replace Manoj, because he is irreplaceable. I do not represent Manoj, because he has not given me the mandate to do so. I do not stand in for Manoj, because he has not given me a speech to read. So I am here instead of Manoj.

This means that this session will be somewhat different from what you might have expected. My style is sometimes confrontational; rest assured that I try to provoke thoughts and not people. Should someone feel personally provoked and hurt, please accept my excuses on forehand – it is not my intention to provoke anything but thoughts.

 

Before I go on: do you all know each other? Please stand up and greet briefly the people around you and introduce yourself, but very fast as we have short time.

 

Now when that is done; here is how I plan this session.

 

HIV competent churches need to work on out-reach as well on in-reach. The outreach is in most cases very well done, churches care for orphans, people with HIV, IV drug user and struggle with prevention and so on.

 

With the in-reach I think we have a somewhat long way to go. In-reach is really to see if we as churches think and do in ways that assure us that the out-reach is coherent with how we are, should be and live as churches and individuals in them.

 

I will address some problem areas shortly and then ask you to briefly discuss one, or more, connected questions in small groups, where you are seated. The group should not be bigger than six people. And please do not stand up and walk around, we have little time. When time is up I will ask if someone wants to say something, a comment, not a question, we will save them for the end time permits.

 

The reason I send out questions in this way is that at one stage or another, the right answers will come back, in one form or another. Thus I would appreciate it if you bring them home and raise them in your communities.

 

Now, some time ago I watched a video, filmed in la Grand Chartreuse, where a community of hermits live, isolated and in silence. They have almost no contact with the world around them, and they rarely speak, even to each other.

The prior of that community of hermits said on this video: "Every morning when I wake up, I remind myself about the fact that I am a sinner."

 

The fact that we all are sinners, underpins my trail of thoughts in this session.

 

The first problem area I would like to address is lack of time. This is a bit new to me so the trail of thoughts are a bit raw and I am not sure I know where to go with it, and hope you might be able to help.

 

In my previous job I tried to engage churches leaders in HIV related issues, and the thought of how they manage their time came to me at a meeting with the 28 most prominent church leaders in Norway. During a whole evening I tried to get them to understand that they needed to engage in HIV related issues. All but one said "I do not have time to take on another issue."

 

Millions of people already having HIV, one person getting infected every 9^th minutes and our leaders do not have time…

 

There is a strand of theology called Stewardship theology. This theology argues, as far as I have understood, that God created the world for us to manage and take care of. In this theology is also a mention of "stewardship of time" – all other places I have looked for anything theologically related to time I find  things about kairós, which we might not recognize as we are all too busy with chronos, and  time after life etc, even if I have a feeling that time is central in the bible. So central that "sloth", which can be interpreted, I think, as mismanagement of time, is a Capital Vice.

 

So my question is: how can we assist churches leaders who feel hat they have no time to work on HIV, to rearrange their agendas and help us with our work in this field.

 

 

The second problem area is money.

Time is money and money can be time.

I often hear churches saying that they do not have funds enough to work on HIV, so they go to bilateral donors, governments and the UN for money.

Well, I think that there is an immense financial wealth in churches, and that there is a disconnect with the management of that wealth and the people who carry out activities, for example in the field of HIV.

Let me give you some examples:

·       Some years ago a soldier from the Salvation Army asked UNAIDS for money for a very good project. The problem I had was that the year before, the Salvation Army in the US was the number one recipient of private donations in that country – that is millions of dollars.

·       The Nordic countries Lutheran churches own enormous amounts of money in houses, forests and land.

·       If I am rightly informed there is a conflict between the Catholic Church in the Philippines and the Anglican Church regarding a day mining somewhere in that country. The Catholics are against it because of ecological reasons, the Anglicans for it because of economical reasons - if I am correctly  informed the Anglican Church earns some 86 million pounds a year on that mining project

·       A Jesuit friend of mine working in Africa was worried about funds for his work. I told him that his order might consider selling their House in Lyon in France, which is not a House but a whole block in the center of town. For that money he could run his project for at least 15 years.

·       I am sometimes hearing stories of the very wealth Evangelical pastors in the US owning their own jets to be transported with.

 

May I remind us all that "greed" is a Capital Vice

 

So, how can we make the connect between the obvious financial wealth of many Churches and our activities in the field of HIV?

Now the third problem area can be very provoking, but before I come to it, I would like to tell you that some years ago I took part in a Muslim HIV Conference in Johannesburg. This is one of the best Conferences I have ever attended, partly because each session was addressed by a person with HIV, a person carrying out a project and a Scholar.

But also because of this:

The evening before the closure of the Conference a young Jordanian Muslim stood up and said:

"I am a Muslim and I am gay. You all scare me. The words you use to describe me as a gay man humiliates me. I find no compassion in you towards me. I belong to the same religion of love and compassion as you, but I am deeply afraid of you all"

There was a shocked silence. Then some women started to applaud, and then the men joined in.

The day after a Scholar took the floor and told that all Scholars had met the night before; they all asked the young man for forgiveness for what they had said and thanked him for his courage.

Churches of all creeds tend to say about MSM: "we love them, but we hate their sinful life "

I just thought, the other day when contemplating the Cardinal Vices, that it would be interesting to hear the Pope say to all the people in the Catholic Church eating too much, clergy included, "The Church loves you as gluttons, but hates your sinful eating, repent, go on a 800 Kcal diet a day and your sin will be absolved just before you die."

Back to Stewardship of time; if we use so much time on concentrating on a minority sexuality how are we going to be able  to address the all problems of the majority sexuality, which we need to do to be, credible, righteous, humble and above all very honest. And remember, this is in-reach.

Let me give you some examples:

·       15 or 20 years ago a Swedish sociologist looked at domestic violence in relation to the husband's occupation, what work he did for a living. The number one group of men beating their wives in this research was pastors and priests.

·       An African Bishop proudly showed me the special stick he has to beat his wife.

·       A WHO report states that "studies conducted by various NGOs and institutions in 1995 and 1997 in Delhi reveled that more than half the girls have experienced sexual abuse by  a family member and 76% of women in 5 cities  India admitted having been sexually abused as a child"

·       One study in Los Angeles showed that 27% of the women and 16% of the men had been sexually abused as children.

·       The Population Reference Bureau states that 18% of women in Cambodia are victims of domestic violence.

·       In Violence Against Women, Holly Johnson report that of the 6677 thousand interviewed women in Australia, 48% were victims of physical violence, 34 % of sexual violence and 29 % of childhood violence.

Now, churches are part of societies, so those figures are probably the same in churches, even I must add, that it is extremely difficult to get reliable figures on domestic violence, especially sexual one, including incest. So above figures are meant to illustrate problems that we really do not deal with. However, I strongly suggest you to read the WHO Report on "Women's health and domestic violence" of 2005, on the WHO website under "gender violence".

My questions are: would it not be more honest and correct, and in line with Jesus' teaching on throwing stones, if we, in a non judgmental way, discuss problems related to majority sexuality before we start pointing fingers to minority sexualities? Do we really have time to argue about MSM and other sexualities, when there seemingly is so much to do in heterosexuality?

 

The fourth problem area is perhaps in a way trying to sum up the first three ones, based on HIV competence, looking forward to the policy that you all will adapt in a visionary way.

 

AUSAID states that "HIV and STI epidemics among MSM in Asia are being driven by high numbers of concurrent male and female sex partners and low rates of consistent condom use. Cross-sectional studies repeated over time have shown the potential for HIV epidemics among MSM to increase rapidly and in some places to hyper epidemic levels. Unless effective prevention measures are intensified it is estimated that by 2020 around 46 percent of new infections in Asia will be among MSM, up from 13 percent in 2008."

I presume that a faire share of the rest will be amongst IVDU, and a smaller part amongst the heterosexual population.

 

In September 1986 the WCC Executive Committee met in Iceland and made a two page visionary and perhaps prophetic statement. At the end of that statement The Executive Committee says that "many Christians have been quick to judge and condemn many of the people who have fallen prey to the disease; and that through their silence, many churches share responsibility for the fear that has swept our world more quickly than the virus itself."

 

My question now might be too complex to answer in a short time; perhaps two days are not enough. But with problems managing time and other pressing issues than HIV, with a short-come of funding, with, in many cases, churches history of aversion to deal with any sexual problems regarding majority sexuality and in many cases shunning the minority sexualities; how are churches in the region going to respond?

 

HIV competence is a process and there is no endpoint to it. It evolves all the time. Thus some churches might go through a process of looking into the themes we have discussed to day, and many more, and compare with the churches' own capacity and capability, both present and possibly to change. Some churches might come to the conclusion that their involvement in HIV will be limited, or none at all, which is honorable as long as there is a reasoning behind, and not just adversity and fear.

 

Some churches might go through the same process and feel that they indeed do want to work with HIV, or expand their work, but that they lack certain skills and competencies and consequently need to reach out for help in some areas. This too is honorable.

 

And again, some churches I know of in Pakistan, in Mumbai, In Bangkok and some churches I do not know about; will go through the same process and say, we are already doing this, we are ready to be examples for any church wanting to learn. This too is honorable and also charitable.

 

To end this session, I hope that we all, with all our sinful shortcomings, during the coming days will be inspired by the law of love, and not by love of the law. The first is Christian, the second is not. Inspired by the law of love, and not by love of the law.

Sharing on Churches Ministries

United Evangelical Mission Anti-AIDS Program

Dr. Alphinus Kambodji, Coordinator

 

The program of the United Evangelical Mission on HIV and AIDS is aimed at increasing the commitment of church leaders on HIV and AIDS. It aims to reduce stigma and discrimination and to mainstream HIV in the churches regular program.  The program called HOLISTIC – House Of Love for Information, Shelter, Treatment and Integrated Care aims at caring, empowering and supporting people living with HIV and AIDS.  It offers Information, Education, Communication (IEC) and Advocacy, Medical care and Voluntary Counseling and Testing, Pastoral counseling and Spirituality.

It further aims to increase the church leaders commitment to ethics, morality and theology, support and improve the capacity of churches to do monitoring and evaluation, increase services and technical assistance of workers, network with HIV organizations in Asia, develop interfaith collaboration through the INTERNA (Indonesia Interfaith Network on AIDS) formed in Surabaya in February 2007.  In May 2007, religious leaders signed the statement on Call of Action.

UEM conducts seminars and workshops on HIV and AIDS, Training of Trainers of Peer Educatos on HIV, body mapping, developed curriculum for theological seminaries, catechism  materials for young people, Voluntary Counseling and Testing (VCT), Training on Universal Precaution for pastors, nurses, hospital workers even among those in public institutions, how to deal with AIDS issues among young people and families, increased access to treatment, celebrating World AIDS Day, developing Church AIDS Committees, provision of hotline services, home-based care and visitation, care of dead bodies.

          The outcome of the program is that churches are more responsible, more proactive in prevention, more engaged in pastoral counseling.

Lessons learned are:

1)    Saving lives takes precedence over debate on what is morally desirable.

2)    Openness to all options that contributes to safety and improves survival and life

3)    Overcoming HIV is interlinked with overcoming poverty

4)    Gender and feminization of epidemics – how can we reach men?

5)    HIV and Transnational pharmaceutical ART as a playing field of business enterprises

6)    Church leaders powerful contribution to the challenge of HIV.

We need the 3Cs to overcome HIV:  Commitment, Compassion and Courage.

Discussion

On changing lifestyles and habits – knowledge does not automatically lead to behavior change.  

Reinforce safer lifestyles by telling people who are not exposed to unsafe practices that they are doing good.

How do we deal with congregations who strongly believe that HIV is a result of sin or is related with sin?  This is common. It is important to go and live with the people to know their context. Judgment belongs to God alone and in the end the question is how we have served the least of our brothers and sisters.

 

The Church of Christ in Thailand AIDS Ministry (CAM)

Rev. Sanan Wutti, Director, CAM

 

          My personal involvement on AIDS was a visit to a person living with HIV in 1986.  Just like other concerned Christians, I learned about AIDS from the community. In 1991, we had a workshop for pastors.  It was then that the AIDS ministry was founded by a group of Christian leaders deeply concerned about the growing AIDS epidemic in Thailand. 

 

          The Church of Christ in Thailand AIDS Ministry (CAM) was formally created as an ongoing part of the Church of Christ in Thailand in 1993 and has since expanded significantly across the country. We have eight staff members working from our office in Chiang Mai and across the country starting from Northern Thailand.

 

As a Christian-based organization, CAM works alongside people living with HIV and AIDS.  As workers in CAM, we recognize the life changing nature of AIDS and the importance of meeting the needs of those living with this disease and its effects by actively living our Christian love, acceptance and mercy.

 

CAM intervenes in the AIDS crisis by helping HIV positive people, their affected families and communities.  Two of those whom we have helped are now with us to give their testimonies.  The work of CAM is done in friendship through giving moral support and educating people about AIDS, good health and community life.  CAM takes a holistic approach to people in crisis, respecting their foundations in culture, faith, love and sharing as demonstrated by the actions of our loving God.  We, God's people, stand up for those who struggle with AIDS and aim to foster God's calm heart of peace in their troubled lives.

Goal

          For the church and community to unite and work together to promote quality of life, through physical, emotional, social and spiritual care, for people living with the effects of HIV and AIDS.  CAM believes in the value of each individual life and dignity for each person as people made in the image of God.

Objectives

-         To provide services and encouragement in the area of health, social care, and psychological and spiritual care for people living with HIV and AIDS and its effects.

-         To develop processes within the church and community groups to increase knowledge and acceptance about AIDS, in order to promote community care for people living with AIDS.

-         To develop the processes for prevention, protection and problem solving related to HIV/AIDS, in terms of lifestyle, sexuality and AIDS related problems.  This is targeted to youth, men's and women's groups in the church and community.

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