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4/15/2006

Fighting AIDS in Africa from the pulpit

In Africa, where two-thirds of the world's HIV/AIDS victims live, many religious leaders waited to take action against HIV/AIDS. In his forthcoming book, a Rice University scholar in religious studies argues that the Christian leadership in Africa needs to put into action what it proclaims from the pulpit: that humanity is created in the image of God, an image that is suffering as a result of AIDS.

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Since AIDS was first diagnosed in 1981, 20 million people worldwide have died, and almost 38 million today are living with HIV. The vast majority of all AIDS victims are in sub-Saharan Africa, where discrimination and fear continue to be serious obstacles to HIV/AIDS prevention. In his forthcoming book on the pandemic in Africa, a Rice University scholar in religious studies challenges Christian religious leaders to assume their moral responsibility and address the social conditions that have created a climate for the spread of the AIDS virus there.

"I appeal to all Christian churches in Africa to draw on the history of traditions they belong to and the cultures in which they live and work," said Elias Bongmba, an associate professor of religious studies at Rice.

"Their own proclamation that humanity is created in the image of God has ethical implications for the way individuals should treat those who suffer in our communities and the world at large."

Cameroon, where Bongmba was born and raised, has been experiencing one of the more serious AIDS epidemics in Central Africa. The author's research there from 2000 to 2003 forms the basis of his book's argument that Christian churches are in a unique position to combat HIV/AIDS in his homeland.

"Dealing with AIDS is not simply a matter of preaching from the pulpit about morality," Bongmba said.

"It requires religious leaders to encourage their congregations to be actively involved in ways that enable members of their community to work for the good of others."

According to Bongmba, Christian churches, which reach millions of Africans on a weekly basis, are some of the most significant places where people routinely gather together and receive information in their communities. For that reason, he believes the Christian leadership is obligated to confront the stigmatization and discrimination surrounding AIDS. To do so effectively, he urges them to work closely with organizations currently addressing problems of unemployment, poor public health infrastructures and public education programs. He also stresses the need to pay particular attention to the status and rights of African women, who account for 57 percent of the women with HIV in the world.

Bongmba's studies show that many problems related to the AIDS pandemic in Africa have a disproportionate effect on the rural areas where there are limited resources and where many urban dwellers who have the disease return to live and die. He is urging Christian churches to train and work with rural communities to prepare them to deal with the disease. He recommends practical ways individuals can help others in their communities by preparing meals, working a sick person's farm to provide for that family's food, and training local people about the importance of confidentiality and how to counsel AIDS victims.

While a number of nongovernmental agencies and private voluntary organizations in Africa are responding to the AIDS pandemic, Bongmba argues that it is important for local communities to be empowered by their religious leaders, who themselves should network with public health officials and international organizations.

"Instead of remaining at arm's length to this crisis and admonishing people to live virtuous lives, Christian religious leaders should work with their communities to enhance a broad social response as well," Bongmba said.

"Otherwise, when outside organizations leave, nothing lasting will be left in their place to combat this disease."

And, as Bongmba reminds church leaders, HIV/AIDS will most likely be part of the communities they serve for a long time.

A former Baptist minister, Bongmba left Cameroon in 1980 to study in the U.S. He received his undergraduate degree in sociology and mass communications from Sioux Falls College in South Dakota and attended the North American Baptist Seminary in the same city.

He holds a master's degree in theology from the University of Iowa and a doctorate from the University of Denver and the Iliff School of Theology.

For more information, contact Bongmba at bongmba@rice.edu or Jennifer Evans in the Office of News and Media Relations at jevans@rice.edu.