African bishops call for more holistic look at causes of AIDS crisis

Published: 2006-11-28

ACCRA, Ghana (CNS) -- Catholic bishops from Africa called for a deeper look at the causes of the AIDS pandemic and called for a more holistic approach to the problem. "As the church's mission is to address the whole person in all dimensions of life, we feel the special responsibility to revitalize the strong moral values in our societies. That is what will lead to a true, sustainable solution to AIDS in Africa," said the Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar. The symposium, representing nearly 50 national bishops' conferences, issued the statement to mark World AIDS Day Dec. 1. The theme of the 2006 World AIDS Day is "Stop AIDS: Keep the Promise." The bishops said it is not enough for people to be offered "only knowledge, ability, technical competence and tools." Despite education, the bishops said, "many people remain ignorant about AIDS or still deny it." And more people are dying despite a greater availability of treatment, they added.

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