“Loving the sinner, hating the sin”

An investigation of religious leaders’ perceived role in the lives of persons living with HIV in Soweto, South Africa

Dados Bibliográficos

ID23199744
AutoresAmina P Alio (0000-0002-2171-5537, University of Rochester Medicine, autor correspondente), Lerato M Makhale (0000-0003-0952-6757, University of the Witwatersrand), Lerato Makhale, Stefanie Hornschuh (0000-0002-5505-6488, University of the Witwatersrand), Khuthadzo Hlongwane (0000-0002-0882-9599, University of the Witwatersrand), Kennedy Otwombe (0000-0002-7433-4383, University of the Witwatersrand), Michael C Keefer (0000-0001-9048-3621, University of Rochester Medicine), Michael Keefer, Janan Dietrich (0000-0002-1949-3138, University of the Witwatersrand), Janan J Dietrich
Ano2019
Volume3
Data de publicação2019-06-25
Peer ReviewedSim
Open AccessSim
TipoARTICLE
PeriódicoJournal of Global Health Reports (JOURNAL)
Identificadores do periódicoISSN: 2399-1623 • E-ISSN: 2399-1623
EditoraInternational Society of Global Health (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.29392/joghr.3.e2019021
OpenAlexW2956049662
IdiomaEN
Citações recebidas9
Referências citadas34

# Background In South Africa, the Church has historically played an important role in the lives of the Black population. In light of the high number of Black persons living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) in the country, it is important to explore religious leaders' perceptions of HIV/AIDS and PLWHA to inform the development and implementation of faith-based interventions. # Aims This article explores Christian religious leaders' perceptions of people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) in Soweto and the role of religious institutions in the lives of PLWHA. # Methods We conducted a mixed-methods cross-sectional study of religious leaders serving in Soweto. A questionnaire was administered to 45 religious leaders who self-identified as Black, Christian, and serving congregations in Soweto. The questionnaire included general demographic information about the religious leaders and their Churches, perceptions of the role of the Church in the lives of PLWHA, and HIV-related stigma. Of the questionnaire respondents, 26 participated in qualitative interviews. Survey and interview results were analysed separately, then compiled for additional analysis. # Results Leaders reported HIV/AIDS is a concern (40%) or great concern (49%) to the Church and 84% believed the Church should support PLWHA, yet 80% reported persisting HIV-related stigma. Expectations of PLWHA depended primarily on the mode of infection: if as a result of 'sinful' behaviour (pre/extra-marital sex), spiritual reconciliation is needed; when as a result of another's behaviour (spouse, rape, mother-to-child), making peace and forgiving is important. Leaders saw themselves as 'restorers' of the faith of PLWHA. Despite the overwhelming compassion and willingness to be of assistance, religious leaders (71%) admit to having inadequate skills to address HIV/AIDS-related stigma and resources needed to support people living with HIV/AIDS. # Conclusions Religious leaders are willing to tackle HIV/AIDS-related issues in their congregations but need the appropriate support and training to address HIV stigma and to provide support to PLWHA.

Faith · Faith healing · Family medicine · Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) · Perception · Population · Psychiatry · Psychological intervention · Psychotherapist · Qualitative research · Social science · Sociology · Spouse · Stigma (botany) · Theology · Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health · Demography · Food Security and Health in Diverse Populations · Gender Studies · Medicine · Psychology · Religion, Society, and Development