CAPS submitted a short but detailed report on the issues for PLWH in preparation for the Second Synod on Synodality Session at the Vatican in October.

The Community of the Passion is a dispersed community of women and men finding together a new way of being ‘Passionist’ in this country. Inspired by the example of Jesus in His Passion, each member is committed to action and practical solidarity with and for ‘the crucified of today’ in their daily lives. Drawing from the traditions of and supported by the religious order ‘The Passionists’ who first came to England in the 19th century, this new way of being Passionist was also inspired by PLWH in the CAPS’ Positive Faith ministry.

Our members, like many people around the world were touched by the death of Queen Elizabeth in September this year. For some the loss felt is very personal. The occasion is also a reminder of the love and loss we feel for our family members or partners who have died.

My name is Tanya and I would like to share my journey of living with HIV and how the strength of my faith and support from the Positive Faith Ministry has largely contributed to the person I am. 

HIV affects the poorest people in our society disproportionately, many live on welfare benefits, are refugees, in debt and in housing need. Despite medical advances many still suffer with debilitating sickness and die at a younger age than in the general population. They are often isolated and alone, despised by others because stigma and prejudice persist, and sadly, they are generally overlooked in our churches.

HIV affects the poorest people in our society disproportionately, many live on welfare benefits, are refugees, in debt and in housing need. Despite medical advances many still suffer with debilitating sickness and die at a younger age than in the general population. They are often isolated and alone, despised by others because stigma and prejudice persist, and sadly, they are generally overlooked in our churches.

Faith is a universal human experience that transcends culture, nationality, and language, and even religion. For some time, while we are very comfortable of course with our Catholic roots and Passionist theology, we have been asking ourselves whether the name CAPS (or Catholics for AIDS Prevention & Support) was serving us and the people we support in the best possible way.

We are here because we have sisters and brothers everywhere, especially in sub-Saharan Africa, who are threatened with grave illness, or who are already sick unto death. Lives are disrupted; families are devastated; and ordinary hopes are challenged in every way. Despite some significant progress in the struggle against the dread HIV infection, it continues to outrun us.

HIV affects the poorest people in our society disproportionately, many live on welfare benefits, are refugees, in debt and in housing need. Despite medical advances many still suffer with debilitating sickness and die at a younger age than in the general population. They are often isolated and alone, despised by others because stigma and prejudice persist, and sadly, they are generally overlooked in our churches.

The focus of World AIDS Day 2017 is the ending of isolation, stigma and HIV transmission. Vincent Manning considers the important role that churches can play in meeting those challenges. How can church members, teaching and resources respond to the individual pastoral needs of people living with HIV and, in doing so, enter into a valuable partnership with the NHS in order to fight the virus?

The pandemic of HIV/AIDS has been with us for nearly thirty years now. The situation for those living with HIV in the West has dramatically altered with the development of more effective treatments that delay or prevent the onset of AIDS for those who are diagnosed HIV positive at a sufficiently early stage of infection. This paper will review the last three decades in brief, and consider the similarities and differences between then and now. With a very close look at the experience of Catholics living with HIV in the UK, we shall consider the particular ministry of ‘Positive Catholics’ and reflect upon the challenges and gifts that those involved have experienced.