The Church and AIDS in Africa: The politics of ambiguity

Abstract

Patterson has taken on the ambitious and sometimes controversial task of discussing the politics of AIDS and churches' responses in sub-Saharan Africa. Too often, the representation of churches' responses to AIDS in Africa by the media, academics, and donor agencies is to portray these responses as either ‘good’ or ‘bad’. In her comprehensive research across the sub-continent, Patterson draws a multi-dimensional complex picture which defies simple stereotypes or generalizations. This book will be an excellent resource for scholars and practitioners seeking a better understanding of the past and current actions of churches in Africa with regard to AIDS. It also acquaints us better with the external and internal structures, contexts, and forces which shape the different actions of state and external actors. Through the lens of an American political scientist, Patterson aims first to orient readers to the historical role and types of churches in the sub-continent, and to explain her rationale for restricting the discussion to Christian responses to AIDS. She creates a typology of church responses from early to late responders since 2000, and uses case studies to illustrate examples of these. We see in these typologies responses that incorporate HIV prevention messages, care and compassion, condemnation, medical treatment, required HIV testing before marriage, and silence. Each church – Pentecostal, Catholic, or other, whether at congregational or national level – may act differently, even within the same city or country.