February 1997

NEAC Executive Addresses First Religious AIDS Conference

South African Event

The Reverend Ted Karpf, executive director of the National Episcopal AIDS Coalition, presented three addresses at the first-ever AIDS conference sponsored by the Anglican Bishop of the Province of Southern Africa, entitled, “Sharing the Responsibility—A Christian Response to AIDS.” Karpf was in South Africa as part of the deputation of the Episcopal Church for the Enthronement of the new Archbishop of Southern Africa.

The conference, held the week following the enthronement, was organized and hosted by Wola Nani. Wola Nani is a self-help development project for women living with AIDS and their children, which receives support by the Presiding Bishop’s Fund for World Relief.

According to Gary LaMont, organizer of the conference and Wola Nani director, “After years in the struggle to end apartheid, the AIDS pandemic has finally been taken off the back-burner of concerns for the nation.” It is estimated by health officials that slightly more than 10 per cent of the population is thought to be HIV positive. “400 HIV+ babies are being born each month in Soweto Township,” according to LaMont.

Karpf led a study of the scripture entitled, “For God so Loved the World.” His other presentations included, “AIDS and the Care of Souls,” which focused on the role of pastoral care and the care giving community, and “A Generation of Hope: AIDS Prevention for Youth.”

A Quilt panel, one of four 12x12 sections in all of South Africa, was on display at Groote Schur Hospital Conference Center, Capetown, site of the first South African Anglican Bishops Conference on AIDS. Wola Nani, a program supported by the Presiding Bishop's Fund for World Relief, was the host of this ground breaking event.

A Quilt panel, one of four 12x12 sections in all of South Africa, was on display at Groote Schur Hospital Conference Center, Capetown, site of the first South African Anglican Bishops Conference on AIDS. Wola Nani, a program supported by the Presiding Bishop’s Fund for World Relief, was the host of this ground breaking event.

The prevention presentation focused discussion about the Episcopal Guide to the Teens for AIDS Prevention program, approved by the General Convention in 1994. Karpf explained that the curriculum was based on sound moral values and peer support. He stressed that the youth are the future of South Africa, but are also more influenced by any generation before by the world media market and consumerism.

“Today’s adolescents are more sophisticated than any before them. Through the media they are part of a global community influenced by consumerism and values which do not reflect those of the faith community. We must do all that we can to ensure that we do not lose these children to disease and death.”

More than 150 people attended the conference, which was held at Groote Schur Hospital and University of Capetown Medical School. Among the other presenters at the conference were Dr. Geoffery Glassock, director of the Australian Anglican AIDS Network and researcher in the issues of death and dying; and The Reverend Bill Kirkpatrick, AIDS activist and priest of Earls Court, London. Kirkpatrick led each day’s meditation’s and refections on the nature of the AIDS pandemic and provided significant pastoral care and support to many of the conferees.

In South Africa, Karpf introduced the new NEAC slogan for 1997, “How many eyes have to close before you open yours to AIDS?” The slogan is emblazoned on blue and green buttons. “It’s essential we keep everyone’s eyes on the fact that AIDS is not yet cured. Nor are all people treated the same. Throughout most of sub-Saharan Africa and across too much of the Third World, the only treatment for AIDS is aspirin. Regardless of the hope on our horizon, there is much to do for everyone suffering from this disease,” he added.