The AIDS fulcrum : the church in Africa seesawing between alienation, estrangement, prejudice and love

HIV / AIDS presents the church in Southern Africa with a dilemma that touches the heart of its identity. In reality those suffering with HIV / AIDS are more often met with alienation, estrangement and prejudice than with love. Theology should address this by realising that God is love and that, if the church is to be his body and pastors shepherds of his flock, this love has to become operational in overcoming alienation, estrangement and prejudice.