In an effort to develop a common strategy to respond to the emerging HIV epidemic in Central and Eastern Europe, an ecumenical meeting brought 40 representatives of 24 churches and church-related organizations in 12 countries to St. Petersburg from 15-18 December 2003. The meeting was held under the auspices of the World Council of Churches (WCC) and its European Regional Partnership Group (ERPG).

Theological reflection was an integral part of the consultation programme. In a "Memorandum of Intention," participants stated their firm belief that all human beings are created in the image of God and therefore have intrinsic value and dignity. People with HIV/AIDS are loved and accepted by God and are full and equal members of the human community. "Any form of stigmatization or discrimination perpetrated against human beings," including persons living with HIV, "violates this divine image and is therefore a sin," the memorandum affirms.

Based on their theology and on an analysis of the ongoing HIV/AIDS work of the churches and related organizations in the region, participants declared their resolve to work on prevention and care by ensuring that "our communities are fully informed about the reality of this crisis and are equipped and willing to act in a way to prevent the spread of this disease and to support and sustain those who are affected by HIV/AIDS." "The battle against HIV/AIDS... calls us to use all effective means of prevention within a context of Christian ethics," they stated.

The participants also expressed their determination to fight HIV-associated stigma, especially against the most vulnerable groups. People living with HIV/AIDS, women, children born to HIV-infected mothers, prisoners and injecting drug users were among the groups identified as being particularly vulnerable. Referring to gender discrimination, "We must dare to focus more on the rights of women and children and the particular issues of sexual coercion and domestic violence," the memorandum says.

It urgently calls upon the churches and the related organizations to strengthen their efforts and commitment to reduce the spread of HIV infection and relieve the suffering of all those affected by HIV/AIDS. And it notes that "Even though we may have different approaches to certain issues, we are united in the fundamental belief in the sacred worth of human beings and that the gospel mandates that we love and respect all people regardless of their circumstances."

The full text of the memorandum is available on our website at: http://www.wcc-coe.org/wcc/what/mission/petersburg.html

World Council of Churches