Synod on Synodality
CAPS report on HIV & Faith studied at Vatican Synod
By Vincent Manning
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 report, POSITIVE FAITH - PEER SUPPORT FOR PEOPLE LIVING WITH HIV: Being a synodal church with a mission to be Good News for others was submitted via CARITAS INTERNATIONALIS and will be available for the study groups in preparation for the main gathering.
As far as we know it is the only substantial contribution from anywhere in the world that raises the issues at the intersection of HIV and faith.
It suggests the PositiveFaith ministry is a prophetic model of what a truly inclusive and listening church might be.
As a further contribution to the synodal process, Dr Vincent Manning was invited by the European Forum of LGBTI+ Christian Groups in collaboration with Global Network of Rainbow Catholics to give a virtual presentation on the topic of ‘Understanding LGBTI+ Vulnerabilities’ as part of their Synodal Process webinar series.
Other speakers presented issues affecting LGBTI+ refugees and people subject to the rise in harsh anti-gay legislation in African countries. Vincent described some of the challenges faced by PLWH and argued that the LGBT Christian community has a special responsibility to include PLWH in their efforts for reform in the Church. The webinar was recorded and can be viewed on the PositiveFaith website:
positivefaith.org.uk/blog/synodal-process-webinar-understanding-lgbti-vulnerabilities
As Father Timothy Radcliffe OP has said “The challenge for the Church is to bring back people with HIV as full members of the community — not only for what they can receive, but for what they can give. God will not desert them.”
newwaysministry.org/2017/12/01/new-catholic-resource-looks-aids-positive-faith