Religions for Peace

Responding to crisis

Co-sponsored by Religions for Peace, a guide to the response of five world religions to HIV and AIDS and opportunities for collaboration with governments and secular groups is now available.

Scaling up effective partnerships: A guide to working with faith-based organizations in the response to HIV and AIDS provides background information and case studies, dispels myths, and gives practical guidance for United Nations staff, government officials, positive people's networks, non-governmental organizations, foundations, and the private sector who want to collaborate with faith-based organizations on joint projects related to HIV and AIDS.

"Religious communities are uniquely equipped to help confront the stigma of HIV/AIDS and provide invaluable training, background, and support," said Mr. James Cairns, Director of Programs at Religions for Peace. "Religions for Peace is deeply committed to helping religious leaders and communities work together to address this disease and the many ways it can devastate families. We are grateful for this opportunity to work with like-minded organizations to create this important and timely guide."

The need for the guide was highlighted in a number of workshops and studies over the past two years that identified lack of information and misinformation among staff of multilateral organizations, government agencies and embassies, and development partners as major factors inhibiting scaling up existing faith-based projects and developing joint initiatives.

The guide reviews the relevant teachings and structures of five of the major world religions: Buddhism, Hinduism, Christianity, Judaism, and Islam. Examples of current responses, potential obstacles, terminology and case studies are intended to give practical advice for initiating or expanding collaboration at local and national levels.

The guide has been produced by Church World Service, Ecumenical Advocacy Alliance, Norwegian Church Aid, UNAIDS, and Religions for Peace.