Listening for a Vigilant and Vulnerable Church - What happens to me, to us and our Church when we attentively listen? CAPS Director, Vincent Manning gave a presentation on listening to PLWH to twenty scholars, clergy and practitioners, from across the UK, Ireland and the US. Other topics included listening to survivors of sexual abuse, women, young adults and transgender persons. The symposium was the first such event of the Centre for Ecclesial Ethics at the Margaret Beaufort Institute, Cambridge. In view of the ongoing Synodal Process within the Roman Catholic Church the aim was to reflect upon the ecclesiological and ethical implications of attentive listening for a vigilant and vulnerable Church.

The Community of the Passion is a dispersed community of women and men finding together a new way of being ‘Passionist’ in this country. Inspired by the example of Jesus in His Passion, each member is committed to action and practical solidarity with and for ‘the crucified of today’ in their daily lives. Drawing from the traditions of and supported by the religious order ‘The Passionists’ who first came to England in the 19th century, this new way of being Passionist was also inspired by PLWH in the CAPS’ Positive Faith ministry.

Peer Support Groups in the UK - There are a total of five groups in the UK with 6 regular meetings per month and additional meetings of varied frequency. Most meetings take place face-to-face, but the PositiveFaith London group also meets online once a month.

Sharing Food - Eating well & good nutrition is really important for PLWH. Before the current ‘cost of living crisis’ we have always understood the value of a good meal and a warm place to be for many of our members. A free meal is a part of any of our meetings. This is also central to our Christian faith. As a real act of welcome sharing food builds the body and the sense of community.

As we prepare for our third online World AIDS Day service, it is pertinent to look back at our first two services and to thank all those who have participated, whether speaking from the heart, leading liturgy or prayer, or listening in quiet contemplation, live or at any time since the first broadcast.

Our members, like many people around the world were touched by the death of Queen Elizabeth in September this year. For some the loss felt is very personal. The occasion is also a reminder of the love and loss we feel for our family members or partners who have died.

My name is Tanya and I would like to share my journey of living with HIV and how the strength of my faith and support from the Positive Faith Ministry has largely contributed to the person I am. 

The Church Times writes an article about HIV status: Plagued by prejudice and stigma, in which Positive Faith is highlighted and our members are quoted.

I had worked for the past two years on board cruise ships as a therapist when I fell very ill. I was medically disembarked. My HIV antibodies test came up ‘positive’. I nearly crumbled when I received the diagnosis.

HIV affects the poorest people in our society disproportionately, many live on welfare benefits, are refugees, in debt and in housing need. Despite medical advances many still suffer with debilitating sickness and die at a younger age than in the general population. They are often isolated and alone, despised by others because stigma and prejudice persist, and sadly, they are generally overlooked in our churches.

HIV affects the poorest people in our society disproportionately, many live on welfare benefits, are refugees, in debt and in housing need. Despite medical advances many still suffer with debilitating sickness and die at a younger age than in the general population. They are often isolated and alone, despised by others because stigma and prejudice persist, and sadly, they are generally overlooked in our churches.

HIV affects the poorest people in our society disproportionately, many live on welfare benefits, are refugees, in debt and in housing need. Despite medical advances many still suffer with debilitating sickness and die at a younger age than in the general population. They are often isolated and alone, despised by others because stigma and prejudice persist, and sadly, they are generally overlooked in our churches.

HIV affects the poorest people in our society disproportionately, many live on welfare benefits, are refugees, in debt and in housing need. Despite medical advances many still suffer with debilitating sickness and die at a younger age than in the general population. They are often isolated and alone, despised by others because stigma and prejudice persist, and sadly, they are generally overlooked in our churches.

HIV affects the poorest people in our society disproportionately, many live on welfare benefits, are refugees, in debt and in housing need. Despite medical advances many still suffer with debilitating sickness and die at a younger age than in the general population. They are often isolated and alone, despised by others because stigma and prejudice persist, and sadly, they are generally overlooked in our churches.

HIV affects the poorest people in our society disproportionately, many live on welfare benefits, are refugees, in debt and in housing need. Despite medical advances many still suffer with debilitating sickness and die at a younger age than in the general population. They are often isolated and alone, despised by others because stigma and prejudice persist, and sadly, they are generally overlooked in our churches.

HIV affects the poorest people in our society disproportionately, many live on welfare benefits, are refugees, in debt and in housing need. Despite medical advances many still suffer with debilitating sickness and die at a younger age than in the general population. They are often isolated and alone, despised by others because stigma and prejudice persist, and sadly, they are generally overlooked in our churches.