What theological lessons have we yet to learn? How is the Gospel Good News for people living with HIV?

On Saturday the 9th of September Douai Abbey welcomed attendees from across the country for our event, Making Faith Sense of HIV, marking the 20th anniversary of our PositiveFaith ministry. The gathering comprised a broad spectrum of guests, including theologians, clergy, and Christian people living with HIV.

The CAPS team was pleased to host a panel of speakers, including Abigail Chakanyuka, CAPS Pastoral Support Worker for PositiveFaith; Sister Gillian Horsfield MMS, who had first-hand experience ministering to people in Nairobi at the height of the AIDS pandemic in the ‘80s; Michael O’Halloran, a former CAPS Trustee, Retreat leader and Spiritual Director; Vincent Manning PHD, Director of CAPS, who been active in leading responses to HIV in the UK and Ireland on behalf of the wider church, since the '90s; Prof. Jim McManus, Director of Public Health and a key contributor to the Catholic Church’s Healthcare Reference Group; Martin Pendergast, a CAPS co-founder, who has been a tireless advocate for the LGBT community; and Father Timothy Radcliffe OP, CAPS Patron and Dominican friar from Oxford who will lead the retreat at the upcoming Vatican Synod on Synodality.

The day’s discussions explored the complex relationship between faith and HIV, examining the church's historical responses and the Gospel message for those living with HIV today. After the talks we shared a celebratory meal.

Our deepest thanks to all who attended, participated, and contributed to the day's meaningful dialogue. Your presence truly amplified our enduring message of support, community, and inclusivity.