HIV
HIV & some religous beliefs
Q: My pastor said that HIV/Aids was a punishment from God because pastors of some African churches give their image to followers who pray before them. “He said:  God became angry and poured HIV/Aids and other bad diseases at the world. You must go to these bishops and negotiate with them to call upon their Christians to bring back all their idols and burn and bury them. I promise you after they have done that all the victims of disease will be cured.”

A: Your pastor is entitled to his religious beliefs, however Aids will not be defeated until we change our sexual conduct and stick to one partner and be faithful – and that partner remains faithful to us. Before starting a sexual relationship with a person you should go with him or her for an HIV test so that you know your status and that of your partner. Still practise safe sex.  It is a crime if you are HIV infected, and you know that you are, to then have unprotected sex with a person who may or may not be HIV negative. Respect yourself, and respect others, and that after all is a key precept of all religion.

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