This timely book gives a voice to those living with HIV who are too often ignored or misunderstood by the Church and other religious institutions - including those in positions of care who may have thought they were helping but have ended up doing more harm than good. The book exposes and challenges attitudes of institutional blindness and abuse and suggests some positive means of remedy, all of which have been formed and tested with the help of clients at the London HIV Chaplaincy. With its powerful combination of moving personal testimony and honest pastoral reflection, this book will encourage a more informed, sensitive and effective interaction with many who, for whatever reason, feel marginalised by our society and alienated by those who most want to help. As Rowan Williams says in his foreword, 'This book is a proclaiming of the gospel as well as a call to judgement. It is necessary material for the self-examination and self-awareness of any Christian minister or community, if the Church's claim to be what it is supposed to be is not to go on being so hollow for so many who need to hear that their agency and dignity are understood and honoured.'

How do people offering pastoral care to those living with HIV end up perpetuating abusive attitudes and practices? And how can those attitudes and practices be changed?

About the Author
Stephen Penrose set up London's HIV Chaplaincy and was its first chaplain. He is currently a retired Methodist Minister, having been involved with the bringing together of Central London's Youth Work at St Martin-in-the-Fields and having founded Streatham Street Link (a project concerned with the safety of women selling sex on the streets in South London). Joseph Clayford has been London's HIV Chaplain for ten years. Paul Kybird worked as Training and Development Officer and District Development Enabler for the London District of the Methodist Church from 2000 and has served as editor for the testimonies in this book.

Reviews
'This stirring and prophetic work is a challenge to any reader in terms of emotion, thought, spirituality, theology, humanity and practice.' * Inderjit Bhogal, Former Chief Executive of the Corrymeela Community *
'A great testament to the strength and courage of those who have shared their stories. . . The testimonies in this book help us break down the barriers that people living with HIV too often face.' * Norman Fowler, the Lord Speaker *
'This book makes for challenging but vital reading for the Church.' Dame Sarah Mullally, Bishop of London * Dame Sarah Mullally, Bishop of London *
'Deeply and rightly unsettling.' * Gareth J. Powell, Secretary of the Methodist Conference *
'This book is a proclaiming of the gospel as well as a call to judgement. It is necessary material for the self-examination and self-awareness of any Christian minister or community.' * Rowan Williams, Master of Magdalene College, Cambridge *



Book Information
ISBN 9780281082421
Author Paul Kybird
Format Paperback
Page Count 160
Imprint SPCK Publishing
Publisher SPCK Publishing
Weight(grams) 180g