Kenyan pastors' perspectives on communicating about sexual behaviour and HIV

    Authors

    A. N. Miller; M. N. Kizito; J. K. Mwithia; L. Njoroge; K. W. Ngula;K. Davis

    Comments

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    Abbreviated Journal Title

    AJAR-Afr. J. Aids Res.

    Keywords

    Africa; Christian denominations; churches; condoms; HIV/AIDS; religion; AIDS-RELATED STIGMA; SOUTH-AFRICA; HIV/AIDS; PREVENTION; PEOPLE; MALAWI; Public, Environmental & Occupational Health

    Abstract

    The article presents an analysis of in-depth interviews with 18 leaders of Christian churches in Nairobi, Kenya, regarding the content and context of messages they disseminate to their congregations about sexual behaviour and HIV. The content of messages was nearly consistent across the different denominations. However, three sorts of tensions were identified within pastoral communication about these topics: the need to discuss sex and HIV versus societal taboos against speaking about those issues from the pulpit; traditional cultural norms versus current lifestyles; and the ideals of abstinence and fidelity versus the reality of congregants' sexual behaviour. Although some of the religious leaders accepted the idea of condom use, no denominational patterns were noted on that subject, except with respect to Catholic priests. Pentecostal leaders were notable for describing proactive strategies to address both the ideal/real dilemma and the tension between church norms and current media content about sexuality and HIV.

    Journal Title

    Ajar-African Journal of Aids Research

    Volume

    10

    Issue/Number

    3

    Publication Date

    1-1-2011

    Document Type

    Article

    Language

    English

    First Page

    271

    Last Page

    280

    WOS Identifier

    WOS:000299259900010

    ISSN

    1608-5906

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