Pastoral care and counselling to people affected by HIV/AIDS: A model of spiritual support to churches in Lubumbashi (DRC)

Abstract

The aim of this study is to examine the attitude of the Lubumbashi churches towards people affected by HIV/AIDS, in order to understand why, for a long time, the churches have not been interested in the spiritual care of these patients and designed a model of pastoral care with a Biblical and theological foundation. The model will enable them to spiritually mentor people who are infected with HIV/AIDS, in a manner enlightened by the Word of God, in order to fulfil their role of pastoral effectiveness. Since the emergence of HIV/AIDS in the DRC and Lubumbashi particularly, the churches have not been sufficiently committed to the spiritual guidance of people affected by HIV/AIDS and therefore their pastoral role has not yet been fully accomplished. They should have long taken advantage of the opportunity presented by the emergence of HIV/AIDS patients, to provide pastoral care to them. These churches have therefore not been able to respond to this challenge for a long time. Could it be because of the ignorance of this virus? During this study, the researcher will attempt to talk about HIV/AIDS to inform them about it and provide guidance to them. This study is in the field of practical theology and is based on the need for the churches of Lubumbashi to take ownership of a pastoral framework offered to address the emergence of people affected by HIV/AIDS. It focuses on the question of spiritual guidance and the role the churches of Lubumbashi can play to fulfil this important role.