‘Jesus was HIV-Positive’

Johannesburg – A churchman in Cape Town has angered Christians in his community by preaching that Jesus Christ was HIV-positive, South Africa’s Mail & Guardian newspaper reported on Friday.

Reverend Xola Skosana of the charismatic Way of Life church said he had decided to tackle the issue of HIV/Aids head-on to end the stigma surrounding the disease.

In a sermon entitled “Jesus was HIV positive” he told his congregation in Khayelitsha township that God was present in everyone, sick and healthy.

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This isn’t an American story, but it sure feels like one. Good intentions, poor execution. Apparently the pastor was trying to destigmatize HIV for his congregation. HIV is a massive problem throughout the African continent and needs serious attention, not to mention the involvement of the church, but there’s probably a better way to raise awareness and get the church to be the church to those with HIV other than throwing out a line like “Jesus was HIV-positive.”