Friday, June 19, 2026

WCC NEWS: WCC publishes “HIV and Mental Health: What Can the Church Do?”

The World Council of Churches (WCC) has published “HIV and Mental Health: What Can the Church Do?” by Dr Sue Parry, a practical and theologically grounded resource for congregations ready to respond to one of the most complex pastoral challenges of our time.
Photo: Grégoire de Fombelle/WCC
19 June 2026

The book is an invitation and a challenge to churches and faith communities to engage courageously and compassionately with the profound intersections of HIV, mental health, and psychosocial wellbeing. 

Drawing on theological reflection and global best practice, this manual affirms the church’s unique vocation as a place of healing, dignity, and hope. Faith communities are positioned to reach where healthcare systems alone cannot: into homes, relationships, and the interior life of the spirit.

The resource offers a grounded overview of mental health challenges faced by people living with or affected by HIV and addresses stigma. It highlights the importance of integrating mental health and psychosocial support into HIV responses. Rooted in scripture and theology, the manual combines reflection with practical tools, case examples, and a clear framework for action.

Designed as a practical guide rather than a prescriptive text, it supports congregations to accompany individuals and communities with empathy, wisdom, and care, and to initiate locally meaningful programmes that do no harm. The question the title poses—What can the church do?—is answered here with clarity, compassion, and an unmistakable call to act.

Translations into French, Spanish, and Portuguese will be available soon. 

“We invite you to share this tool widely within your networks and to let us know how it has supported your ministry,” said Gracia Violeta Ross, WCC programme executive for HIV, Reproductive Health, and Pandemics. “Your feedback is invaluable and will help us strengthen future resources.”

Send feedback to: HealthandHealing@wcc-coe.org

Link to the book

See more
The World Council of Churches on Facebook
The World Council of Churches on Twitter
The World Council of Churches on Instagram
The World Council of Churches on YouTube
World Council of Churches on SoundCloud
The World Council of Churches' website
The World Council of Churches promotes Christian unity in faith, witness and service for a just and peaceful world. An ecumenical fellowship of churches founded in 1948, today the WCC brings together 356 Protestant, Orthodox, Anglican and other churches representing more than 580 million Christians in over 120 countries, and works cooperatively with the Roman Catholic Church. The WCC general secretary is Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay from the Uniting Presbyterian Church in Southern Africa.

Media contact: +41 79 507 6363; www.oikoumene.org/press
Our visiting address is:
World Council of Churches
Chemin du Pommier 42
Kyoto Building
Le Grand-Saconnex CH-1218
Switzerland

No comments:

Post a Comment

WCC News: WCC webinar to explore nuclear disarmament amid growing militarization in Nordic countries

The World Council of Churches Commission of the Churches on International Affairs will host a webinar “Nuclear disarmament in times of incre...