NetACT AIDS Curriculum Development Workshop

In July 2008 Janet Guyer, PC(USA) AIDS consultant in Southern Africa, facilitated the second curriculum development workshop for the Network for African Congregational Theology (NetACT).

Attendees at NetACT workshop. Photo courtesy of Stellenbosch University.

NetACT is a network of 11 theological institutions in the Presbyterian and Reformed tradition in sub-Saharan Africa based at Stellenbosch University in South Africa. It was formed in 2000 to link the Faculty of Theology of the University of Stellenbosch with its sister theological institutions in Southern Africa. NetACT's purpose is to provide leaders for missionary congregations through a holistic theological approach to addressing HIV/AIDS, poverty, abuse of power and corruption in sub-Saharan Africa.  Its primary focus at the moment is how to address HIV/AIDS in local rural and urban communities in Africa.

During the five-day workshop Janet led representatives from each of the 11 theological institutions through a process of looking at what is being currently taught, thinking together about what should be covered in their institutions and creating outlines for modules on the seven broad topics around HIV and AIDS that are most critical to the training of pastors.  The seven modules include basic facts about HIV and AIDS, care and treatment, pastoral care, AIDS and theology, liturgy and worship, mobilization, and gender and sexuality.  This curriculum is striving to address the cultural and behavioral issues around human sexuality that put people at risk.

NetAct is currently writing a book of sermons to help pastors in preaching about sexuality and HIV and AIDS.