HIV Positive Priest to speak in Scotland

Rev Canon Dr Gideon Byamugisha, an Anglican Priest from Uganda, is to talk openly about his experiences of living with HIV at two events organised by Waverley Care.

In his first visit to Scotland, Canon Gideon, will speak from personal experience of the stigma and discrimination associated with the condition and of the need to speak out against stigma and to educate and inform people about the facts of HIV.

On Saturday 9th July, we are organising a one-day Christian faith and health conference for people from across Scotland. “We Are One, Let’s Walk Together” is aimed at African faith and community leaders; Africans in Scotland; health service providers and health planners and will enable delegates to explore how faith and health can work together.

Held at the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, the conference aims to improve HIV knowledge, reduce stigma within faith community settings and improve early take up of testing.

On Sunday 10th July, at St John’s Church, Princes Street, Edinburgh, Canon Gideon will participate in a ‘taster’ event for the Festival of Spirituality and Peace. Hosted by David Johnson, Director of Waverley Care, the event will be an ‘in conversation’ format through which Canon Gideon will challenge attitudes that discriminate against people living with HIV in Scotland. Other participants include Mark Lazarowicz, MP.

David Johnson said: “We are honoured that Canon Gideon is able to join us for these two events. It is the first opportunity in Scotland to hear from a man who has spoken publicly throughout the world about his experiences of living with HIV and, in doing so, has openly challenged the responses of some faith communities whilst commending others for their acceptance. Canon Gideon will have much to tell us which will be relevant to our own situation here in Scotland, where the fear of stigma and discrimination is a part of everyday life for people living with HIV.”