Description: The HIV pandemic has caused serious challenges for the Church as well as for theology. The pandemic has brought enormous human suffering to individuals and has affected families and entire societies. In this context, churches need to listen and to learn, and not least to respond, to thereby mold their own actions and futures. In so doing, this book aims to enable churches to become more HIV and AIDS competent. Vulnerability, Churches, and HIV includes two kinds of contributions. First, researchers present their thoughts about theology, the church, and HIV. A pastoral letter from the bishops of the Church of Sweden provides a second perspective. The letter makes recommendations to decision-making bodies, patent holders, and decision makers in the pharmaceutical industry. The letter also guides parishes and church workers. Contributors include editor Goran Gunner, Musa W. Dube, Susanne Rappmann, Kenneth R. Overberg, Edwina Ward, and the bishops of the Church of Sweden. The book is the first volume in the Church of Sweden Research Series. Endorsements: CONTRIBUTORS: Prof. Musa W. Dube, University of Botswana, Botswana; Dr. Edwina Ward, University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa; Prof. Kenneth R. Overberg, Xavier University, USA; Dr. Susanne Rappman, Sweden; Archbishop Anders Wejryd, Church of Sweden, Sweden. About the Contributor(s): Goran Gunner is a researcher at the Church of Sweden Research Department and an associate professor at the University of Uppsala. He is author and editor of several books in Swedish about freedom of religion and other human rights issues."