The Theology Of Transmission: Roman Catholic Church Teachings and HIV/AIDS on the African Continent

Abstract

The Roman Catholic Church has committed through doctrine and teachings in the 20th century to a responsibility of existing and acting as a church in the modern world. The modern world has faced, and is still facing, the crisis of HIV/AIDS, particularly on the developing continent of Africa. Church teachings on conscience, freedom, solidarity, and contraception come to the fore in these issues, especially as portrayed in Humanae Vitae, Gaudium et Spes, and Caritas in Veritate. Ultimately, the responsibility of the Church is to work towards education and equality that allow for the possibility of the discussion of more nuanced doctrinal teachings, like those of marriage and sexuality.