God, AIDS, Africa & HOPE

Reflections / Gedanken

08/04/2010 • 10:42 pm Comments Off on 04.08.2010 Midst of the week

04.08.2010 Midst of the week

Sometimes time is flying and one is taking a deep breath in the midst of the week being astonished about how fast time is flying.

The presentation at the Salesian Development AGM is already history, but I did enjoy being the guest speaker there and also listening to all the young people going into schools to bring behaviour changes. I was amazed to hear about another speaker’s experience of the Vienna conference: For her, it was too much biomedicine involved in the debate and she felt that the work in the fields of behaviour change is not acknowledged enough; therefore also not so much funding available for this particular field of expertise. I am not so  sure about it, actions like circumcision, condoms, gels have a direct impact, to change somebody’s behaviour takes a bit longer and the problem with this pandemic is that we have not that much time. People are dying and we have to stop the force of the pandemic and with the surviving people, so to speak, we have then time to talk about behaviour changes. They are important, but they are the long term part of the whole process ending this pandemic.

This afternoon board meeting IAM dealing with issues in the GLBTI faith community. It is for me again and again amazing to see how much hate and anxiety is present when “believers” deal with this issue. Sexuality must indeed be a strong item of the human agenda when one can go on for ages about what is allowed or forbidden by natural law or God or the spirit. It is amazing to see how the right wing evangelical fundamentalists from the US tell the Africans what is “African” and how and in what kind of God to believe. It is indeed almost criminal what is happening in this field and the result are attempts of laws as seen in the moment in Uganda. A disgrace for mankind and for Africa.

Preparation for the meeting of the executive board of trustees of the HOPE Cape Town Trust for tomorrow are the final touch for today.

Filed under: Reflection, , , , , , , ,

07/26/2010 • 10:26 am 1

26.07.2010 Frankfurt Airport

Arriving at Frankfurt airport. A long and intensive weekend draws to an end. Udo Lindenberg and the Panic Orchestra in Tuebingen – an experience on its own – a different world for a priest, but I learned to know great people. Amongst others Claudius from the group “Karat”, Marit und Arno and many more… Also being on stage to launch the fundraising drive together with Udo is special – one can only imagine the kick, a rock star gets on stage in front of thousands of screaming and waving fans. Well, one would wish that reaction after a sermon…hehehehe 🙂

Lots of talks, planing and a night at home with Viola & Hermjo; it is good to have friends to relax with, discuss pressing issues and also get advice and guidance and share experience without having to watch every word and phrase. Protected areas and I really cherish this moments to let one’s mind speak – the best way to develop ideas to get things moving.

Later the day still meetings, amongst others with a new sponsor and I hope for a good chat and a productive meeting. Again it is amazing to see how many people what to give a hand to assist HOPE Cape Town in its daily work with those infected and affected by HIV and AIDS.

All in all 10 intensive days with lots of new information, exchange of ideas – Vienna, Tuebingen, Frankfurt; I fly back with lots of new ideas and concepts, specially also to foster the HOPE Cape Town Trust and to assist in making the work of HOPE Cape Town stronger in the months and years to come.

Filed under: HOPE Cape Town Association & Trust, Networking, Reflection, , , , , , , , ,

11/28/2009 • 2:34 am Comments Off on 28.11.2009 Malicious journalism and great AGM’s

28.11.2009 Malicious journalism and great AGM’s

Giving interviews is always tricky in our days – and when the topic is HIV and AIDS and the newspaper is a Catholic one, even more. I had in Munich a lengthy interview with the LinzerKirchenzeitung – and the interviewer really did a great job. Obviously the “condom question” was prominent – again, but I felt that I really tried to be as detailed and balanced as possible. Those who are able to read German can read the excerpt under http://www.dioezese-linz.or.at/redaktion/index.php?action_new=Lesen&Article_ID=51939

This morning I find an article about the article on “kath.net” under the headline: “Kondom Theologie in der Linzer Kirchenzeitung” (Condom theology in the Catholic newspaper of Linz – in German language). Reading this vile concoction I suddenly realise that I could have put it in the interview in any form – it would not matter at all. Here are people writing, who simply want to slate someone, in this case me. Anything goes, as long as at the end, the person concerned is put down. I feel ashamed that this is labeled “Catholic news. I would expect more from real Catholic news…  Love, respect and fairness are important virtues of Catholic journalism. This morning I find an article about the article on “kath.net” under the headline:

This afternoon then our two General Annual Meetings, first for the HOPE Cape Town Association and then for the HOPE Cape Town Trust. I must admit that afterwards I am really a happy man. Both AGM’s have been inspiring, a good motivation for the coming year. Dedicated trustees who want to get involved in the fundraising efforts and so adding to the work of HOPE Cape Town. One can sense that there is a good spirit amongst all of us and that the goodwill will go the extra mile to achieve the goals of HOPE Cape Town for the next years. It is indeed a pleasure to be part of such a project. And listening to the chairwoman’s report of the association, it amazes me anew, how diverse our work is. Running with it daily one sometimes tends to forget and miss the sheer bandwidth of our work.

I also want to use this blog to thank all of management, the employees, the trustees, the members of the advisory board, the sponsors and donors and friends of HOPE Cape Town for their dedication and for most I can say, for their friendship. My fellow management members I want to say a special thank you for the unique ways, we work together. It is not always easy with all the unique characters we have :-), but after 8 years one can sense that feel of belonging and appraisal for each other. For me, HOPE Cape Town is part of my family.

Filed under: HIV and AIDS, HOPE Cape Town Association & Trust, Networking, Reflection, Society and living environment, , , , , , , , , , , , ,

11/16/2009 • 4:51 pm Comments Off on 16.11.2009 New week starting

16.11.2009 New week starting

At 6 am I am up and running already this morning, too much is waiting for me today. The first hours I spend writing the next pages for a book to be published with the University of Trier. I was asked to contribute 15 pages on HIV and AIDS and slowly but surely the first 10 pages are done with an overview and some insights about the pandemic in Africa. Then a meeting with a parishioner from my previous German-speaking parish in Durban – time to have a coffee and catch up with his and my life. I always encouraged the people in Durban to phone when they are in Cape Town and to meet for a coffee and a chat. It is so important to stay in touch, specially when “your” community lives two flight hours away from you. For me it is nice to see that they still phone and pop in – even after I left this working field.

Afterwards meeting with the management board of the HOPE Cape Town Trust to prepare for the AGM later this month. There is always much to consider and to prepare to have a successful meeting with the whole board of trustees.

Answering emails and scheduling meetings is my current task – this week is so full, it is amazing and I have difficulties to pack into the week a bit of gym to release tension and to do good to my body. Later this eve I will visit friends to have a good “Linsensuppe” – a real good finale for a full day.

Filed under: General, HOPE Cape Town Association & Trust, Reflection, Uncategorized, , , ,

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