Theological And Ethical Aspects Of HIV/AIDS And Trafficking Of Human Being

The ART, in the framework of its “Prevention of trafficking in human beings by pastoral counseling and assistance” program, held a workshop on Theological and ethical aspects of HIV/AIDS and Trafficking of Human Being for the twenty clergy of Armenian Apostolic and Armenian Catholic Churches. The goal of the workshop was to introduce the concepts of various denominations, including Catholic, Lutheran and Orthodox Churches on HIV/AIDS and Trafficking.
The part on HIV/AIDS was conducted by Rev. Fr. Gevorg Saroyan, who presented the official views of various Christian Denominations on HIV/AIDS as well as facts and examples recorded by the Armenian ancient authors of the 5th century of the Armenian Apostolic Church regarding pastoral care.
Trafficking in Human Beings was presented by Rev. Fr. Mesrop Parsamyan, who reflected on the definition of trafficking, principles of moral teaching of AAC as a basis for Christian approach to the phenomenon. Experience on pastoral care and counseling of Orthodox Church was also presented and discussed.
The workshop was rich with group activities, and as a conclusion two groups of clergy were formed, one to elaborate the concept of Armenian Apostolic Church on HIV/AIDS, based on the practical experience of clergy working in prevention and pastoral care, as well as experience of other denominations, and another to elaborate a manual on pastoral care and counseling, based on the recommendations of the participants.