The Church and AIDS in Africa:

Situating her analysis squarely within the context of debates about the role of religion in African politics and society, Amy Patterson systematically analyzes the efforts (and sometimes lack of effort) of Christian churches in shaping HIV/AIDS policy.

Patterson considers how theological worldviews, material resources, historical interactions with the state, and global networks influence church advocacy on AIDS. She is particularly interested in why various churches have responded in such differing ways to the political questions associated with the AIDS epidemic. With the issue of AIDS as a focal point, she offers a cross-national, critical analysis of Christian church mobilization in Africa.