Guatemala Partners

The Ecumenical Forum for Peace and Reconciliation (FEPAZ)

Project: AIDS in Guatemala – Investigation Plan

Activities include: advocacy; information/education/communication (IEC); research with persons living with HIV/AIDS; member churches of FEPAZ, Guatemalan public and government. 

Project summary
The Ecumenical Forum for Peace and Reconciliation (FEPAZ) was established in 2002, by Christians committed to peace and reconciliation. The Anglican, Presbyterian, Lutheran and Catholic churches as well as PWRDF partner CIEDEG, make up its membership. FEPAZ’s initial work sought to address Guatemala’s peace process and post-conflict violence. More recently it has identified HIV and AIDS as one of four themes of national and strategic importance. In 2005  it carried out a basic study on HIV and AIDS in Guatemala and its implications, that, in 2006  formed the basis for a sustained and integrated campaign of HIV/AIDS prevention and of pastoral accompaniment of those infected.  “Giving Meaning to Life” is a campaign based on Christian values and identity, with a focus on contributing to stopping the expansion of the disease in Guatemala; respecting the human rights of those infected; generating solidarity and decreasing stigma; and influencing public policies related to HIV/AIDS.

What difference does PWRDF partnership make? 
A small grant from PWRDF in 2005 enabled FEPAZ to undertake its initial research into HIV and AIDS in Guatemala and the FEPAZ member churches’ responses to the disease.  This in turn enabled FEPAZ to launch its ambitious “Giving Meaning to Life” campaign in 2006 for which FEPAZ has sought support from PWRDF and other international donors.