We began to meet together in 2004, as an attempt to address some of the issues we encounter as people with faith, living with HIV. Many of us have experienced the difficulties of being unable to find sympathetic or understanding people in our faith communities or families with whom we can share our HIV status.

Similarly, many of us find that a faith perspective is often not appreciated within other social groups, or health related networks.

Our small developing network is composed of women and men, young and old, married and single, recently diagnosed and those who have lived with HIV for more than twenty years.

We are from Africa, Latin America and Europe. We are gay and straight, women and men living with HIV.

We include catholics active in church life and catholics who have been 'away' from the Church for many years. Some are secure in our faith and identity as catholics, while others struggle with faith and some others have an uneasy relationship with the wider Church.

Activities

We meet about once every 6 - 8 weeks in London and every month in Manchester, to share food, prayer and conversation in each others homes. Meetings take place in Vauxhall, London and with the Passionist Community in Manchester. We also have meetings in Birmingham.

Currently we provide some telephone support to individuals.

We also meet for our own liturgy during Lent and Advent.

We host approximately three retreats every year. During these weekends we take time out from our ordinary lives, to pray together, share stories and experiences, relax and reflect upon our lives as people living with HIV and seeking the presence of God in the midst of it all. We also manage to get in some quiet walks in the countryside and some jokes and conversation down the local pub.

We are supported by a Roman Catholic Priest who has been our 'Chaplain' since the beginning and has many years experience of ministry with people living with HIV. 

Those living with HIV from other Christian traditions, or those who are interested in Christianity, may attend some of our events. You are invited to get in touch with us, in confidence to explore this further.