The answer to this is yes – and no – according to Gideon Byamugisha, an Anglican priest from Uganda living with AIDS. ''It is 'yes' if we are dealing with church leaders who use their power in church to control the spread of HIV. And 'no' for those who use HIV as an opportunity to control the church,'' he told 100 delegates.

Byamugisha warned the Catholic church that it risks becoming irrelevant to societies especially in developing countries where it has for a long time been relied upon to provide basic services like education and healthcare.

'The same God who commands us not to commit adultery is the God who tells us protect our families, including not infecting them with HIV,'' he added.

However, Robert Vitillo, a catholic priest argued ''We have played a larger role in AIDS outside the condom debate. We have set up education programmes all over the developing world not only to provide healthcare but also spiritual care.'' A participant from Nigeria pointed out the importance of working with the church ''Church leaders need understanding and support to understand the reality of AIDS, not unhelpful criticism.''

But a delegate from Brazil demanded ''it is not time for the church to defend itself, it is time for change.''

this story can also be found in The Bridge, the onsite print newspaper

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