The global spread of HIV/AIDS poses grave challenges for individuals and institutions alike -- not least for Christians and the churches. What are the latest scientific findings about AIDS? How can we address the theological and ethical issues raised by AIDS? How can the churches respond to their members who are directly affected by AIDS? How can the churches help to prevent its spread? How are issues of human rights directly related to the spread of AIDS? This WCC study document is the fruit of two years of intensive consultation by an international group of pastors, theologians and ethicists, scientists, doctors and nurses, people living with AIDS and people working with those touched by it. Successive chapters focus on the scientific facts and social, economic and cultural context; theological perspectives; ethical and medical-ethical issues; human rights and responsibilities; and pastoral care by the church as healing community. The challenge of AIDS calls for a forthright and faithful response from Christians and the churches. This book is an important resource for shaping that response.