For centuries, religious groups have proven their sustainability and resilience through their continuous presence in societies. Members of religious organizations have demonstrated their commitment to respond to human need based on the teachings of their faith, and they do so voluntarily and over long periods. They have continued to respond in the face of conflict, natural disaster, political oppression, and disease. Faith-based organizations (FBOs), addressing the universal need for community and spiritual life, endure for the long term when others tire, drop out, or shift energies to other crises. As HIV/AIDS continues to create a “caring deficit,” eroding the capacity of communities to care for those affected, religious organizations will be crucial in responding to the impact of the disease and in promoting a caring mentality and sustaining hope.

During the past decade, religiously motivated individuals and organizations throughout Africa have developed responses to care for growing numbers of children affected by HIV/AIDS. The strength of religion in Africa is fundamental to the resilience of its responses to orphans and vulnerable children.