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| Women of Candomble in Salvador Bahia, Brazil. Image via Antropologia Teatru |
Many churches and religious organizations have not taken the most progressive stance when it comes to issues such as AIDS, contraception, abortion, and sexual orientation. The response of many organizations has been condemnation and in some cases outright denial that a particular issue is a problem. The churches’ response has often been out of step with the needs of those it is meant to serve. However, there are many churches from all religious denominations working to change that, and they have taken proactive steps to help provide counsel to all people, as well as access to services relevant to the community’s needs. One example of this is the Brazilian religion Candomble. Candomble houses of worship, called
terreiros, are taking innovative approaches to addressing the needs of the Brazilian people.
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| The AIDS awareness symbol was installed at the foot of Rio's iconic Christ the Redeemer statue for World AIDS Day. Photo by Ricardo Moraes |
