A golden age is one of maturity; the reason the PCC has been undertaking in many areas preparation geared towards its 50 th anniversary on November, 11 2007.

One   such activity was a workshop that held recently at the Kumba Church Center. Organised by the Health Services Department of the PCC in collaboration with the Cameroon America AIDS Alliance (CAAA), the workshop on Pastoral Care and Counseling of People Living with and Affected by HIV/AIDS, took place for four days.

Meditating on the theme, "Do you have a Friend," the Rev. Besong Johnson called on participating pastors to make it a matter of joy in saving lives. The man of God did not limit the message to the Clergy only, but extended it to Medics and Social Workers, emphasizing that friendship in daily life should not only center on drinking and the pursuit of earthly riches.

In opening the workshop, the Moderator of the PCC and president of the All Africa Conference of Churches (AACC) said healthy people make healthy churches. He went on to state the reason for the PCC to engage in HIV/AIDS falls in line with the healing doctrine of the gospel and highlighted the role of Jesus Christ in healing and restoring people. He said Christians must provide the human element in healing while the Lord does the rest.

PCC Moderator

Welcoming participants to the workshop, the PCC Health Services Secretary, Mr. Nubed Godlove Tanyi, reminded the college of pastors that they are the trusted ones in the society in whom patients confide and therefore are in the best position to acquire knowledge on the counseling of victims of diseases like HIV/AIDS that carry a social stigma.

The topics covered in the workshop included: HIV/AIDS Basics, Women and HIV/AIDS, Counseling in Health Facilities, Confidentiality and Stigma and Discrimination.

This workshop was part of the activities marking the celebration of the PCC Golden Jubilee, other activities consisted of retreats, sports and choral singing. The celebrations marking the Golden Jubilee takes place at the level of the parishes on Sunday, November 4. One week later, on November 11, the ceremonial grounds shall be Bamenda and Buea only.