Church workers in India have warned that the stigma and discrimination associated with HIV and AIDS is being perpetuated by a lack of understanding among church leaders.

The church workers made the assertions at a Christian Conference of Asia seminar to promote awareness of HIV and AIDS.

The conference was held from 14 to 16 October during which time participants agreed unanimously that clergy should be better informed.

David Cherian coordinates the social work of the Church of South India in the country's southern state of Kerala.

He said pastors without proper awareness drive people with HIV and AIDS away from the church, reports Ecumenical News International.

"This only leads to their isolation and adds to the stigma," he said.
"When the pastors are judgmental and prejudiced, HIV people try to hide their status and keep away from the church," Cherian said.
"This will only negate the good work our people are doing."

Christians are in the forefront of care and treatment for people with HIV and AIDS in India where they operate more than a quarter of HIV care centres in the country.