Johannesburg — The Anglican Church in Kenya issued a public apology on Thursday for shunning people living with HIV/AIDS.

"Our earlier approach in fighting AIDS was misplaced, since we likened it to a disease for sinners and a curse from God," the BBC quoted Archbishop Benjamin Nzimbi as saying.

AIDS advocates welcomed the apology, citing cases of physical violence - sometimes fatal - by various religious denominations against people living with AIDS.

"It's better to be long overdue than never," responded HIV-positive Ugandan clergyman Gideon Byamugisha.

Archbishop Nzimbi said the Anglican Church was now working on ways to end AIDS related stigma and discrimination.

[ This report does not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations ]