A Chapter Closes: Thomas Lienau-Becker’s Retirement Marks a Shift in Hamburg‘s Pastoral Landscape

After dedicating seven years to AIDS pastoral care in Hamburg, Thomas Lienau-Becker is set to retire on March 30th. His departure marks the end of an era, but also the beginning of a new chapter for queer-sensitive pastoral care in the region. Lienau-Becker’s journey, filled with both challenges and triumphs, leaves an indelible mark on the community he served.

From Personal Hurdles to Professional Fulfillment

Reflecting on his time in Hamburg, Lienau-Becker emphasizes his commitment to sharing and fostering a zest for life. His work since 2018 has been defined by a deep sense of purpose and a desire to uplift those facing adversity. His journey wasn’t without its obstacles. As a gay man pursuing a career in the church, he faced notable resistance. During that time, same-sex couples were frequently enough barred from living in pastorates, creating personal and professional dilemmas.

My community service in a parish in Wandsbek ultimately led me to the path to want to work in the church.

Despite these challenges, lienau-Becker persevered, eventually serving in Kiel and later becoming Provost in Schleswig-holstein. His experiences shaped his understanding of the importance of acceptance and inclusivity within the church.

the Evolution of AIDS Pastoral Care: From End-of-Life Support to Life Affirmation

Lienau-Becker’s career path led him to Hamburg, where he became the AIDS pastor in 2018. This role, established in 1994, was the first of its kind nationwide. Initially focused on accompanying individuals through illness and death,the position evolved under the leadership of Detlev Gause (2004-2018) to emphasize life accompaniment. This shift reflects the changing landscape of HIV/AIDS, where advancements in treatment have transformed the disease from a death sentence to a manageable condition.

I am proud of my church that she has created an institution that accompanied the seriously ill people while dying. Now they have survived and the church will continue to accompany them.

Today, with effective treatments like antiretroviral therapy (ART), people living with HIV can achieve viral suppression, meaning the virus is undetectable and untransmittable (U=U). According to the Centers for disease Control and Prevention (CDC), consistent ART use can lead to a near-normal life expectancy for people with HIV.

Addressing Persistent Stigma and Discrimination

Despite medical advancements, Lienau-Becker acknowledges that HIV is still a barrier. Stigma and discrimination continue to affect the lives of people living with HIV, leading to feelings of isolation, mental health challenges, and reluctance to disclose their status. Many individuals seeking support from “Live & Love positive” have experienced discrimination and grapple with mental health issues like depression.

A 2023 study by the Kaiser Family Foundation found that a significant percentage of Americans still hold misconceptions about HIV transmission, highlighting the need for continued education and awareness campaigns to combat stigma.

Looking Ahead: Queer-Sensitive Pastoral Care Takes Center Stage

As Lienau-Becker retires,the focus of pastoral care will shift towards a broader queer-sensitive approach. This transition aims to reach new groups while continuing to support individuals living with HIV, many of whom are now aging. The challenge lies in ensuring that all members of the community feel welcome and supported within this evolving framework.

It will be about approaching new groups and simultaneously occurring not losing people with HIV who are now really old. I hope that succeeds.

A Future Guided by Faith

Lienau-Becker approaches his retirement with optimism, trusting that his faith will continue to guide him in new and unforeseen ways. His legacy serves as an inspiration for those working to create a more inclusive and compassionate world for all.