The HIV/AIDS epidemic in South Africa is rapidly escalating, and its
demographic and social impact is beginning to be felt. Although the damage
to the macro-economy is projected to be slight, the consequences for affected
households will be dire, and social indicators such as life expectancy will
deteriorate dramatically. A large majority of South Africans are affiliated to
Christian Churches, but this has not prevented the types of sexual behaviour
that promote the epidemic. Based on research in a KwaZulu township, this
article presents evidence on the level of extra- and pre-marital sex (EPMS)
among members of different church types. It is argued that only Pentecostal
churches significantly reduce EPMS among members; and that they achieve
this by maintaining high levels of four crucial variables: indoctrination,
religious experience, exclusion and socialisation.