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NAACP is launching a campaign that
calls on black churches to speak out about AIDS. The organization is releasing
a 66-page manual entitled “The Black Church and HIV: The Social Justice
Imperative.”
A pastoral brief that accompanies
the manual acknowledges that ministers may have reservations about addressing
AIDS from the pulpit; however, it says, “This issue is too great to ignore.”
Furthermore, “The only way for us to help our congregations is to understand
all aspects of HIV, so that we can help our community rebound from the impact
of this epidemic.”
NAACP recommends partnering with
health organizations on HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment, and it compares the
church’s need to address HIV to Jesus’ ministry healing the sick and advocating
for the oppressed. The brief says, “As we make efforts to address the HIV
crisis, the Black Church should not be a place where people experience HIV
stigma and discrimination, but rather a place of healing, support, and
acceptance.”
The manual asks churches to dispel
HIV myths including the incorrect notions that HIV primarily affects white gay
men; one can contract HIV by getting tested for it; and active church members
are not at risk for HIV. The manual points out, “Regardless of our church
activity or engagement, as long as we are having unprotected sex or sharing
needles in our communities, we are at risk for contracting HIV.”
NAACP urges churches to be a “safe
space” for HIV prevention and treatment, even if they have to start small: “We
understand that incorporating HIV activism into a spiritual setting may be
perceived as a difficult process, but it is possible to begin with small steps
even in the most conservative environments.”
The Friends of AIDS Foundation is
dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for HIV positive individuals and
empowering people to make healthy choices to prevent the spread of the HIV
virus. To learn more about The Friends of AIDS Foundation, please visit: http://www.friendsofaids.org.
TOGETHER WE REMAIN STRONG!
