Posts
The Rev. Charles Straight, pastor of
Faith United Methodist Church in south suburban Dolton, gave the invocation at
the opening of the 19th International AIDS Conference in Washington. Though
long an advocate of communicating HIV prevention to congregants, what
differentiates Straight is that he is a black minister who is openly gay and
HIV-positive.
“Whatever your theology, I’m not
going to try to change your beliefs about what you think the Bible says [about homosexuality],”
said Straight. “Or, I’m not trying to change how you may feel about IV drug
use. But God’s invitation to the world is to come to him because he loves us,
and his command to us is to do as he did. And if you believe that, then let’s
get on the same page to extend that invitation to everybody and keep them as
healthy as possible.”
Straight believes HIV is
disproportionately impacting the black community for a number of reasons. “We
have high unemployment and incarceration rates, low graduation rates, low
self-esteem, low access to health care, and homophobia,” he said. “We don’t
engage in any more sex than any other group of people. But we have a perfect
brew in our community that allows us to be more susceptible to HIV.”
Straight said his love of church and
missionary work came early, despite being taught that homosexuality was a sin.
“The entire time I knew I had a relationship with God and that he loved me,” he
said.
Straight started his first
HIV-prevention ministry in 1985, and two years later learned he was
HIV-positive. “We saw our church open up and become a loving Christian
community that helped 22 people die with dignity,” he said. “Now we as pastors
have to help people live - with dignity.”
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!
