That's the view of Bishop John Selders, who wrote an essay for PageOneQ:
As a pastor and community leader working on HIV/AIDS prevention for over 25 years and as an advocate with the Human Rights Campaign's Religion Council, I know the devastating toll this epidemic is taking on all our communities. The HIV/AIDS crisis statistics are staggering: 5,700 people die every day from the disease; 6800 are infected daily with HIV/AIDS, 2,900 of which are women 15 years and younger.
This week, The AIDS Institute's faith program, United Faith Action Network (UFAN), is urging all communities of faith to join in activities related to the Black Church Week of Prayer for the Healing of AIDS. I strongly support this work. Indeed, as early as 1992 as the Program Director of the North Side AIDS Outreach Project, I helped launch the first of these campaigns in Saint Louis, Missouri. Now I give leadership to the fight against HIV/AIDS in Hartford, CT.
If there ever was a disease that demanded we start acting like Jesus by opening our hearts to all of our neighbors, this is it. The Jesus I know stretched forth his hands offering a healing touch. But to get there we need first to be honest about who we are and about who is suffering in our communities. It isn't just those who fit into some convenient demonized "other" category who are suffering. It is our own families: our brothers and sisters, our aunts and uncles, our cousins and grandchildren, our fathers and mothers. As we celebrate this Black Church Week of Prayer for the Healing of AIDS campaign let's as a community take some positive steps toward healing.
You've probably heard the phrase "keeping it real" so often you're numb to it, but that is the truth of what Bishop Selders is speaking to here. A community that discourages and penalizes people for understanding, accepting, and acting as who they are only hurts itself.
Read what else Bishop Selders wrote about this topic at PageOneQ.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Hi!
ReplyDeleteThis is Nice Blog!
Synergy Treatment, we provide individual, effective and affordable residential Gay and Lesbian Program tailored to each individual’s needs and goals. We incorporate a comprehensive social model, proven clinical techniques, medical care and advanced holistic processes within a 12-step methodology. Our caring staff members will help you address and release underlying issues that may be contributing to your substance abuse through individual therapy, group workshops, and extensive one-on-one counseling. Advanced holistic therapies such as massage and acupuncture release stress and toxins naturally while restoring your body to optimal physical health.