God's mission for AIDS

For people who do not come face to face with Acquired Immune deficiency Syndrome(AIDS), it may be little more than curiosity. The media have announced its spread, its appearance and death were reported and the public seemed willing to ignore AIDS and to develop a false sense of security with respect to it. The presence of church must be a presence of hope and grace, healing and reconciliation, of love and perseverance to the end. AIDS has challenged the church to reflect on its identity and mission. God’s people must begin now to mobilize, to design and to implement a variety of sustaining ministries in the name of the Lord who commanded his people to love one another.

Providing education about AIDS and a broadening experience with it are destroying the myths, stereotypes and prejudices that inhibit an emphatic and supportive response. Illness and disabilities should be regarded as opportunity for God’s people to provide compassionate care and protection. AIDS ministries taken by congregation and individuals ought not to be underestimated. Sermons on the inclusive nature of God’s love, God’s presence in the midst of human suffering, understanding of human well-being and God as hope and refuge can influence attitudes and shape responses.

The situations of infected and affected people demand an intense pastoral response from the religious community. The task at hand is to constitute an accepting community, concern for the needs of the patients and others affected by AIDS.