AIDS and the Church as a Healing Community The Church as a healing community, empowered by the Holy Spirit, is called to confession, celebration and action. The church should work to overcome attitudinal and behavioral barriers in church and community that prohibit the acceptance of persons who have AIDS and their loved ones. Ministries in response to AIDS will be developed, whenever possible, in consultation and collaboration with local departments of public health and community based groups that have already identified priorities for action, and will be supportive of ecumenical and interfaith efforts. Educational efforts must include reliable medical and scientific information and theological and biblical components that enable participants to aliress issues related to death and dying, human sexuality, and recognition of people's lack of knowledge and fear. Liturgical and worship life should provide opportunities for educational as well as an expression of pastoral care.
Worship provides a time for celebration and the lifting up of special concerns.
Local churches should use their resources to respond to the AIDS crisis. These may include support groups, counseling, grants, providing a location for recreational activities for persons with AIDS, and recruiting volunteers or offering office or meeting space for community based organizations. These programs should afford the greatest amount of independence and self- determination possible for persons with AIDS within the framework of their individual circumstances. Advocate that children infected by the HIV be permitted to attend regular school so long as they are able and wish to do so and while their presence does not constitute a threat to their own health or the health of others. Advocate for the development of accurate testing procedures which are voluntary and which guarantee confidentiality including counseling services.