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Why involve the Church in HIV prevention?
This is a common question in faith-based settings, one that
will elicit different responses from different ministers, depending on their roles
as theologians, pastors, academicians, seminarians, parishioners,
etc. HIV prevention is a very broad subject that touches upon
many topics, not the least of which are spirituality, sexuality,
and the "appropriate" expression of both. Shouldn't
these discussions be centered in the home? Isn't this the
domain of parents and families? Why involve the Church?
Listed here are responses from faith leaders in Metro Atlanta:
• The Church is the most recognized, stable institution
in Black communities.
• The Church can promote wholeness in mind, body,
and spirit from a spiritual perspective.
• The Church can promote the healthy expression
of sexuality as a gift to be exercised cautiously and responsibly.
• The Church can use its corporate influence to
advocate for HIV and substance abuse prevention services.
• The Church can make available physical space,
material resources, and financial support.
• The Church has access to people with a range
of backgrounds, talents, and skills.
• The Church can disseminate information to congregations
and outreach ministries, particularly to persons who may not
attend worship services.
• The Church has historically taken a leadership
role in health, education, and social justice.
• The Church has resources for reaching persons
who are marginalized or disenfranchised.
• Church leaders' voices are among the most heeded
voices in the community.
• HIV/AIDS is an epidemic among the populations
that comprise the Black Church.
• Seventy percent of African American adults identify
with a church or denomination.
• The Bible teaches and encourages spiritual,
mental, and physical health.
• Spirituality is a key component in the most
effective self-help programs.
• Jesus Christ commanded his followers to love
God, to love themselves and to love their neighbors.
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For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for
your welfare and not for harm, to give you a future with hope.-Jeremiah
29:11
"God has a plan for your life" is a familiar interpretation
of this passage from the prophet Jeremiah. Faith leaders often
cite it as a reminder that God loves us and offers a divine
plan that reflects God's best for us - a future with hope.
This expression also reminds us that for God's plan to work
in our lives, life demands that we make positive, life-affirming
decisions consistent with that "future with hope,"
decisions that support wholeness in mind, body, and spirit.
With the escalating menace of HIV/AIDS among African Americans,
such decisions can literally make the difference between life
and death.
HIV does not discriminate. Neither should we. Regardless of
the circumstances that might place us at risk or lead us to
place ourselves at risk for HIV infection, there is a God who
loves us and from whose love we cannot be separated (Romans
8:38-39). Therefore, in the context of faith-based prevention,
a personal, intimate relationship with God is the most powerful
weapon in the human arsenal against HIV infection.
As a leader, you can promote HIV prevention in your faith community
with these 20 activities:
1. Add HIV prevention education to an existing health ministry.
2. Sponsor a semi-annual health fair with free HIV testing and counseling.
3. Use biblical narratives to create roleplays on contemporary
topics such as dating and abstinence.
4. Create posters and bookmarks that promote sexual abstinence
as the only 100% effective way to prevent the sexual transmission
of HIV.
5. Sponsor the attendance of the ministerial staff at
a Red Cross HIV/AIDS Instructor Training (Scholarships are usually available).
6. Set up a short course to help parents sharpen communication
skills for talking with children and teens about sexuality,
sex, and drug use.
7. Sponsor a youth retreat with opportunities to practice
faith sharing, healthy eating, fitness, critical thinking, goal
setting, and decision making.
8. Create "Pizza Party Saturdays" for youth
to facilitate dialogue on topics such as human sexuality, peer
pressure, resistance skills and negotiating skills.
9. Publish a list of supportive strategies for youth
and adults who want to remain sexually abstinent.
10. Establish a basketball or baseball program with a
peer-mentoring component for HIV and substance abuse prevention.
11. Create an attractive pamphlet of Bible verses to
encourage and comfort persons facing HIV/AIDS or other serious
illnesses.
12. Sponsor a poster contest with an HIV prevention theme.
13. Include Affirming a Future with Hope lessons in the
Sunday School program.
14. Display free HIV/STD and substance abuse information
and resources in a central location.
15. Show films such as "Booty Call" or "New
Jack City" with a discussion of cultural attitudes and behaviors
related to sex and drugs.
16. Have a talent show to highlight creative performances
of
HIV or drug prevention dance or rap using gospel music.
17. Talk one-on-one with youth and adults on ways to
be intimate without sexual intercourse.
18. Create and perform liturgical dramas to reinforce
positive values and healthy relationship behaviors.
19. Establish a ministry of clothing and toiletries for
persons and families who are living with HIV or AIDS.
20. Sponsor a benefit gospel concert and use the funds
to support HIV prevention programs.
© by Monifa A. Jumanne, Ph.D., January 2001
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