Perception Shift
For a long time, many in the church have regarded AIDS as a curse intended to punish evil people, so church leaders did not prioritize speaking out on the AIDS issue. Very little time was given to programs that addressed AIDS. Around the globe, some still believe that even talking about AIDS is un-Christian and tarnishes the image of their ministries. Instead, Christian ministries choose to let secular institutions take on the problem.
Yet, if anyone has a responsibility to speak out about this epidemic to save this generation, it is the church.
Churches must offer programs on AIDS, as well as how to care for those infected or affected by the virus. Our pulpits must be used to guide youth in living morally responsible lives— if there is no behavior change, this battle to save our generation will be lost.
There are things to be done.
The good news is, attitudes are changing. Churches and religious organizations are now taking a leading role in speaking out about this epidemic and doing something to stop its spread as well as assisting those affected. This shift has come only after realizing that more and more Christians are affected by this scourge.
Unable to ignore AIDS any longer, churches have broken the silence. But that is only the first step to bringing the rampaging disease to a halt. There must be a concerted effort to educate people about practices that spread AIDS and encourage behavior change.
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