Resolution Number: 2006-A132
Title: Eliminate the Stigma of HIV/AIDS
Legislative Action Taken: Concurred
Final Text:

Resolved, That the 75th General Convention of The Episcopal Church urge its members to work to eliminate the stigma of HIV/AIDS through the following:

Acknowledge that the stigmatization of anyone due to disease, and particularly due to HIV/AIDS, creates impediments to seeking treatment and care for the disease and education about the disease, resulting in detrimental effects on individuals, the church, and society at-large.

Affirm that the teachings of Jesus Christ clearly state that sickness and disease are not the result of sin in the human family.

Acknowledge that our Baptismal Covenant vows obligate us to respect the dignity of every human being and to seek and serve Christ in all persons, loving our neighbor as ourselves and that the stigmatization of those among us with disease is a violation of those vows; and be it further

Resolved, That The Episcopal Church urge all worshiping communities, missions, parishes, dioceses, provinces, seminaries and educational institutions, boards and commissions to:

Educate their constituent members about HIV/AIDS with a goal of eliminating any stigma associated with the disease.

Educate their local, state and federal elected officials and representatives about HIV/AIDS with the goal of creating knowledgeable, compassionate, and sensitive public policy in educational services, support services, and medical treatment institutions.

Citation: General Convention, Journal of the General Convention of...The Episcopal Church, Columbus, 2006 (New York: General Convention, 2007), pp. 692-693.

Legislative History

Author: The Standing Committee on HIV/AIDS
Originating House: House of Bishops
Originating Committee: Committee on Education

House of Bishops

The House of Bishops Committee on Education presented its Report #17 on Resolution A132 (Eliminate HIV/AIDS Stigma) and moved adoption.

Original Text of Resolution:

(A132)

Resolved, the House of Deputies concurring, That the 75th General Convention of The Episcopal Church urge its members to work to eliminate the stigma of HIV/AIDS through the following:

Acknowledge that the stigmatization of anyone due to disease, and particularly due to HIV/AIDS, creates impediments to seeking treatment and care for the disease and education about the disease, resulting in detrimental effects on individuals, the church, and society at-large.

Affirm that the teachings of Jesus Christ clearly state that sickness and disease are not the result of sin in the human family.

Acknowledge that our Baptismal Covenant vows obligate us to respect the dignity of every human being and to seek and serve Christ in all persons, loving our neighbor as ourselves and that the stigmatization of those among us with disease is a violation of those vows; and be it further

Resolved, That The Episcopal Church urge all worshiping communities, missions, parishes, dioceses, provinces, seminaries and educational institutions, boards and commissions to:

Educate their constituent members about HIV/AIDS with a goal of eliminating any stigma associated with the disease.

Educate their local, state and federal elected officials and representatives about HIV/AIDS with the goal of creating knowledgeable, compassionate, and sensitive public policy in educational services, support services, and medical treatment institutions.

Motion carried

Resolution adopted

(Communicated to the House of Deputies in HB Message #164)

House of Deputies

The House of Deputies Committee on Education presented its Report #13 on HB Message #164 on Resolution A132 (Eliminate HIV/AIDS Stigma) and moved concurrence.

The House concurred

(Communicated to the House of Bishops in HD Message #228)

Resolution Concurred by Both Houses, June 21.

Report Reference:   Executive Council: Standing Committee on HIV/AIDS, Reports to the 75th General Convention, 2006, pp. 343-346.
Abstract:   The 75th General Convention urges its members to work to eliminate the stigma of HIV/AIDS.