The Acts of Convention

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.