Bishops Adopt Strong Statement on AIDS
Episcopal News Service. August 11, 1988 [88179]
CANTERBURY, England (DPS. Aug. 11) -- Bishop Paul Moore of New York led the Aug. 4 meeting of Anglican bishops here in adopting a firm position on responding to the AIDS crisis that now threatens world health. In a resolution introduced to the Lambeth Conference by Moore, the bishops voted overwhelmingly to take the lead in promoting a non-judgmental spirit in their communities, together with formulating educational programs on the causes and prevention of the disease.
Moore said, "We need not to be squeamish about how it is spread. We need to tell people that it can be transmitted only by dirty hypodermic needles and by penetration during a sexual act." He told the bishops that church leaders need to support AIDS ministries theologically, pastorally, practically, and politically.
The resolution calls for diocesan strategies, which would train "pastoral helpers," give direct personal support to persons living with AIDS, help resolve the social problems relating to the disease, and, at the same time, strengthen the teaching of traditional biblical morality.
Archbishop of York John Habgood took the podium in support of Moore and said, "We are talking about a world catastrophe," and pointed out that in ten years' time AIDS will be the top priority of the Lambeth Conference. "The world needs a clear message from us," he added.
Dr. Jonathan Mann, Director of the World Health Organization's Global Program on AIDS, told the Christianity and Social Order section of the Conference on July 28 that "AIDS has joined the central issues of our time in demanding solidarity." He said that despite the facts surrounding the spread of AIDS, "the creative power of interdependence" cannot be underestimated as a force against domination by the disease. He urged "resolute commitment to interdependence, communication and justice" and the need for global mobilization.
There are 250,000 reported cases of AIDS in 138 countries, five to ten million infected persons, and the prediction of one million new cases of AIDS in the next five years, Mann said. To threaten or otherwise alienate persons infected with the virus or who have developed AIDS is to contribute to the rise in the number of cases, he stressed.
Presiding Bishop Edmond L. Browning of the Episcopal Church announced to the General Convention in Detroit early in July that he will initiate a personal pastoral relationship with a person who has AIDS at the earliest possible opportunity, and he would like to see each bishop in the Church do the same. He said in Detroit that he urges all bishops to challenge their diocesan clergy and other local judicatory heads to take up the pastoral call. Bishop Moore, in addressing the Lambeth bishops, suggested that they too initiate personal, pastoral relationships with persons who have AIDS.