t the disease to be morally abhorrent? Also, there are places where HIV/AIDS are virtually unknown which have an essentiallymedieval socio-economic structure [viz. a great deal of economic disparity andpoverty.] The social mores in these traditional societies are as equally backward incomparison to ours as are their economic situations. How are we to assess that?Claudia L. Webster, a Board of Directors member of the United Methodist GeneralBoard of Global Ministries advocates what I would characterize as the practicalapproach. Church leaders are encouraged to facilitate discussion and educationtargeted toward adults, teens and children. Personal stories should be shared about[how] HIV/AIDS has affected families... [to] bring home the reality of HIV/AIDS.(Webster 2)Sensitive issues should be, addressed [italics mine] such as, abstinence andmonogamy as well as safer [italics mine] sex practices including using a condom. (ibid)Also to be addressed is needle sharing by intravenous drug users and, caring for alltypes of people. (ibid) Ms. Webster does allow that, [i]t is not who you are, but whatrisk behaviors you engage in (ibid) which risk infection. She offers that this aspect ofher recommended education program would be challenging... to put it mildly. (ibid) The author considers that a church setting would be a very meaningful place forteens and children to learn about HIV/AIDS. (ibid 3) In addition to medical factschildren could be engaged in discussion of church teachings regarding caring forpersons who are ill and for families in need. (ibid) She goes on to admonish herco-religionists to avoid discrimination against HIV-positive volunteers and employees(ibid 5) Infection control procedures are listed if a situation arises to necessitate thehandling of bodily fluids [such as First Aid situations. (ibid 6)Advice on compassionate counseling is offered for the families of the dead and dying.Practical matters such as day care for those wh...
