response to this threat and horror called AIDS

What do we in UFMCC say in response to this threat and horror called AIDS? In addition to keeping ourselves informed regarding the information from the Center for Disease Control, other research programs, the sensitivity and awareness of medical professionals in our respective areas, and the local and national AIDS support groups within our own communities, should we as a unique and spiritual body begin formulating an equally unique and spiritual response? I believe the answer is yes. As a people whose every action and decision must be guided by the Good News that God was present in Jesus Christ and continues that presence with us through the Holy Spirit, we must bring the same innovative and creative energy to this issue that we are attempting to bring to so many others with which we are faced.

I would like for the remainder of this article to be seen as nothing more than a beginning. The four points of departure which I shall discuss are, to me, crucial. However, they are in no way exhaustive. I invite other persons within UFMCC to revise and augment them. Seeing this, therefore, as the beginning of a process, I would like to suggest that we internalize and actualize at least the following four awarenesses in our response.

First, we must remain a sex-positive people.

AIDS VICTIM: “I should have known that God would punish me for having too much fun.”

One of the most tragic mistakes we could make would be to become a sex-negative people, even inadvertently. Both in language and attitude we must avoid any indication that AIDS is in any way a “plague” or “punishment” being visited upon us because of our sexuality. Instead, it is a time for an intense and personal evaluation, on the part of Gay males, of our sexual patterns, and caution and restraint in activities known to put one at increased risk.

Two thousand years of ignorance, fear, guilt, and shame regarding human sexuality (to say nothing of homosexuality) is just beginning to be reversed within Christian thought, writings and practice. I believe that the existence and witness of UGMCC has been an inextricable factor in this reversal. To abdicate that influence now, an influence I God has clearly called us to, would constitute sin on our parts.

Second, we must create spiritual support systems for victims, spouses, families and friends.

SPOUSE OF AIDS VICTIM: “Our friends were afraid to come to the hospital. Toward the end, they wouldn’t even come to the house. They didn’t even call but I think that was because they felt guilty.”