That the National Executive Council request the Executive Director of Program together with appropriate staff and other local resources:
1. To catalogue the Church's present response to AIDS especially in relation to:
- a) educational material which builds awareness and equips clergy and laity in ministering to the victims and families with AIDS;
- b) ethical material which addresses human sexuality and suggests responsible behaviour for those of high risk and those who may not be of high risk;
- c) practical guidance to Canadians visiting overseas with available safeguards; to equip our PIM representatives with messages of support to assist the overseas churches facing a heightened crisis, such as the provision of sterilized medical supplies.
2. To indicate to our partner churches who are concerned that we wish to stand with them in facing this common crisis.
3. To enquire of appropriate committees and groups including and not restricted to:
- Medical/Doctrinal Sub-Committee of the Doctrine and Worship Committee of the Doctrine and Worship Committee
- Human Rights Unit
- House of Bishops
- Youth Unit
- Marriage and Related Matters
- Committee on Ministry
- Partners in World Mission Committee
- Primate's World Relief and Development Fund
as to what further initiatives they plan to undertake. CARRIED #42-10-87
That the Primate, in consultation with the House of Bishops, call a national Day of Prayer on behalf of persons living with AIDS and those ministering to them. The motion was then put and - CARRIED Act 114
"Those who suffer from Aids deserve both compassion and help. The Church, with its message of divine love and its requirement of neighbourly love, should assist in promoting their pastoral care. These guidelines are written to help those in dire need. ..... This booklet, prepared by the Social Policy Committee, deals with pastoral rather than moral aspects of Aids. When people are ill they need help and support. Our prime concern has been this: how can pastoral care best be given to those who suffer from this tragic and as yet incurable illness ?" -- Foreword.
Includes bibliographical references, p.13-14.
Contents: Foreword / Hugh Birmingham i.e. Hugh Montefiore [Bishop of Birmingham], Chairman, Board for Social Responsibility -- Aids: Some Guidelines for Pastoral Care -- The needs of people affected by Aids -- Feelings likely to be experienced by the Aids sufferer -- Difficulties faced by families and friends -- When a person has Aids -- The care of people with Aids -- Conclusion -- Resource List -- Appendix.
"Prepared for the AIDS Working Group by General Synod Communications, Anglican Church of Canada".
Contents: The Working Group on AIDS -- What Am I ? -- A Mother's Story -- AIDS brings us face to face with the stranger, sexuality and death / Stephen Manning -- Biblical, Theological and Ethical Issues Surrounding Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome / Geoffrey Parke-Taylor -- AIDS and the Church as a Healing Community -- More information on AIDS -- Intercessory Prayer.
That General Synod commend the present efforts to provide pastoral care to patients with AIDS and their families and affirm that they are entitled to full participation in the life of The Anglican Church of Canada. CARRIED IN ALL ORDERS Act 60