"Each issue of 'The Churches Speak' begins with an introductory essay which provides an overview of the topic itself and traces its recent historical manifestations. This essay also summarize, compares, and contrasts the opinions found in the individual statements, allowing the user to place each one in the appropriate context. Each essay concludes with bibliographic citations to sources for further reading on the topic. The statements presented in each monograph are arranged into four main sections based on broad religious families or traditions: The Roman Catholic Church (which represents the single largest religious body in the United States); Protestant and Eastern Orthodox Churches; Jewish Groups; and Other Religious Bodies. Within the Roman Catholic Church section, statements are arranged chronologically by issuing date. The remaining sections are subarranged alphabetically by individual churches, religious bodies, or ecumenical organizations; the statements issued by each organization are presented chronologically within that organization. Each of the four religious family sections is preceded by a note which provides background information of the family and analysis of its perspective on the issue in question." -- Preface.
Contents: Preface / J. Gordon Melton -- Introductory Essay: The Contemporary Debate in the Churches on the AIDS Crisis -- Statements -- Index to Organizations, Statements, and Subjects.
Statements sub-divided into sections: Roman Catholic Church -- Protestant and Eastern Orthodox Churches -- Jewish Groups -- Other Religious Bodies.
OTCH Note: Protestant and Eastern Orthodox Churches section contains four Canadian and/or Anglican statements as follows: A Bi-National (Canada/United States) Consultation Statement on AIDS (1987) -- AIDS: Some Guidelines for Pastoral Care (1986) / Church of England -- Resolution on AIDS (1988), Report of the Commission on Human Affairs and Health (1988) / Episcopal Church -- Statement on AIDS (1986), Statement on AIDS (1987), AIDS in Canada (1988) / United Church of Canada.
Contents: Preface / J. Gordon Melton -- Introductory Essay: A Survey of the Women's Ordination Issue / Gary L. Ward -- Statements: Roman Catholic Church -- Protestant and Eastern Orthodox Churches -- Jewish Groups -- Other Religious Bodies -- Index to Organizations, Statements, and Subjects.
Contents of Roman Catholic Church section: Introductory Note -- Declaration on the Question of the Admission of women to the Ministerial Priesthood (1976) / Sacred Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith -- On the Dignity and Vocation of Women (Mulieris Dignitatem) (1988) / Pope John Paul II.
Contents of Protestant and Eastern Orthodox Churches section: Introductory Note -- Episcopal Church -- Evangelical Lutheran Church in America -- Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod -- Lutheran Council in the U.S.A. -- Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) -- Reformed Church in America -- Southern Baptist Convention -- United Church of Canada -- World Council of Churches.
Contents of Jewish Groups section: Introductory Note -- Central Conference of American Rabbis -- Rabbinical Assembly.
Contents of Other Religious Bodies section: Introductory Note -- Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.
Contents of Episcopal Church sub-section: Progress Report to the House of Bishops from the Committee to Study the Proper Place of Women in the Ministry of the Church (1966) -- Resolution on Lambeth Conference Recommendations (1969) -- Resolutions on Women's Ordination (1970) -- Report of Special Committee of the House of Bishops, on the Ordination of Women (1972) -- Statement on Behalf of the Ordination of Women (1973) -- Resolution on the Philadelphia Actions (1974) -- Resolution on Women's Ordination (1976) -- Women Priests and the Episcopal Church in the USA (1985).
Contents of United Church of Canada sub-section: Report and Recommendations of the Committee on the Ordination of Women (1928) -- Vote Results on the Ordination of Women (1935).