"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.
"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.
Mr. Matthew Kett presented the report of the Eco-Justice Committee. Speaking to the issue of HIV/AIDS:
- PWRDF Executive Director, Mr. Andrew Ignatieff, told of the work of the Primate's World Relief and Development Fund in responding to the call from our partners in Africa. The Fund is also interested in working with aboriginal communities in Canada.
- Dr. Eleanor Johnson, Director Partnerships, reported that the General Synod Planning Committee had been approached to invite Stephen Lewis to speak at General Synod. The Partners in Mission Committee would like to bring the issue back to Canada and have parishes look at their response to the disease.
-The Rev. Canon Allen Box spoke of his work HOPE Africa, a social development wing of the Diocese of Capetown [i.e. Cape Town], and of the project he is involved in, which raises funds for a community in Africa where 40% of people are HIV sufferers.
-Bishop Barry Hollowell stressed that Council not forget the situation in Canada where the disease is on the increase, particularly in the prison system and in aboriginal communities. Our awareness and our ability to inform and keep information in front of people are imperative.
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That the Council of General Synod commend the HIV/AIDS document originating in Southern Africa for widespread distribution and action (see Appendix 1 of the PIMC Report to Council of General Synod).
It was noted that both EcoJustice and Partners-in-Mission recommended this motion.
Friendly Amendment
The mover and seconder agreed to add the words "and support the request of Partners in Mission for an educational session on HIV/AIDS at General Synod 2004" to the motion. The motion now reads
That the Council of General Synod commend the HIV-AIDS document originating in Southern Africa for widespread distribution and action (see Appendix 1 of the PIMC Report to Council of General Synod) and support the request of Partners in Mission for an educational session on HIV AIDS at General synod 2004" to the motion. CARRIED #20-05-03
A new version of the 1988 paper was prepared in May 2000 at the request of the House of Bishops and distributed along with a summary brochure. New edition placed with 1988 `Resources for Liturgy' issue and additional copies in the VF "Common Cup".
The International Indigenous Peoples' Conference was affiliated with the international AIDS conference in Toronto. It hosted a panel discussion that included aboriginal women living with AIDS who talked about their own experiences.
"'People with AIDS are members not only of the community of nations but also of the family of churches around the world', Archbishop [Michael] Peers said during a Pentecost service at St. James Cathedral here [in Toronto]. 'AIDS is not something that is outside the church. It is now part of the church'. Among the things that members of the church can do is reject all notions of divine judgment which interpret the HIV virus as a punishment for sin, the archbishop said." "[T]he archbishop cited the fact that there was no danger of anyone contacting AIDS through the use of the common cup in the eucharist, nor was there any risk in a physical embrace".