AIDS Patients Do Not Always Find Comfort and Acceptance in Houses of Worship

July 7, 2001

Source: Newsday

On July 7, 2001, Newsday reported on the support services that many religious groups offer to members with AIDS. "But many searching for a religious sanctuary say they aren't finding the healing and warmth promised at many houses of worship. Instead, some say, they find hypocrisy and rejection...Even at houses of worship that actively reach out to AIDS and HIV sufferers [including some Episcopalian and Catholic churches, the Congregational United Church of Christ, the First United Methodist Church, many synagogues, and some Buddhist retreats] leaders say the are often unable to create a convincing enough atmosphere of trust to draw in a population that fears discrimination."