Compassion Forum Focus: Global HIV/AIDS
As people of faith realize that their spiritual connection transcends ideology and geography, interesting combinations of voices have emerged. For example, megachurch pastor Rick Warren hosting Sen. Hillary Clinton for an HIV/AIDS conference with his Orange County congregation.
It’s not sure politicians and pastors who are realigning their priorities, rock stars are doing this as well.
It can be easy to dismiss the rhetoric of these folks, especially in the faith community, a significant number of whom stood silent during the height of the American epidemic during the 80s and 90s. But here is evangelical pastor Rick Warren’s website outlaying a “purpose driven” approach to caring for HIV/AIDS patients.
AIDS/HIV hits minority communities especially hard, all around the world. Because of the geographical and minority barriers, the issue often receives little Congressional attention. The Balm In Gilead operates the nation’s only HIV/AIDS technical assistance center designed specifically to serve churches as well as public agencies and community-based organizations that wish to work with Black churches on AIDS issues.
Question: Is health care a human right? If so, does the U.S. have a moral obligation to address the AIDS pandemic around the world? What about other diseases? Do you think the focus on HIV/AIDS distracts from other world health concerns?
I would like to add something about a situation that is rare in the HIV/AIDS discussion: a region where HIV/AIDS can be stopped in its tracks.
A Guam-based AIDS Service Organization (GUAHAN Project, http://www.guahanproject.org/index.php) fights against HIV/AIDS in one of the few places where HIV/AIDS has not ravaged societies. With very limited funds, the GUAHAN Project provides HIV prevention and care services to impoverished people who live in the U.S. affiliated Pacific region–American Samoa, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of Palau, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and Guam. These Pacific Island states suffer enormous health disparities due in part to limited Federal assistance, and in part due to the post-colonial era annual per capita income: for example, it is only $2,900 in the Marshall Islands, and $2,300 in the Federated States of Micronesia. For comparison, the U.S. annual per capita income is $46,000. This organization and the fragile societies of incredibly unique, indigenous people it serves really need support to keep HIV/AIDS at bay. A small donation to the GUAHAN Project can make a huge difference in stemming the tide of HIV in these small, culturally rich enclaves that could be destroyed by HIV/AIDS.
Sincerely,
KD Patrick
Hawai’i AIDS Education and Training Center
3675 Kilauea Avenue, Sinclair 200
Honolulu, HI 96816
kpatrick@hawaii.edu
(808) 735-8274 FAX
http://www.hawaii.edu/hivandaids/
When I originally heard of the Compassion Forum, I was excited that FPL, as a progressive religious organization, was taking this initiative. I have eagerly awaited the forum.
However, I recently learned that Messiah College has anti-gay policies. While I notice that FPL rarely takes up the issue of homosexuality, I would be much more supportive of such a forum if it were held at a more neutral location. I understand that FPL seeks a broad base and is wary of embracing gay civil rights fights. While I don’t agree with this decision, I can understand it. Still, I would assume that FPL would at least do no harm to the gay community. Choosing an anti-gay college further marginalizes this community that already lives on the fringes of religious life in America.
I echo Jacob Reitan’s concerns about FPL’s judgment in this matter. It seems odd to hold a forum intended to display candidates’ views on issues requiring “compassion” in an environment that rejects compassion toward LGBTQ students.