AIDS: Overview

BACKGROUND

HIV/AIDS has infected millions of people, left millions more orphaned, and it continues to spread. United Methodists are not quiet regarding this global crisis. We are there, comforting the sick and bringing healing and education to those within our reach.

United Methodists have been in ministry since the beginning of the HIV/AIDS pandemic. They have followed the way of healing, ministry, hospitality, and service shown by Jesus Christ. According to the Gospel of Luke (4:16-21), Jesus identified himself and his task with that of the servant Lord, the one who was sent to bring good tidings to the afflicted, hope to the brokenhearted, liberty to the captives, and comfort to all who mourn, giving them the oil of gladness and the mantle of praise instead of a faint spirit (Isaiah 61:1-3). God's Word calls us to a ministry of healing, a ministry that understands healing not only in physiological terms but also as wholeness of spiritual, mental, physical, and social being.

WHERE THE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH STANDS

The unconditional love of God, witnessed to and manifested through Christ's healing ministry, provides an ever-present sign and call to the church and all persons of faith to join efforts to prevent the spread of HIV, provide care and treatment to those who are already infected and ill, uphold the preciousness of God's creation through proclamation and affirmation, and be harbingers of hope, mercy, goodness, forgiveness, and reconciliation within the world.

The United Methodist Church unequivocally condemns stigmatization and discrimination of persons with HIV/AIDS and violence perpetrated against persons who are or presumed to be infected with HIV. The United Methodist Church advocates the full involvement of the church at all levels to be in ministry with, and to respond fully to the needs of, persons, families, and communities whose lives have been affected by HIV/AIDS. In keeping with our faith in the risen Christ, we confess our belief that God has received those who have died, that the wounds of living loved ones will be healed, and that Christ, through the Holy Spirit, is present among us as we strive to exemplify what it means to be bearers of Christ's name in the midst of the global HIV/AIDS pandemic.

—2004 Book of Resolutions ("The Church & The Global HIV/AIDS Pandemic")

Book of Discipline (Para 162.III (S) From Social Principles 

Additional Book of Resolutions statements 

WHAT WE'RE DOING IN THIS WORLD

The Church and the Global HIV/AIDS Pandemic

In response to the global HIV/AIDS pandemic, The United Methodist Church will work cooperatively with colleague churches in every region. The Bible is replete with calls to nations, religious leaders, and faithful people to address the needs of those who are suffering, ill, and in distress. Jesus Christ reached out and healed those who came to him, including people who were despised and rejected because of their illnesses and afflictions. His identification with suffering people was made clear when he said that "whatsoever you do to the least of these, you also do to me" (Matthew 25:40, paraphrased). His commandment to "do to others as you would have them do to you" (Matthew 7:12) is a basis for the church for full involvement and compassionate response. [more]

—2004 Book of Resolutions ("The Church & The Global HIV/AIDS Pandemic")

United Methodist HIV/AIDS Initiatives

HIV/AIDS has infected millions of people, left millions more orphaned, and it continues to spread. United Methodists are not quiet regarding this global crisis. We are there, comforting the sick and bringing healing and education to those within our reach. [more]

United Methodist Global HIV/AIDS Fund (Advance 982345)

The United Methodist Global AIDS Fund was established at the 2004 General Conference to raise $8 million by 2008. Funds are to be used to support programs offering HIV and AIDS education, prevention, treatment and care services in the United States and around the world. [more]