Clerics’ A.I.D.S. Call (Press, 26 February 1985)
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Summary: Clerics’ A.I.D.S. Call (Press, 26 February 1985)
On 26 February 1985, a coalition of leaders from Protestant, Catholic, and Jewish communities issued a joint statement urging the public to respond to A.I.D.S. victims with compassion rather than judgment. This gathering aimed to challenge the belief held by some that the disease, acquired immune deficiency syndrome, was a divine punishment for engaging in homosexual acts. The group expressed their concerns during a meeting held the previous week, addressing the need for empathy as A.I.D.S. affected over 8000 individuals in the United States, with nearly half of those cases located in the New York metropolitan area, predominantly among homosexual men. The Rev. Carl Flemister, who serves as the executive minister of the American Baptist Churches of Metropolitan New York, condemned the notion of A.I.D.S. as a sign of divine retribution, calling such views “un-Christian and judgmental.” He specifically criticised fundamentalist preachers, including Rev. Jerry Falwell of the Moral Majority, for perpetuating this harmful narrative. Flemister emphasised that these beliefs contribute to the stigma surrounding those with A.I.D.S. Dr. Stephen Caiazza, a medical professional treating A.I.D.S. patients at the Cabrini Medical Centre in Manhattan, highlighted the emotional toll that this disease takes on individuals, many of whom are already burdened with feelings of guilt and fear regarding their faith. Dr. Michael Beck, a psychiatrist who spoke about his own struggles with A.I.D.S., shared his profound personal journey with the disease and the significant impact it had on both his physical health and mental well-being. He recounted moments when he felt isolated, believing that no one would ever want to touch or embrace him again due to his condition. In summary, the statement from the interfaith coalition sought to foster understanding and compassion for individuals affected by A.I.D.S., rejecting the harmful narrative that frames their illness as punishment and highlighting the urgent need for support and acceptance within society.
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