About AIDS Interfaith Network

Some Brief, Theological Thoughts on AIDS

Throughout the history of HIV/AIDS, when hundreds of thousands in this country have suffered and died, the religious community has seldom been at the forefront in proclaiming hope and healing for those who have faced firsthand this horrible disease. This seems a terrible irony when lying at the heart of every major religion is the concept of love and compassion for our fellow human beings who are in need or are suffering.

AIDS Interfaith Network, Inc. was founded in 1986 by a small group of religious leaders who believed that the religious communities of Dallas should and could be engaged in an active, caring response to the AIDS crisis that was sweeping the country.

AIDS came into this country with a powerful stigma. As a sexually transmitted disease that was first and most predominantly diagnosed among gay men, society was quick to condemn HIV/AIDS as a just reward for participation in a lifestyle or behavior which did not correspond with mainstream morals. The religious community echoed this view with explicit statements of judgment or a more subtle but pervasive response of ignoring the plight of those stricken with this disease.

For people of every religious faith, a compassionate response to those who are suffering has been the hallmark of ethical behavior. Among Christians, Jesus’ supreme teachings included love of the neighbor, and an unconditional and active response to the sufferings of others (e.g., the Good Samaritan, Luke 3:10-27). Likewise, Jews have had a special sensitivity to the plight of the downtrodden and disenfranchised. Love of God and love of neighbor are indistinguishable. God’s mercy is especially available to those who suffer. Other faiths also elevate love and compassion to the highest moral good and laud such actions as the behavioral ideal.

AIDS Interfaith Network, Inc. believes that HIV/AIDS is one disease among many and is part of the human condition in which we all participate. AIDS is not God’s punishment for immoral behavior. There is no litmus test to qualify for compassion. Any illness represents an opportunity for love, mercy, and compassion to be present through the lives of friends, families, neighbors, and caregivers.

AIDS Interfaith Network, Inc. is not affiliated with any particular organized religion. The common thread is a spiritual and practical approach to the alleviation of the suffering of those impacted by HIVAIDS without condition. Whether that impulse comes from God, a Higher Power, or is simply a restlessness of the heart, we believe that we all share a supreme connection to one another in our living and dying, which binds us in a fellowship of hope and healing to one another, and especially to those among us who suffer.

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