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Ask the Experts about Spiritual Support and HIV

 

AIDS and Religion
Oct 28, 2000

Is getting Aids a sin?

Response from Father DeMartini

Dear friend, Your inquiry is to the point and I respond because I know that many people still struggle with this question. AIDS is a human illness and as such is not a sin. The Catholic Catechism defines sin as "an offense against reason, truth and right conscience...a failure in genuine love for God and neighbor caused by a perverse attachment to certain goods...(no. 1849). It may be the case that a person's sinful attitude or action may put them or others at risk for HIV/AIDS. It may be that people may judge someone infected as a sinner but actually the sin is in this judgement and not in the disease or person infected. I hope that this response is helpful and I pray for your peace and health. Fr. Rod



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