How Churches Should Handle Hiv Positive Members

Here's a taste of what TheBody.com has to offer on this topic:

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Telling Others You're HIV Positive

Special Situations People You May Have Exposed to HIV It can be very difficult to disclose your status to sexual partners or people you shared needles with. However, it is very important that they know so they can decide to get tested and, if they test positive, get the health care they need. The Department of Health can tell people you might have exposed, without using your name. Employers You may want to tell your employer if your HIV...

Ask the Experts

acceptance of the church of hiv positive people

If the catholic church knew that a person was HIV postive would they still be an accepted part of the church? I know the Catholic faith discourages things such as sex before marriage and homosexuality. So if the person was to disclose this...

Response from Father Rodney J. DeMartini

National Catholic AIDS Network

Dear Sunflower---The Bishops of the Catholic Church in the United States have been very clear that people living with HIV/AIDS should never be discriminated against--inside or outside the Church. In 1987 they wrote in "Many Faces of... Read more »

HIV Disclosure Against My Will In The Church

Greetings,I am in a very difficult and quite painful situation. I have sought emotional/spiritual guidence from an elder and Bible study leader in my church. I shared with them that I am HIV positive, as well as some really deep struggles relating...

Response from Nancy Breuer

WorkPositive, Inc.

(This response comes from my own faith experiences as well as from my workplace HIV knowledge.)Lots of concerned people do the wrong thing when they become paternalistic. I know you don't feel strong right now, but please be clear in telling... Read more »

Just Learned that Family Member is HIV positive

Just today I learned that my favorite Uncle is HIV positive. I am 15 years old and my mother decided that today it was appropriate to radomly spit out that my Uncle has AIDS. I don't know any details or for how long he has had, and only my...

Response from Ewald Horwath, M.D.

University of Miami School of Medicine

You need to speak to your mother about how you feel. Your reaction is a sign of depression, and she should help you find a mental health professional, like a psychologist or psychiatrist, who can evaluate your condition and recommend the appropriate... Read more »

US Military member unknowingly had sex with HIV+ female

I wanted to start of by saying thank you for you efforts in HIV education. This is by far the most extensive and educational website I found on this topic during two weeks of searching. I recently found myself newly single and stationed in Asia....

Response from Richard Cordova III

Test Positive Aware Network

Hi there:Thank your for writing in, and thank you for doing your homework! To answer your questions:1) You are correct. Since you used a condom (and it did not break) for all acts of penetrative sex, your risk was minimal.2) I would not be... Read more »

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Connect With Others

Non-support from Churches in USA

Posted by Anonymous, 1 Reply

My best friend and son died of AIDS, January 25, 1997. It's been five years and still seems like yesterday. I am a Christian, member of one of the largest Baptist church in the south. I am on a crusade, mission, whatever, to get more
churches,... Read more »

Handling the response of friends

Posted by Blixer, 4 Replies

It seems like I've been living here the past few days and posting quite a bit. But that may be normal. Another issue I've been dealing with is handling friends. I've told my bad news to about five of my friends. I know it has been a shock to... Read more »

I dont know if I can handle this!!!!!!!

Posted by deda, 6 Replies

I am 26 years old, i was diagnosed 2 years ago. until now i have been in denial. wondering how this cold happen to me. luckily i have had 2 healthy children since then. but i dont know how to deal with it. i dont like taking meds, i still feel like... Read more »

Should I tell family members????

Posted by MetroMN, 2 Replies

I was diagnosed in August 2008 and have debated on telling my family members I am HIV+. Does anyone recommend telling immediate family or not telling them? My wife is the only one that knows. Read more »

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