Spirituality and Religion

ReNewed Sundays launches in three U.S. cities.

"My gayness -- my identity -- is not a sin," says Rev. Aquarius Gilmer, the director of governmental affairs and advocacy at the Southern AIDS Coalition. "The sin is that people don't have access to prevention or care, not how a person contracts HIV or that they are living with HIV."

A Christian minister since 1998, Rev. Jide Macaulay's faith-based, intersectional advocacy work has helped faith leaders living with or affected by HIV worldwide.

A young person confronts shame and silence to reclaim their sexuality, with or without their family's support.

Charles Sanchez tells his story of coming of age and coming out.

Growing up in his father's church, Joshua Stovall had a religious upbringing. But it wasn't until he became HIV-positive that he discovered the real meaning of faith.

This past summer, Rabbi Mike Moskowitz became the first Orthodox rabbi to serve at the world's largest LGBTQ synagogue, Congregation Beit Simchat Torah, in Manhattan.

The line between religion and spirituality can be difficult to navigate.

"I hate this!" Charles Sanchez pouted, as he sat helplessly on the floor of his hospital room. "I feel so pathetic. Christ!" The nurse, Anthony, cooed comfortingly: "I know, honey. Just let it out, darlin'."

We've come a long way since it was common practice for religious leaders in the U.S. to publicly condemn people living with or at risk for HIV. But places of worship still can do more.