"What's to be Done with the Church?"

Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 1989. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.

"What's to be Done with the Church?"

Advocate (12/19/89) No. 540, P. 36
Helquist, Michael

Abstract: Despite some exemplary programs of patient care and pastoral concern about discrimination, the Roman Catholic Church undermines all its best efforts by fighting safe-sex education, writes the Advocate's Michael Helquist. The Church's mixed-up sense of good intentions, Helquist writes, is evident in recent events, including a conference at which U.S. Catholic bishops argued over whether or not AIDS is a punishment from God. Non-members, Helquist writes, might wish the Church would get out of the way so that people would not be at risk because they lack the information necessary to protect themselves. Members might want the church to minister also to women and men who cannot rely on abstinence to avoid HIV infection, says Helquist. The Church must become even more involved in anti-discrimination efforts and in patient care, writes Helquist, but the HIV tragedy will continue for decades to come if we don't also promote education on how to prevent HIV transmission.

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