Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2005. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
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Miami Herald - December 1, 2005
"The one who is seriously ill needs the special help of God's grace in this time of anxiety, lest he or she be broken in spirit and subject to temptations and the weakening of faith." (Introduction to the Rite of Anointing and Care of the Sick.) As we have done in the past, we commit the church in Florida to active HIV/AIDS ministry involving education, pastoral care, advocacy and collaboration.
Each of Florida's seven dioceses has designated a person and/or office to coordinate the pastoral care for people with HIV/AIDS, their friends and families. Representatives from each diocese also participate in the Florida Catholic AIDS network (FCAN). While much remains to be done, much has been done.
Through our Florida Catholic Conference, we have approved guidelines for HIV/AIDS policies in our parishes, Catholic schools and Catholic Charities agencies. All of our dioceses have developed policies to ensure that people living with HIV/AIDS are treated compassionately and without discrimination.
All of us need to engrave in our hearts the conviction that discrimination against people with HIV/AIDS is more than illegal. It is immoral and unethical by any Christian standard, for it contradicts Jesus' paramount commandment: "Love one another." We must become proactive in education, service and compassionate understanding of those suffering from this disease.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have identified teenagers as one population segment most at risk for contracting HIV/AIDS today. Long before they reach adolescence, we must tell them, in language appropriate to their age level, that bodies are gifts of God and temples of the Holy Spirit. Adhering fully to the moral principles of the church, we must teach them about abstinence, chastity and the transmission and prevention of this disease. We must make everyone aware that no one, no matter what age, is immune.
In this, as in all other matters, parents should be the primary educators of their children, with our Catholic schools and religious-education programs playing an important supportive role. An education in Catholic values requires a partnership between families and the church. Neither can do it alone. Each must reinforce what the other teaches. Therefore, today -- World AIDS Day, 2005 -- we recommit ourselves as the Church, as the Body of Christ in Florida, to assure that people living with HIV/AIDS, and their friends and families, experience the comforting love and hope of Jesus:
ò We encourage parishes to appoint HIV/AIDS ministry coordinators and form "care teams" to minister to the physical, pastoral and spiritual needs of people with HIV/AIDS, their friends and families. Where possible, this pastoral care should include the provision of direct services as well as support assistance.
We further encourage HIV/AIDS coordinators in each diocese to collaborate with FCAN and other local, state and national organizations when possible.
ò We call for more-adequate funding for research, medication and care for people living with HIV/AIDS from local, state and federal governments. We commend members of the medical, nursing and social-service professions for their dedication and leadership.
ò We applaud our Catholic health facilities for all they have done and continue to do in serving the needs of people living with HIV/AIDS, remaining true to the healing, reconciling ministries of the church. We call upon Catholics and people of goodwill in our state to pray for people with HIV/AIDS, their friends and families and for the discovery of a cure for this disease. We encourage our liturgists to observe World AIDS Day by including pertinent prayers of the faithful on Sundays near this date.
This article was adapted from the Pastoral Letter of the Catholic Bishops of Florida and signed by Archbishop John C. Favalora and eight other bishops and auxiliary bishops.
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