Resolution on HIV/AIDS

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BWA General Council Resolution 2001.5

The General Council of the Baptist World Alliance meeting in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, Canada, July 2-7, 2001

ACKNOWLEDGES previous General Council resolutions concerning the continuing AIDS crisis;

LAMENTS the rapid spread of the HIV/AIDS crisis, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, the devastating impact of this disease on families and communities, and the lack of sufficient economic and medical resources to address its causes, prevention and treatment;

DECLARES that a Christian lifestyle and sexual values including the biblical model of chastity outside of marriage and fidelity within marriage is a significant means of limiting the spread of HIV/AIDS;

REAFFIRMS that regardless of the cause of infection every HIV/AIDS sufferer should have access to appropriate and adequate medical care;

CALLS upon Baptists around the world to:

  • pray for all the victims of HIV/AIDS and for those who care for and support them;
  • encourage health care workers who address the needs of those suffering from HIV/AIDS;
  • support pastors and other ministers who provide spiritual care for the sufferers of HIV/AIDS and their families;
  • encourage theological institutions to consider including in their curriculum specialized training for pastors and ministers to provide care for sufferers of HIV/AIDS and their families;
  • promote and encourage programs for education, prevention and treatment of HIV/AIDS, which are consistent with biblical family values;
  • work through churches and communities to respond prayerfully, lovingly and compassionately to HIV/AIDS victims, their families and caregivers;
  • advocate funding by governments and other sources for education, prevention and treatment of HIV/AIDS;
  • demonstrate Christ-like compassion for those impacted by HIV/AIDS; and

URGES Baptists to recognize and address the spiritual needs of those affected by HIV/AIDS.

Citations

Original Source Bibliography: Lotz, Denton, editor. Baptist World Alliance 2001 Yearbook: Minutes of the General Council Meeting and Directory. Falls Church, VA: Baptist World Alliance, 2001.

Original Source Footnote/Endnote: Denton Lotz, ed., Baptist World Alliance 2001 Yearbook: Minutes of the General Council Meeting and Directory (Falls Church, VA: Baptist World Alliance, 2001), pp. 96-97.

In-text Online Document Full Citation: BWA General Council Resolution 2001.5 Resolution on HIV/AIDS;

https://baptistworld.org/resolutions. In-text Online Document Citation: (BWA General Council Resolution 2001.5).

For more information about Baptist World Alliance Resolutions, visit BaptistWorld.org/resolutions.

Since its formation in 1905, the Baptist World Alliance has networked the global Baptist family to impact the world for Christ with a commitment to strengthen worship, fellowship and unity; lead in mission and evangelism; respond to people in need through aid, relief, and community development; defend religious freedom, human rights, and justice; and advance theological reflection and leadership development.
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