Black Churches Creating Safe Spaces to Combat Silence and Stigma Related to AIDS

Abstract

AIDS has been one of the most severe contemporary crises to affect Black American communities. With epidemic rates surpassing several African nations, health professionals and AIDS activists have called on black churches to help lead the fight to end AIDS. This study examines the response efforts of eight black churches (three of which are megachurches) to this illness. Interviews reveal three specific approaches used to address HIV-and AIDS-related stigma and silence-quilting, prayer, and practices in liberation theology. Overall, these approaches illuminate the progressive and conservative forces that make some churches more effective than others in ending multiple silences and stigmas surrounding AIDS.

The Role of the Black Church in HIV Prevention: Exploring Barriers and Best Practices

“…Currently, the Balm of Gilead continues to remain active in the community around this issue by attempting to gather congregations nationwide, for an HIV/AIDS testing event. Further research suggests that some churches have attempted more liberal interventions that utilize radical Christian ideas towards the empowerment of Black lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered communities in an effort to combat religious hegemony and practice that effectively silences discourse of HIV/AIDS and contributes to continued stigma (Beadle‐Holder, ). These examples of church involvement and activism reflect the potential contribution that Black churches can make within their community.…”

“…However, despite its often ambivalent stance on issues of sexuality and HIV/AIDS, the Black church remains one of the most influential institutions in the Black community with its ability to reach large audiences and address a number of social issues (Harris, ). With almost 70% of African Americans nationwide reporting church membership (Billingsley, , as cited in Beadle‐Holder, ), the potential for social action around HIV/AIDS awareness and prevention, along with the empowerment of the constituency, is undeniable. Yet, such change is only attainable if the Church is able to overcome moral and institutional conflicts and embrace its position as the progressive and unbiased voice of the community.…”

Social Determinants of HIV-Related Stigma in Faith-Based Organizations

“…3 HIV-related stigma continues to present a substantial challenge to HIV prevention, testing, and treatment efforts. [4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11] Stigma has been defined as an undesirable or discrediting attribute that reduces an individual's societal status, 12 and it is further characterized as a "dynamic process that arises from the perception that there has been a violation of a set of shared attitudes, beliefs, or values." 13(p50) The association of HIV/AIDS with marginalized populations perpetuates stigmatizing attitudes toward AIDS.…”

“…36 HIV-related stigma has been identified as a salient barrier to HIV/AIDS ministries and programs in African American faith-based organizations (FBOs) and the reduction thereof as an area of emphasis in faith-based HIV/AIDS programs. 4,19,24,[36][37][38][39][40] Furthermore, the National HIV/AIDS Strategy calls for increased integration of faith-based initiatives in addressing the HIV/AIDS epidemic in the United States. 41 The aims of this study were to examine how religiosity, contact with people living with HIV/AIDS, and demographic characteristics were associated with stigmatizing attitudes related to HIV/AIDS.…”

A Developing Framework for the Development, Implementation and Maintenance of HIV Interventions in the African American Church

“…The role of religion and doctrine, the unique leadership structure of churches, and their historic negative stance on HIV pose formidable challenges. 18–21 A foundation on which to build interventions to promote HIV risk reduction in African American Churches is needed to move forward in level of engagement in HIV and support capacity building.…”