wfn.org | Poll Says Presbyterians Support More AIDS Ministries

[PCUSA.NEWS@pcusa.org]

31-January-1997 
97029 
 
       Poll Says Presbyterians Support More AIDS Ministries 
 
                      by Jerry L. Van Marter 
 
LOUISVILLE, Ky.--Presbyterians support expanded AIDS outreach ministries by 
their congregations, according to results of the May 1996 Presbyterian 
Panel survey conducted by the denomination's Research Services office. 
 
     But few panelists are aware of denominational resources and 
organizations -- such as the Presbyterian AIDS Network -- devoted to AIDS 
ministries and only about 10 percent of Presbyterian congregations observed 
Presbyterian AIDS Awareness Sunday last year. 
 
     The survey, which measures the responses of four groups of 
Presbyterians -- pastors, elders, members and specialized clergy -- found 
that a fourth of members and elders, but about half of pastors and 
specialized clergy, knows someone who has AIDS.  Even more -- 39 percent of 
members and 64 percent of ministers -- have known someone who has died of 
AIDS. 
 
     But only 5 percent of members and 10 percent of pastors know someone 
in their congregation who has publicly acknowledged infection with the 
AIDS-causing virus, HIV.  And less than 5 percent of Presbyterians reported 
having had a family member or other relative die from AIDS. 
 
     Majorities of all four groups labeled themselves as "very 
knowledgeable" or "knowledgeable" about the AIDS pandemic, but very few 
panelists rated themselves "very knowledgeable." 
 
     At least 60 percent of each group expressed little worry about 
contracting the HIV virus. 
 
     Only one in seven pastors indicated that their congregations have 
"provided space for an AIDS-related group or ministry to meet" and only one 
in six have "recruited volunteers for community-based AIDS ministries." 
 
     Even formal discussion of AIDS and related issues is rare in 
Presbyterian congregations. According to pastors, formal discussions among 
youth have occurred "frequently" in only 3 percent of the congregations 
they serve.  Another 36 percent said AIDS discussions have occurred 
"occasionally" among youth.  And the percentages are even lower among other 
age groups -- young adults, parents of youth and older adults. 
 
     Few panelists, ranging from 3 percent of members to 21 percent of 
specialized clergy, said they were "very aware" of  "the involvement of the 
Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) in HIV/AIDS issues." Even fewer panelists are 
aware of the existence of the Presbyterian AIDS Network (PAN).  Less than 
0.5 percent of members expressed such awareness, while 13 percent of 
specialized clergy said they knew of PAN. 
 
     So few Presbyterians are aware of the AIDS ministry resources produced 
by PAN: "Talking with Your Family about HIV/AIDS"; "HIV/AIDS: Stories of 
Mutual Ministry" (video); "AIDS and the Church's Ministry" (the 
January/February 1989 issue of "Church & Society" magazine); "PANdemic" 
(the newsletter of PAN); and worship resources produced for the annual 
Presbyterian AIDS Awareness Sunday. 
 
     Those wishing more information about the Presbyterian AIDS Network can 
call either of the organization's co-moderators: Phil Jamison at (412) 
330-4169 or Alice Davis at (305) 665-3764. 

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