Faculty Collaboration Database

The response of religious congregations to the spiritual needs of people living with HIV/AIDS. J Pastoral Care 1997;51(4):415-26

Date

01/01/1997

Pubmed ID

10178810

DOI

10.1177/002234099705100405

Scopus ID

2-s2.0-0031311881 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site)   9 Citations

Abstract

Investigates the perceptions and responses of members of five diverse religious congregations to the spiritual needs of people living with AIDS, the impact of AIDS on membership participation, and the beliefs held by different congregations regarding AIDS. Evaluates and compares the AIDS-related perceptions of 204 participants in five congregations (Buddhists, Catholic, Fundamental Christians, Protestants, and Unitarians). Results indicated that congregations differed in how their members responded to the spiritual needs of people living with HIV/AIDS, the level of influence AIDS had on membership participation in formal religions, and whether AIDS was seen as the result of sinful behavior or divine retribution. Concludes that the congregational differences appeared consistent with the core beliefs of the faith communities. Suggests that clergy and congregations need to take specific steps to provide spiritual support to people living with HIV/AIDS consistent with their history of caregiving to all people regardless of the crisis situation.

Author List

Somlai AM, Heckman TG, Kelly JA, Mulry GW, Multhauf KE

Author

Jeffrey A. Kelly PhD Professor in the Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine department at Medical College of Wisconsin

MESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome
Adaptation, Psychological
Data Collection
HIV Infections
Health Care Surveys
Health Services Needs and Demand
Humans
Pastoral Care
Quality of Life
Religion and Medicine
Social Support
United States