A coalition of Black pastors asked the federal government to invest for energy fighting HIV in black communities. Blacks are disproportionately infected with the virus compared to their white counterparts. The CDC reports that black MSM have a 46% infection rate. White men who have sex with men: 21%.
Speaking at National Black Leadership Commission on AIDS conference, Bishop TD Jakes implored his fellow clergy folk:
Just as African-American clergy fervently came together 50 years ago to fight for civil rights, we are banding together today to bring an end to HIV/AIDS and its potential to obliterate our community.
Our focus right now is saving lives. Tomorrow we can save souls.
Over the course of the two day conference, clergy and politicos drafted the HIV/AIDS Elimination Act, which “calls upon the president, Congress and corporate America to declare the HIV AIDS crisis in the African American community a public health emergency”, said the unfortunately named Reverend Calvin Butts.
Mrs Patrick Campbell
Black preachers go on the “HIV/AID$” Inc. payroll.
And we have just lost all respect for them.
SeaFlood
… I am not sure I get it.
Numerous times, I have seen people lambast the B/black church for being homophobic. However, the moment it tries to do something that will ultimately bring them into contact with homosexuals, albeit B/black homosexuals (… is that the problem?)… then it’s just…
How many non-profits all over the country are being supplied with HIV/AIDS inc. monies? Although, quiet as it’s kept, there has been a decline in these monies since Bush has been in office, I would STILL say MOST of them.
While I don’t give religion or churches, B/black or otherwise, much if any prominence in my life, reportedly, there are many that do. Reportedly, this “superchurch” reaches a LOT of B/black folks and has the power and funds… WITHOUT government monies at the moment — or so I am led to believe… to do much good in B/black communities….. which INVARIABLY means homosexuals since we are here, too.
I don’t get it. B/black people/communities/cultures are damned if they do and damned if they don’t.
oklahomo
I think these pastors and ministers should be applauded for standing up and speaking out on a topic where there has been much silence (not condemned by our community).
Yeah, Bishop T.D. Jakes!