More and more Utahns living with AIDS are turning to God to temper the physical and emotional pain wrought by their malicious disease.
A group of Salt Lake-area Christians are stepping forward to help.The Episcopal Diocese of Utah has re-established its HIV/AIDS Ministry in order to provide ecclesiastical support, love and counsel to people affected by AIDS.
"It's easy to forget that, besides their obvious physical needs, people with AIDS have spiritual needs," said ministry co-leader Joyce Johnson. "Our mission is to provide love and acceptance to people suffering from this terrible disease, as well as their families and loved ones."
Education, added Johnson, is a key focus of the organization.
Over the past six months, the ministry - with the assistance of the Utah AIDS Foundation and the American Red Cross - has presented HIV/AIDS awareness workshops throughout the state while assisting diocese congregations in establishing local support groups.
"I know some people are uneasy discussing AIDS, but it's an illness that's not going away," said Johnson. "One of (the ministry's) goals is to help people learn about AIDS and AIDS prevention in a Christian context with the help of the scriptures."
Johnson calls the ministry an "accommodating group" - often conducting AIDS awareness courses in rural spots throughout the state.
"Some of our most well-received programs have been in small towns, where there may not be a lot of education and understanding of the AIDS virus," she said. "We encourage participants to get involved in the ministry so they can pass the information along to their community."
Johnson, whose genesis in HIV/AIDS activism was with her former congregation in Florida, hopes to collaborate with other Wasatch Front churches to better serve the spiritual needs of AIDS patients from all denominations.
Fellow co-leader Mark Chambers, a professional actor and native of Salt Lake, admits the ministry can be emotionally taxing - but is quick to emphasize the joy of compassionate Christian service.
"We're not concerned with a person's religious affiliation or circumstances - we want to be available to anyone who has AIDS," he said. "It's important for people living with this disease to be able to meet and pray with other non-judgmental Christians who love them."
Groups or individuals interested in the HIV/AIDS Ministry for the Episcopal Diocese of Utah can call 322-4131.