One of the most controversial statements in the contemporary Church is
surely the assertion that ‘The Church has AIDS’! This statement challenges
Christians to recognize that it is impossible to do theology and engage in
Christian life and ministry without taking into account the impact of HIV
and AIDS on the world. Susan Rakoczy reminds us that theologians, and
all Christians who take their belief in Christ seriously, have a responsibility
to forge a positive theology of HIV/AIDS, since sadly so much of the
Church’s official and popular rhetoric has sent the false message that at
best God is silent on HIV and AIDS, and at worst God is either punishing
persons with AIDS or has abandoned us in our suffering.