Whereas

Whereas

His healing was generally gently given and voluntarily received; and

Whereas

The Church seeks to follow His example in its worldwide healing ministry; and

Whereas

Tens of millions are said to bear the stigma of HIV/AIDS, particularly in Africa; and

Whereas

The consequences can include childlessness and lifelong drug treatment, which treatments can have severe side effects; and

Whereas

None of those said to have HIV or AIDS have been cured by drug treatments; and

Whereas

Some scientists and officials have raised basic concerns regarding HIV/AIDS assumptions, causes, tests and treatments; and

Whereas

We fallible humans need to continually be aware of the potential for error and room for improvement, particularly in trying to understand a creation of God as magnificent as our body's healing immune system, and to correct such errors as may be found, or to better help those who are sick.

Therefore be it resolved,

that the New York Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church urge the United States government and the United Nations to convene promptly an open forum at which these concerns and other concerns with current HIV/AIDS policy can be debated publicly, open to all views and willing to consider alternate approaches and causes, with the objective of finding the best possible outcome for those said to have HIV or AIDS, and for the broader society as well.

Therefore be it further resolved,

that the New York Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church itself deliberate on these questions, so that the Church may decide how best, in Christ's spirit, to help those bearing the stigma of HIV, and those who are sick.