New report shows Latino churches key partner in fight against AIDS

Published: 2007-07-11

WASHINGTON (CNS) -- A new study shows that Latino congregations and their ministers can play an instrumental role in halting the spread of HIV/AIDS in the Latino population. The study, which focused on Chicago, also shows that congregations can, and do, play an important role in ministering to members who are living with HIV/AIDS, said Edwin I. Hernandez, co-author of the report "Answering the Call: How Latino Churches Can Respond to the HIV/AIDS Epidemic." "The study clearly shows that there is a role that parishes can play," Hernandez said in a phone interview with Catholic News Service July 10. "And that role involves preventative efforts, educating parishioners about the dangers, about risks. It involves putting out messages of hope and reassurance. It involves supporting both individuals affected as well as families that have been impacted by this disease," he said. The report -- released by the Center for the Study of Latino Religion in the University of Notre Dame's Institute for Latino Studies and the nonprofit organization Esperanza -- was based on a study completed in 2007 of Latino congregations in the Chicago area.

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