Compassionate Example

The Roman Catholic bishops of California, in “A Call to Compassion” regarding the problem of acquired immune deficiency syndrome, AIDS, have set an example for all.

“Beyond our responsibility as individual citizens to become informed about AIDS and to work toward its prevention and treatment, as disciples of Jesus we bear a special responsibility to care for the sick, to show them that they are loved, and to assure that they are treated with dignity and respect,” their pastoral letter affirms, commending Catholic hospitals for giving leadership in providing “non-judgmental and sensitive care” to those with AIDS.

The bishops speak firmly against all forms of discrimination against those with AIDS or ARC, the AIDS-related complex, including exclusion of children from school, eviction from housing, loss of insurance, denial of medical care and emergency medical transportation, and loss of employment.

Furthermore, the bishops urge study of the Surgeon General’s Report, which underscores the importance of the use of condoms in sexual intercourse and the use of sterile needles in drug abuse. They also reaffirm the moral teaching of the church in opposition to the use of illicit drugs and in support of sexual abstinence before marriage and monogamous fidelity in marriage. A church official emphasized that the California bishops are not in disagreement with the recent Vatican document condemning homosexual behavior, but noted that this is not a barrier to full participation by homosexuals in the sacraments of the church. Indeed, the letter expresses regret that some homosexuals have left the church, and asserts the wish “to heal their wounds by offering our support and fellowship.”

The letter is a useful contribution to community efforts to overcome the fear that the AIDS epidemic has generated and to reach out to the victims of the disease with compassion, not judgment. Particularly welcome is the bishops’ support for research, education, expanded services, anti-discrimination legislation--the kind of investment so clearly required but as yet so conspicuously inadequate.