THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, July 20, 1995 TAG: 9507200005
SECTION: FRONT PAGE: A14 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letter
LENGTH: Short : 30 lines
Regarding ``Pastor will teach his community to battle AIDS'' (MetroNews, July 7): Churches cannot be solely concerned with the ``saving of souls.'' They must be places of healing the sick.
When I hear stories of ministers who preach that ``AIDS can last for two weeks on the skin'' - there is a need to undo the ignorance that has been a part of our Christian belief. Ministers have a responsibility not to mislead people due to their position in the community.
Perhaps the church needs a wake-up call. The church, like any other ``business,'' relies on two things - people and their purses: people to sit in the pews and their purses to pay the bills. Perhaps people need to critically shop for their dollars - ``Am I getting what I pay for?'' If someone is selling you a bum deal, go elsewhere.
There are more churches than there are fast-food joints and 7-Elevens put together. We should pay as much attention to our spiritual fulfillment as to our diets. The churches should be spreading ``truth,'' not lies.
REGINA CLEMONS
Portsmouth, July 7, 1995 by CNB