Rev. Dr. Faison, Sr. discusses how the physical health of his congregation is important to him as their leader, and the benefits of destigmatizing stigmas that prevent people from seeking help.
Powerful story. While the article is primarily addressing HIV, it is sad and perplexing at times how often shame prevents our church community in discussion and sharing the burden of many issues, including mental illness, cancer, addiction, pornography, and even Covid. It is seen as a personal failing by many in the church if you are afflicted, and your life is not perfect.
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I really like this quote-
For Pastor Faison, “the immediacy and impact of the results gave gravity to the subject matter and moment. HIV was no longer a discussion about ‘them’ outside of the sanctuary; it was about ‘us’ sitting in this sanctuary.”
I like how Jesus constantly turns “those sinners/those worldly people/that other church” into “brothers and sisters/us”.
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