----------------------------------------------------------------- NEW CHURCH CURRICULUM ON AIDS PREVENTION AIMS TO SAVE LIVES By ANDY LANG United Church of Christ November 30, 1993 CLEVELAND--At least 12 million adults and 1 million children worldwide are infected with HIV--the virus that causes AIDS. The epidemic, which threatens to spread to 40 million by the end of the decade, can be slowed only through education. But until now no comprehensive course in AIDS prevention has been designed for churches. That changes in December with the release of ``Affirming Persons --Saving Lives,'' an ambitious 1,000-page curriculum published by the American Missionary Association, a division of the United Church Board for Homeland Ministries. The Homeland Board is the U.S. mission arm of the 1.6-million member United Church of Christ. ``This is not only the first comprehensive AIDS prevention curriculum for churches,'' says Laura Lee Kent-Smith, executive director of AIDS Interfaith Network of New Jersey. ``It's the best AIDS curriculum I've seen, period.'' ``With this bold step, the United Church of Christ is acting responsibly in the midst of the greatest health emergency in our time,'' says UCC President Paul H. Sherry. ``Every family in America is potentially threatened by AIDS. This is a family-oriented and church-centered curriculum that will help parents, teachers, youth and children become partners in the education we need to protect ourselves and those we love.'' UCC minister William R. Johnson, who co-authored the curriculum with educator Cynthia A. Bouman, says ``Affirming Persons--Saving Lives'' is rooted in biblical values and Christian community. ``AIDS education should take place in a community where people of all ages can speak the truth in love,'' Johnson says. ``The church has to move beyond denial and recognize that ignorance about AIDS is as deadly as the virus itself. This curriculum confronts the AIDS crisis in a context of core Christian values: self-giving love, healthy self-esteem and respect for others.'' Several features set the curriculum apart from secular models: >>> Sessions are designed for use in church school and other settings for Christian education. Bible study, prayer and theological reflection are part of the lesson plans. >>> Parents and teachers are encouraged to preview the curriculum together before introducing information to students. >>> The curriculum helps parents learn how to discuss AIDS with their children. >>> The curriculum includes lesson plans for all ages with factual information appropriate for each age group. >>> The curriculum stresses abstinence, both from sexual intercourse and drug use, as the most effective way to prevent HIV transmission. >>> The curriculum shows how behaviors that increase the risk of HIV transmission can be identified and avoided. Lesson plans for teenagers and adults include information about HIV prevention through safer sexual behavior. >>> The curriculum teaches decision-making and decision-keeping skills. Older children, teenagers and adults learn how to say ``no'' effectively to unwanted invitations to drug use or sexual intercourse. >>> The curriculum nurtures self-esteem and teaches respect for others. Poor self-regard is often the root cause of behavior that exposes youth and adults to HIV. >>> The curriculum is a complete package for AIDS education and prevention. Teaching resources include the latest research on AIDS from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and other public health agencies. Special training is not required for the teachers who will use the curriculum. ``Affirming Persons--Saving Lives'' was tested by teenagers, teachers and parents in regional workshops throughout the country. People living with HIV and AIDS also played a critical role in curriculum development. ``In the AIDS crisis, the church is confronted with discomforting realities,'' says the Rev. Thomas Dipko, executive vice president of the Board for Homeland Ministries. ``Many would rather avoid these realities. But `Affirming Persons--Saving Lives' addresses the causes and prevention of AIDS truthfully, graphically and sensitively. We do not compromise the essential information necessary for saving lives.'' ``This is a balanced and honest curriculum we can use with confidence in our local churches,'' says the Rev. Linda Harle-Mould, a mother and UCC minister in Dublin, Ohio. ``I mean it when I say that `Affirming Persons--Saving Lives' is going to give my baby girl a chance to grow up.'' ``As a person who has been living with HIV for a number of years, this curriculum gives me confidence that my church is doing everything in its power to save lives,'' says William Smith, a UCC member in Palm Springs, Calif. ``When I began to hear about HIV, the church was practically invisible. It never occurred to me that churches could be places of healing, learning and support. That can change if this curriculum is widely used.'' The curriculum package includes two videos. ``Learning About AIDS'' is a basic primer on HIV transmission and prevention. ``. . . In the Day of Adversity'' tells the stories of several people living with HIV or AIDS. ``Affirming Persons--Saving Lives'' can be used by any Christian church. For more information, call the UCC's AIDS Ministry Office at 216/736-3271. The United Church of Christ, with national offices in Cleveland, is the 1957 union of the Congregational Christian Churches and the Evangelical and Reformed Church. EDITORS AND REPORTERS, PLEASE NOTE: Fact sheets summarizing the 1,000-page AIDS curriculum are available from the United Church of Christ Office of Communication. Journalists may review the full curriculum and videotapes at three sites: New York City, Washington, D.C., and Cleveland. Please call 216/736-2215 for further information. ----------------------------------------------------------------- Andy Lang (216) 736-2215 office United Church of Christ (216) 295-8280 home Office of Communication (216) 736-2223 fax 700 Prospect Avenue East ANDY LANG EcuNet