The response of religious congregations to the spiritual needs of people living with HIV/AIDS.

Investigates the perceptions and responses of members of five diverse religious congregations to the spiritual needs of people living with AIDS, the impact of AIDS on membership participation, and the beliefs held by different congregations regarding AIDS. Evaluates and compares the AIDS-related perceptions of 204 participants in five congregations (Buddhists, Catholic, Fundamental Christians, Protestants, and Unitarians). Results indicated that congregations differed in how their members responded to the spiritual needs of people living with HIV/AIDS, the level of influence AIDS had on membership participation in formal religions, and whether AIDS was seen as the result of sinful behavior or divine retribution. Concludes that the congregational differences appeared consistent with the core beliefs of the faith communities. Suggests that clergy and congregations need to take specific steps to provide spiritual support to people living with HIV/AIDS consistent with their history of caregiving to all people regardless of the crisis situation.