Episode 17: Silent No More, The Collective Cry of our Faith Communities.

The church plays a crucial role in addressing HIV stigma and health disparities. Leaders emphasized the importance of connecting faith and health, while acknowledging the need to address harmful theologies related to sex and sexuality. Education and equipping churches to eliminate harmful theologies and stigmatize HIV were identified as key strategies. The conversation also raised questions about the church's silence on health issues and the importance of breaking down barriers to access healthcare.Featured Guests: Bishop Sir. Walter Mack, Union Baptist Church, Winston-Salem, NC, Rev. Dr. Thomas A. Banister III, Pastor Temple Memorial Baptist Church, High-Point NCThe COMPASS Initiative® Faith Coordinating Center, at Wake Forest University School of Divinity, focuses on educating and preparing ministry and nonprofit leaders to address HIV and faith in the Southern US. Through the Center, the Black Faith & HIV Initiative is a signature program of the School of Divinity and works to empower faith communities to address HIV and other health disparities and promote whole-person wellbeing.