Bishop Rainey Cheeks Opens Church Door to HIV Positive Parishioners
For years, HIV has been a taboo subject in the black community, and even more taboo among black churches which, ironically, should be a safe-
haven for the downtrodden.
But in the weeks since President Obama’s endorsement of same-s*x marriage, we’ve seen several black churches jump on the tolerance bandwagon. Followers. But some black churches have always expressed a great deal of tolerance, and are now getting the credit and recognition they deserve.
Inner Light Ministries, headed by Bishop Rainey Cheeks, first opened its doors to members of the LGBT community in 2009, and now welcomes HIV members as well.
Today a Washington Post column gave a little credit where credit is due, for what is sorely missing from some African-American churches:
At a time when there is increasing attention on the stubbornly high HIV infection rate in the African American community — with many pointing to the lack of action by many influential black churches — Cheeks is notable for using his pulpit to educate parishioners on the need to get tested for HIV. He is a vocal counterpoint to the ministers who, from the altar, condemn homosexuality.
From the article, which you can read here, it seems that Rainey’s church is small, which makes his act on behalf of HIV positive people even more courageous. It’s hard to do the right thing when you’re working to build something, much easier to follow a formula for success a la Mega-Churches. But doing your own thing takes talent and courage. It’s good that Rainey is doing this, and even better that WaPo is recognizing it. Kudos to both.
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HIV is an epidemic in the African American community and the black churches need to take an affirmative role in educating, supporting, embracing, and providing a place for infected individuals to worship without being subjected to ridicule, critizing, insults, bullying and physical attacks. HIV is here to stay and the sooner the churches confront this life threatening epidemic the sooner the African American can begin to heal and move forward to abolish this deadly disease.
God is Great. He will be a blessing to his community, we need more pastors like him.
MANY Black churches need to follow his example. Where else can you find safe haven? If you can’t find acceptance in church the church needs new leadership.
This story is jumping on the bandwagon. Churches have always had their doors open to ALL. They just don’t accept or tolerate the lifestyle.
once again here is the cure
1. Soak 3 average sized non GE/GMO lemons for about 10 minutes in water with some vinegar or plenty of see salt added. Then scrub each lemon to rid it of whatever the growers have sprayed on it.
2. Cut the lemons with skin and pips in pieces and put them in a strong mixer blender
3. Add 3 tablespoons of Extra Virgin Olive oil and 3 cups of water
4. Add 3 tablespoons of non GE/GMO local garlic
5. Add 3 tablespoons of non GE/GMO local Ginger (Double this amount for people with Lung problems/ Asthma)
6. Add 3 teaspoons of cold pressed Hemp Seed Oil (Double for Epilepsy & nervous diseases)
7. Add 3 teaspoons of cold pressed Flax Seed Oil
8. Add 3 tablespoons of Aloe Vera extract (with no preservatives)
9. Add 1 teaspoon of tumeric
10. Add 3 tablespoons of a natural Multivitamin/ Multi Mineral supplement (Foodstate multi mineral & Vitamin)
11. Add ¼ teaspoon of Stevia powder.(or less)
12. Add 3 cups of ozon enriched filtered water (We recommend OASIS water 0861 762 747)
13. Blend for 35 minutes. (or less if its a very powefull mixer blender)
14. Drink 1/3 in the morning, 1/3 after lunch and 1/3 in the evening. Repeat this for 6 to 24 weeks non stop, depending on when you feel that you have fully recovered. Then you can maintain your health by eating organic and wholesome. You can also use Umlingo WamaNgcolosi for maintenance by having one bottle twice a month.
In addition on a daily basis the patient should eat 2 large Beetroots/day, 2 Brazil Nuts, 1 Tablespoon of Pumpkin Seeds, as much non GE/GMO organic Fruit and Veggies as possible, drink 2 liters of Filtered water, expose the body to sunshine in the mornings and late afternoons and breath deeply. If the patient feels like drinking Tea, it should only be natural herbal tea like green or Rooibos tea without sugar. (You can use Stevia powder to sweeten)
Thanks go out to Erica for the recipe. She is sharing hope with a lot of Muurs and that is a great thing. I will send this article to others.