AIDS and the Social Stigma

A virus that has developed into full-blown AIDS cripples our immune system. But I dare say it maims our souls. How many families have been broken apart? How many workers driven out of their careers? Even some churches prohibit them from taking communion and confession. Of course, all we hear about is the intensive research for treating AIDS. We even see Bono cry out for help. But how is it out there in the jungle of social discrimination? Aren't victims a social prey of stigma and deprivation? We keep our eyes close from their yearning. We all wish to treat AIDS but first let us heal our ailing souls on the road to perdition.