Computer AIDS Network Offers Support Without Judgment

by United Methodist News Service

When Rusty first logged onto Computerized AIDS Ministries (CAM), she was anxious to find information about the disease but worried about having to deal with a judgmental group of Christians.

But since becoming an active user of the electronic bulletin board sponsored by the United Methodist Board of Global Ministries' Health and Welfare Ministries, Rusty said she has dropped most of her prejudices against Protestants. "Here, I have found clergy of The United Methodist Church who teach gently in the way of Christ ... absent of judgment, without condemnation, good people of other denominations to share the best of what means the most to them."

Now, as CAM has become accessible through the Internet and World Wide Web, Rusty has contacted "hundreds of sites" to link the network to other web pages, according to the Rev. Nancy Carter, CAM's system operator.

Her volunteer work has helped open CAM to "the potential of millions more people" to read through its library of information or participate in forums, Carter added. World Wide Web is a network of "home pages" on the Internet, a global network of computers. People whose computers have "web browsers" can call up CAM's home pages. Other users who have an Internet connection can use one of two methods-- telnet or file transfer protocol (ftp) to access CAM itself.

Other United Methodist groups also are starting home pages on the Web, according to Carter, including the Board of Global Ministries.

Started in June, 1993, CAM has attracted 750 official members who are seeking medical information about AIDS; inspirational stories from those battling the disease; effective ways to minister to individuals and families affected by AIDS; and compassionate support for those in the struggle.

Users can read, for example, a poignant essay by Debbi Hood Johnson of Charlotte, N.C., whose husband, B.J., died two years ago from complications of AIDS. She still wears a symbolic red ribbon "to carry the message about the reality and urgency of AIDS and how HIV can be prevented. I carry this message for those whose voices can no longer be heard but whose presence can still be felt."

The anonymity of a computer network also allows some people to be more open in sharing their personal stories and concerns, according to Richard Cory of Chesapeake, Va. Cory--whose wife and nine- year-old son are both HIV-positive--finds CAM one of his best sources of support. He said his contact with the United Methodist Church through the network "has changed my spiritual outlook and opened my mind and heart to Christ."

Not everyone who uses the network has had direct experience with AIDS or HIV. The Rev. Larry Mason, of North Loup, Neb., has been very helpful," he said.

Mason currently monitors CAM's Bible forum. A forum allows people to post electronic notes to each other and hold discussions. "It's amazing how much support you can get just by sharing ideas," he said.

His experience with CAM has not only broadened his knowledge about AIDS, but also helped him reach "a much deeper understanding and far more acceptance" of the gay and lesbian community, Mason said.

August 1995