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ENCYCLOPEDIA

OF WORLD PROBLEMS

AND HUMAN POTENTIAL

  2. World problems
  3. AIDS within the priesthood

AIDS within the priesthood

  • HIV-infected priests

Incidence

In 2000 it was reported that in the USA the annual death rate from AIDS in Kansas and Missouri was 7 times that of the general population in the period 1987-99. At least 300 Catholic priests had died of AIDS since the mid-1980s, namely 4 times the rate of the general population. The death of a bishop in Minnesota had been disguised as a non-AIDS related disease and his identity had been concealed.

Claim

Religious orders need to acknowledge that there is a problem relating to the sexual practices of their priests.

Counter-claim

Human nature is human nature. Priests are human. The behaviour of celibate priests might be expected to mirror that of the general population.

Broader

Acquired human immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS)
Excellent

Aggravated by

Misuse of spiritual authority for sexual purposes
Excellent

SDG

Sustainable Development Goal #3: Good Health and Well-being

Metadata

Database
World problems
Type
(G) Very specific problems
Subject
  • Medicine » Pathology
  • Medicine » Physiology
  • Medicine » Sexually transmitted diseases
  • Religious practice » Priesthood
    • Content quality
    Yet to rate
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    Language
    English
    Last update
    Oct 4, 2020