Obstacles and Options to Faith-Based HIV Service Delivery to Low-Income Inner City Residents: Perspectives of Black Clergy With Commuter Congregations. (November 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Davis, Sarita K.; Forge, Nicholas; Adams, Mary Anne; Rothenberg, Richard
• Is Part Of: Journal of black studies. Volume 45:Number 8(2014)
• Page Start: 731
• Page End: 751
• Publication Date: 2014-11
• Subjects: HIV -- the Black church -- and commuter congregations; African Americans -- Periodicals; Black people -- Periodicals; 305.896073
• DOI: 10.1177/0021934714555184
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0021-9347

Abstract

The growing presence of HIV in urban communities with sizable Black commuter congregations demands that social service providers understand niche opportunities for faith-based HIV service delivery. Focus groups were conducted with 16 clergy serving commuter congregations about the feasibility of faith-based HIV service delivery to low-income residents. Using thematic analysis, four major themes emerged: (a) Clergy see the need, but are not sure how to proceed; (b) prioritized sin; (c) push-back; and (d) niche ministries. These findings contribute new knowledge to our understanding of how Black churches with commuter congregations can respond to HIV service needs of low-income residents. Findings from this study suggest that commuter congregations are less likely to support HIV-related activities. Implications for future interventions are discussed.