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Should Christians support open distribution of condoms when it might facilitate promiscuity?

I think we need to have an open discussion about this. Certainly, the biblical mandate—no sex outside marriage—is what I would promote all the time. We live in a very sin-ridden world. Not everyone is going to follow a biblical mandate. I have looked at Ephesians, chapter 2, where it talks about a dead person not being able to have life and that that life really only comes through Christ. I want to extend the life of as many people as possible so that they can come to know the Lord. If that means the use of a condom—if they're refusing to be abstinent before marriage or faithful within marriage—then I believe we have to talk about the condom.

What should North American churches do about AIDS in Africa?

Churches in America need to be informed. We need to be challenged to look at our own vulnerability and not just looking at Africa as poor Africa, but realize that it's only God's grace that keeps me from following a similar path. Advocacy is really important, and a very concrete area is to contact representatives in Congress for support.

What can North American churches learn from the African church concerning its coping with HIV?

The North American church has a lot to learn about families that stay together and care for one another and utilize every single resource they have, no matter how small it is. They care for their neighbors. Africans are extremely creative and resourceful and responsible, by and large, in helping one another. We've become so busy in North America that we sometimes don't even notice the hurt that is around us.

What keeps you motivated?

There are many discouraging moments. The only motivation I have is the fact that Christ is Lord of the church and he has not given up on his bride. We are tried by fire right now. I could not be working in AIDS without being involved in the church. Because as weak as it is, it's the only institution that brings hope in crisis.

See today's related story, 'Have We Become Too Busy With Death?'See more on Debbie Dortzbach at the Wheaton College Archives and ReligionToday.

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February 7 2000, Vol. 44, No. 2