In this episode titled "Bridging the Gap: How Does Love Show Up for PLWHIV?", Rev. Sophia Russell, Executive Director of Positive Wellness Alliance, and Dr. Raven Scales from United Health Care explore the ways love and compassion manifest for people living with HIV (PLWHIV). They discuss the critical role that both healthcare and community organizations play in supporting PLWHIV, emphasizing the importance of holistic care that addresses not only medical needs but also emotional and social well-being. The conversation delves into the power of love as a transformative force in breaking down stigma, fostering inclusion, and creating supportive environments where PLWHIV can thrive. Through their experiences, Rev. Russell and Dr. Scales highlight strategies to bridge the gap between clinical care and community support, ensuring that love and care are at the forefront of efforts to uplift and empower those affected by HIV.

Featured Guests: Rev. Sophia Russell, Executive Director of Positive Wellness Alliance, Dr. Raven Scales, United Health Care

The COMPASS Initiative® Faith Coordinating Center, at Wake Forest University School of Divinity, focuses on educating and preparing ministry and nonprofit leaders to address HIV and faith in the Southern US. Through the Center, the Black Faith & HIV Initiative is a signature program of the School of Divinity and works to empower faith communities to address HIV and other health disparities and promote whole-person wellbeing.

 In this episode titled "Elevating Humanity, A Compassionate Response," Rev. Glencie Rhedrick, a leader with the Charlotte Coalition for Justice and Associate Pastor in the Baptist tradition, alongside Shakethia Rorie, a Nurse Educator at Wake Forest Atrium Health and member of Zion Memorial Baptist Church, discuss their approaches to fostering compassion and justice within their communities. They share insights on how their faith and professional roles intersect in addressing social injustices and promoting health and well-being. The conversation highlights the importance of a compassionate response to human suffering and the ways in which faith-based and healthcare communities can collaborate to elevate humanity through justice, advocacy, and care.

Featured Guests: Rev. Glencie Rhedrick, Charlotte Coalition for Justice, Associate Pastor in the Baptist Tradition, Shakethia Rorie, Nurse Educator,Wake Forest Atrium Health, Zion Memorial Baptist Church

The COMPASS Initiative® Faith Coordinating Center, at Wake Forest University School of Divinity, focuses on educating and preparing ministry and nonprofit leaders to address HIV and faith in the Southern US. Through the Center, the Black Faith & HIV Initiative is a signature program of the School of Divinity and works to empower faith communities to address HIV and other health disparities and promote whole-person wellbeing.

 This podcast explores the evolving roles of women within Black faith communities, highlighting the challenges and triumphs faced by women as they break barriers and reshape traditional structures. The discussion delves into the historical context of women’s roles in these communities, examining how cultural and religious norms have often limited their leadership opportunities. However, the podcast also celebrates the progress made as women increasingly take on leadership positions, offering fresh perspectives and driving meaningful change. Through personal stories and expert insights, the episode underscores the importance of reimagining and empowering women’s roles in faith spaces, advocating for greater inclusion and equity in religious leadership.

Featured Guests: Dr. Tamara Caple, Sister Circle International 

The COMPASS Initiative® Faith Coordinating Center, at Wake Forest University School of Divinity, focuses on educating and preparing ministry and nonprofit leaders to address HIV and faith in the Southern US. Through the Center, the Black Faith & HIV Initiative is a signature program of the School of Divinity and works to empower faith communities to address HIV and other health disparities and promote whole-person wellbeing.

Dr. Kendra Davis and Tamika Patterson discussed the role of faith in overcoming stigma and past failures, emphasizing the importance of utilizing faith to empower others and create a welcoming community. They also highlighted the role of faith in healing and sharing the love of Jesus, with a focus on healing and love. Later, speakers emphasized the role of faith in overcoming challenges related to HIV, including stigma and lack of access to care, and encouraged listeners to have great faith in the face of adversity.

Featured Guests: Rev. Dr. Kendra Davis, Founder and Senior Pastor of Kairos Worship Center,  Licensed Clinical  Addictions Specialist, Elder Tamica Patterson-Neighborhood Hands and Nurse 

The COMPASS Initiative® Faith Coordinating Center, at Wake Forest University School of Divinity, focuses on educating and preparing ministry and nonprofit leaders to address HIV and faith in the Southern US. Through the Center, the Black Faith & HIV Initiative is a signature program of the School of Divinity and works to empower faith communities to address HIV and other health disparities and promote whole-person wellbeing.

The church plays a crucial role in addressing HIV stigma and health disparities. Leaders emphasized the importance of connecting faith and health, while acknowledging the need to address harmful theologies related to sex and sexuality. Education and equipping churches to eliminate harmful theologies and stigmatize HIV were identified as key strategies. The conversation also raised questions about the church's silence on health issues and the importance of breaking down barriers to access healthcare.

Featured Guests: Bishop Sir. Walter Mack, Union Baptist Church, Winston-Salem, NC, Rev. Dr. Thomas A. Banister III, Pastor Temple Memorial Baptist Church, High-Point NC

The COMPASS Initiative® Faith Coordinating Center, at Wake Forest University School of Divinity, focuses on educating and preparing ministry and nonprofit leaders to address HIV and faith in the Southern US. Through the Center, the Black Faith & HIV Initiative is a signature program of the School of Divinity and works to empower faith communities to address HIV and other health disparities and promote whole-person wellbeing.

The conversation centered around the importance of open communication, education, and active listening to end HIV stigma. Speakers emphasized the role of faith in providing a safe space for healing and support, while also highlighting the church's responsibility to break the silence on HIV/AIDS. They stressed the importance of vulnerability and openness in HIV work, and emphasized the need for tangible actions such as providing workshops and literature to support those affected by the virus.

Featured Guests: Dr. Linda McRae, HOPE Counseling & Consulting Services Inc. Winston-Salem, NC, Rev. Dr. Abdue Knox, Greater Bethel AME Church, Charlotte, NC 

The COMPASS Initiative® Faith Coordinating Center, at Wake Forest University School of Divinity, focuses on educating and preparing ministry and nonprofit leaders to address HIV and faith in the Southern US. Through the Center, the Black Faith & HIV Initiative is a signature program of the School of Divinity and works to empower faith communities to address HIV and other health disparities and promote whole-person wellbeing.

In this episode of "Beyond Tolerance," two faith leaders engage in a heartfelt conversation about HIV advocacy and the essential role of faith communities in fostering environments of radical inclusivity. They discuss the transformative power of faith in combating stigma, promoting acceptance, and creating safe spaces where everyone is embraced and loved without conditions. Listen in as they share insights and actionable steps toward building faith communities that go beyond tolerance to actively welcome and support those affected by HIV.

Featured Guests: Jeryl Anderson- AME Zion Church, Lavern Scott-AME Zion Church

The COMPASS Initiative® Faith Coordinating Center, at Wake Forest University School of Divinity, focuses on educating and preparing ministry and nonprofit leaders to address HIV and faith in the Southern US. Through the Center, the Black Faith & HIV Initiative is a signature program of the School of Divinity and works to empower faith communities to address HIV and other health disparities and promote whole-person wellbeing.

 In this podcast episode, Camille Starnes from Wesley AME Zion Church in Charlotte, NC, and Bessie Baker from Rhoney’s Chapel AME Zion Church in Newton, NC share their experiences as First Ladies leading HIV ministries in their respective congregations. They discuss their calling to engage in HIV work, highlighting their efforts in education, testing, hosting awareness events, supporting families, and providing direct services to those living with HIV. The conversation addresses the harmful impact of stigma within faith communities and emphasizes the need for churches to better educate themselves and embody Christ's inclusive love. They also explore ways faith communities can create safe spaces for Black women living with HIV, ensuring that all affected by HIV feel embraced and supported.

Featured Guests: Camille Starnes, Wesley AME Zion Church, Charlotte, NC and Bessie Baker, Rhoney’s Chapel AME Zion Church, Newton, NC

The COMPASS Initiative® Faith Coordinating Center, at Wake Forest University School of Divinity, focuses on educating and preparing ministry and nonprofit leaders to address HIV and faith in the Southern US. Through the Center, the Black Faith & HIV Initiative is a signature program of the School of Divinity and works to empower faith communities to address HIV and other health disparities and promote whole-person wellbeing.

Activism Toward Being Human and Treating Others as Human" is a compelling podcast that explores the vital role of HIV advocacy within faith communities. Join us as we engage with two influential faith leaders, activists, and community members who are passionately working to dismantle stigma and promote compassion. Together, we discuss strategies and share stories that emphasize the importance of viewing each individual as a valued human being, deserving of dignity, respect, and unconditional love. Tune in to be inspired and empowered to make a difference in your community and beyond.

Featured Guest:  Rev. Dr. John Mendez, Former Pastor of Emmanuel Baptist Church, Winston-Salem, NC, and Psychotherapist, Imam Joèl Saahir, Resident Imam of Masjid Al-Muminun, Winston-Salem, NC

The COMPASS Initiative® Faith Coordinating Center, at Wake Forest University School of Divinity, focuses on educating and preparing ministry and nonprofit leaders to address HIV and faith in the Southern US. Through the Center, the Black Faith & HIV Initiative is a signature program of the School of Divinity and works to empower faith communities to address HIV and other health disparities and promote whole-person wellbeing.

Faith leaders explore critical conversations about HIV advocacy and the intersection of faith, community, and compassion in this work. This message is from two extraordinary faith leaders who have dedicated their lives to breaking down barriers and promoting the love of God within and beyond the church walls. Join us as we delve into a vital conversation about the role of the church in showing unconditional love and acceptance, embracing the teachings of Jesus, and combating stigma in all its forms.

Guest Speakers: Rev. Belinda Harris, Cedar Hill AME Zion Church and Rev. Verlon Anderson, Pastor, Center Grove AME Zion Church

The COMPASS Initiative® Faith Coordinating Center, at Wake Forest University School of Divinity, focuses on educating and preparing ministry and nonprofit leaders to address HIV and faith in the Southern US. Through the Center, the Black Faith & HIV Initiative is a signature program of the School of Divinity and works to empower faith communities to address HIV and other health disparities and promote whole-person wellbeing.