Abstract
This passage expresses God’s concern for the oppressed in society and reflects a call for those who would be responsive to the needs of an oppressed people. It is possible to consider persons living with HIV/AIDS among the oppressed, not only due to the physical effects of the disease but also because of social responses. We are encouraged to consider the prophetic role of the church as significant in addressing the challenges of HIV/AIDS. We are a people in crisis! Although ours is not a crisis of meaning nor a crisis of faith, the current predicament in the African-American community involving HIV/AIDS is ontological—a “crisis of being," threatening our existence.