APPENDIX B CONSENT FORM

A COMPASSIONATE AND CARING GUIDE FOR THOSE SUFFERING WITH HIV/AIDS IN THE CHRISTIAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH

Sandra H. Gripper Liberty University

Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary

You are invited to be in a research study of a project that will develop a hands-on, practical guide to implement a caring, HIV/AIDS ministry for local churches of the Carolina Region of the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church.

You were selected as a possible participant because you are a pastor, church member of the Carolina Region of the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church,

I ask that you read this form and ask any questions you may have before agreeing to be in the study.

This study is being conducted by Sandra H. Gripper, a doctor of ministry candidate at Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary

Background Information:

The purpose of this study is to identify the stigmas, fears, lack of understanding, and training in churches regarding those who are living with HIV/AIDS. Failure to win over those with

judgmental attitudes and fear is a problem with HIV/AIDS patients, prohibiting transformative ministry. This project will develop a hands-on, practical guide to implement caring HIV/AIDS ministries for local churches.

Procedures:

If you agree to be in this study, you would be ask to complete a questionnaire that will be returned to the investigator by the pastor of the church along with all the questionnaires completed by the congregation. It should take about 10 minutes to complete the questionnaire.

Risks and Benefits of being in the Study:

The risks are minimal and are no more than you would encounter in everyday life.

The benefit will be to address the bias and stereotypes often present in the religious community.

There will be a manual provided to all houses of worship that participated to help them start a HIV/AIDS ministry.

Compensation:

You will not receive any compensation for participating in this project.

Confidentiality:

The records of this study will be kept private. In any sort of report I might publish, I will not include any information that will make it possible to identify a subject. Research records will be stored securely, and only the researcher will have access to the records.

All or the related data will be stored for a minimum of three years after the date of the survey as required by federal regulations. No one will have access to this data but the investigator.

Voluntary Nature of the Study:

Participation in this study is voluntary. Your decision whether or not to participate will not affect your current or future relations with Liberty University. If you decide to participate, you are free to not answer any question or withdraw at any time without affecting those relationships.

How to Withdraw from the Study:

You may withdraw prior to the study by contacting the researcher by email. If you desire to withdraw after the study has been completed notify the researcher in person at the end of the study or by email me at [email protected], and your information will not be used in the study

Contacts and Questions:

The researcher conducting this study is Sandra H. Gripper. You may ask any questions you have now. If you have questions later, you are encouraged to contact me at 704-724-2721. You may also contact my faculty advisor Dr. Charlie N. Davidson, at 434-592-5907 or

[email protected].

If you have any questions or concerns regarding this study and would like to talk to someone other than the researcher, you are encouraged to contact the Institutional Review Board, 1971 University Blvd, Suite 1837, Lynchburg, VA 24515 or email at [email protected].

Please contact the researcher if you would like a copy of this information to keep for your records.

Statement of Consent:

I have read and understood the above information. I have asked questions and have received answers. I consent to participate in the study.

Signature: ____________________________________________ Date: ________________

Signature of Investigator: _______________________________Date: __________________

(NOTE: DO NOT AGREE TO PARTICIPATE UNLESS IRB APPROVAL INFORMATION WITH CURRENT DATES HAS BEEN ADDED TO THIS DOCUMENT.)

APPENDIX C

What is your Age?_________ Highest Level of Education Attained?_____________________

How long have you been a member of your church? __________________

Name of your church? ________________________________________

This questionnaire is designed to assess your knowledge and willingness to participate in this effort. Please answer the following questions. Please complete this survey. All information is confidential and will only be used in group

summaries

1. How do people contact HIV/AIDS?

(Check all that apply)

□ Unprotected vaginal and anal sex □Transmission through kissing alone.

□ Injection drug use

□ Being born to an infected mother □Being bitten by a person with HIV.

□ Being stuck with an HIV-contaminated needle or other sharp object.

□ Receiving blood transfusions, blood products, or organ/tissue transplants.

□ Eating food that has been pre-chewed by an HIV-infected person.

□ Air or water □Insects, including mosquitoes or ticks

□Saliva, tears, or sweat □Drinking fountains

□Toilet seats □Shaking hands, hugging

2. Do you know basis information about HIV/AIDS Y________ N _______

7. Do you agree with this statement? HIV/AIDS is a crisis of enormous spiritual, social, economic and political proportions and, increasingly, it is a problem of the young. Overcoming HIV/AIDS and the stigma that fuels its spread is one of the most serious challenges of our time. It requires courage, commitment and leadership at all levels, especially among the faith community who can use the trust and authority they have in their communities to change the course of the pandemic.

12. Do you feel that Housing of Worship should be involved in activities designed to help those living with HIV/AIDS that impact your community? Y____ N _____

13. Have you ever been involved in an education or research activity designed to address HIV/AIDS? Y____ N _____