The significance of the faith-based population as a resource and connection to treatment and counseling for substance users and their families cannot be understated. Especially in Stanislaus County, churches and other spiritual groups have consistently been one of the strongest options for those in need of support in one way or another. The Central Valley is unique in diversity, but no matter one's background, the syringe exchange issue binds us all. It is our belief (and hope) that the faith-based community will play a very significant role in the future of syringe exchange in Stanislaus County.
There are several religious groups and denominations with official positions on syringe exchange:
- The Episcopal Church (1994) Resolution A003
- Presbyterian Church - USA General Assembly's 1993 resolution & the 212th Assembly Overture 00-79 in 2000
- United Church of Christ The UCC's HIV/AIDS Ministries urge people to advocate for needle exchange programs in your community.
- Unitarian Universalist Association (2002) Statement of Conscience
- The Society of Christian Ethics (2000) The SCE Needle Exchange Program Resolution (this link will lead you to an excerpt on IDPI website)
- Union for Reform Judaism (1997) Commission on Social Action resolution
- Central Conference of American Rabbis (2001) Resolution on Syringe Exchange Programs
The Interfaith Drug Policy Initiative (IDPI), "... is formed is to organize people of faith to promote drug policy reform; i.e., moving from prohibition laws toward reasonable and compassionate drug regulation, education and treatment." For a handout of this information from IDPI click here.
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