I've been very sad lately.

Long story short - on the very minimal list of people that I know personally that are aware of the fact that I have Hep C is my pastor. Seemed like a good choice - right? Wrong.

Tomorrow my church (Southern Baptist) will host a day at the park that includes a swimming party. The pastor asked me not to participate in the swimming part - he didn't want me in the water with all of the other church members, for fear of spreading the virus.

I attempted to explain to him that there was no way they could contract it from me - but he claims he spoke to a "doctor friend" and that friend advised against me swimming with "regular" members.

My heart is hurt. So, how do I deal with this? Keep trying to educate him or just let him be.

Oh my goodness Monica! I cannot believe this!

I think that the problem here is not your pastor but the doctor that gave him this advice. Your pastor is only acting out of concern for the congregation even if it is in ignorance.

I am not sure if you should try to educate him or the doctor!

I am sorry that this is happening to you...

Oh Monica, that is just terrible. Having had so many close to me with Hep C & HIV... I continue to be astounded at the amount of misinformation & lack of education out there when there is SO much correct information out there on both and has been for so many years. I am so sorry you're going thru this. Have you got any of the typical educational info literature on Hep C around? I would be tempted to just kind of quietly give it to both the pastor AND the doctor for educational purposes... but I can understand that you might just want to let it be. I know it hurts... I cannot believe that someone with an M.D. is that misinformed. :(