By Alison Amyx, Senior Editor, Believe Out Loud
Christians around the world gathered this weekend to commemorate World AIDS Day. Celebrated each year on December 1, World AIDS Day is an opportunity to raise awareness about HIV, show support for people living with HIV, and honor those who have died.
This year, people of faith joined with advocates to embrace the theme of “Getting to Zero,” which represents the goal of zero new HIV infections, zero deaths from AIDS, and zero stigma and discrimination against those living with HIV.
Elder Stacey S. Latimer, Founder/CEO/Chairman of Love Alive International Group, explains the unique role people of faith can play in the fight against AIDS, particularly in the black church:
“Since the beginning of AIDS, faith’s hands have played an incredible role in healing and restoration, and as pastors and congregants become more informed and take the necessary actions to be empowered to prevent the transmission and/or spread of AIDS, the number of hands belonging to faith will increase, and the community will be better for it. The church is a cornerstone of black community, and as communities of faith increases their HIV/AIDS knowledge base and engage the process to end AIDS, so shall we see a significant decline in transmission rates for black people.”
To mark this occasion, the Ecumenical Advocacy Alliance has created an Advent Calendar with the theme: “Live the Promise: Advent in a Time of AIDS.” This daily devotional is available on their website and as a PDF download. It details the calling of Christians to respond to the AIDS crisis with love during Advent, the season of hope and expectation.
For more information about AIDS, worship resources, and more, check out UCAN, the United Church of Christ HIV and AIDS Network. For facts about HIV tests, symptoms, and transmission, visit HIVaware.
Graphic provided by the Ecumenical Advocacy Alliance
