CABSA World AIDS Day Liturgy 2012

English

CABSA annually makes material available for church services focusing on World AIDS Day. The English Liturgy and sermon tips can be downloaded below.

Images from the 2011 PowerPoint may be useful. You can also find HIV related images at Pinterest.

We also include a version of the guidelines adapted by Rev Rachel Mash which includes guidelines for the Eucherist and a focus on the 16 days campaign.

An offering or monthly contribution helps CABSA to provide this and many other free services.

Feedback

If you use the material, would you please let us know? You are also welcome to submit pictures or programmes of your event. Criticism is always welcome - tell us what you would like us to do differently next year! Contact Lyn with your feedback.

World AIDS Day Resources from other Organisations

Resources from various organisations will be collected here. You are welcome to share your resources:

• Ecumencal Advocacy Alliance
• TEAR Australia Small Group resource developed by Greg Manning
• United Methodist General Board of Church & Society
• The United Church of Canada
• Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA)
• National Episcopal AIDS Coalition
• Presbyterian World Service & Development
•  Nazarene Compassionate Ministries
• United Church of Christ HIV and AIDS Network
• Church World Service
• The Primate’s World Relief and Development Fund (PWRDF)
• Catholic Relief Service

Two new EAA resources for World AIDS Day 2012

This year, the Ecumenical Advocacy Alliance has prepared two new resources to support your World AIDS Day activities within your faith community, workplace, wider community or family.

World AIDS Day Service

This year’s liturgy focuses our hearts and minds on reaching the goal of ‘Zero AIDS-related deaths, Zero new HIV infections and Zero discrimination’. Through prayers, readings, silent reflection and corporate actions and words, congregants are led on a journey, faithfully thanking God for keeping his promises and committing themselves to doing their part to help realize them in love.

The service outline (or ‘liturgy’) is now available online in English and Spanish. German and French versions will be available as of 5 November. http://www.e-alliance.ch/en/s/hivaids/world-aids-day/

Online Advent Calendar

You, your family members, colleagues and friends are invited to sign-up to receive daily Advent devotions on HIV in your inbox between 1 December and 6 January 2013. Each devotion is written by an EAA member responding to HIV around the globe. Readers will receive insights into this crucial work, as well as inspiration and challenge for their own actions and engagement in the HIV response.

Sign up now via http://www.e-alliance.ch/en/s/hivaids/world-aids-day/

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TEAR Australia Small Group Resource

Greg Manning shared material that he developed for Tear Australia. These materials, which can be downloaded below, have a particular focus on drug use.

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United Methodist General Board of Church & Society:\

A World AIDS Day Worship Service with the theme "'There Will Be Signs: Worshiping Toward An AIDS-Free World" was made available by Amee Paparella, Director & Organizer for Women’s Advocacy at the United Methodist General Board of Church & Society. More details and the material ca be downloaded from the website .

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The United Church of Canada

Bulletin insert for World AIDS Day [PDF: 1 p/107 KB] NEW

Prayers from National Episcopal AIDS Coalition (NEAC) [RTF: 1 p/42 KB]

Prayers from Christian Aid [RTF: 1 p/42 KB]

Toward Three Zeros in Faith, Commitment, and Love [RTF: 7 pp/140 KB] NEW

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Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA)

Each year, ADRA, along with the worldwide community, commemorates World AIDS Day to show its support and involvement in the global effort to stop AIDS. The fight to halt the spread of this deadly disease is one of the biggest challenges the world has ever faced. ADRA is working to stop AIDS, and we invite you to take up the challenge, too.

Use the following resources to help you-along with your church, community, or school group-get involved in the global effort to stop AIDS.

Online Video

Printable Downloads:

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National Episcopal AIDS Coalition

World AIDS Day Prayers - A Collect for World AIDS Day can be downloaded or read online

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Presbyterian World Service & Development

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Nazarene Compassionate Ministries

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United Church of Christ HIV and AIDS Network

The importance of the whole church engaging in HIV response has never been more critical.  As never before, there is a path to ending the epidemic in our lifetime.  The implementation of the 27th General Synod's resolution, "Calling for Comprehensive HIV Prevention in Church and Community," is the road map for the UCC, inviting the whole church to be faithful to do all it can.

 Litany for World AIDS Day

Watch or use the short video:

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Church World Service

Worship Resources on HIV/AIDS

•  Prayers for people living with and affected by HIV/AIDS
• Prayers for children orphaned and made vulnerable to HIV/AIDS
• Prayers for women living with and vulnerable to HIV/AIDS
•  We Gather Together To Combat HIV/AIDS A worship resource for World AIDS Day, December 1st

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 The Primate’s World Relief and Development Fund (PWRDF)

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Catholic Relief Service

Message from Rev. Msgr. Robert J. Vitillo, Special Advisor on HIV and AIDS for Caritas Internationalis

Download:

Candlelight Vigil of Hope
Evening Prayer Service

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World AIDS Day Statements and Reflections 2012

Selection of resources from various sources:

More than a Prayer: Faith Communities’ Response to Sexual Violence. 30/11/2012

A dialogue between Archbishop Rowan Williams and Michel Sidibé of UNAIDS for World Aids Day.

By Rowan Williams ...

HIV positive women make red ribbons, the universal symbol of awareness and support for those living with HIV. Photograph: Getty Images

Excerpt from the letter of Gracia Violeta Ross, co-founder of Bolivia's first organization for people living with HIV

“As the daughter of an evangelical pastor, a rape survivor and an HIV positive advocate, these issues [of church responses to sexual violence] are very close to my heart. I can tell you the worst experience of my life was the experience of rape. I remember a Christian organisation tried to address these issues, but it was not easy. Sadly, some of the reasons were that most church and religious leaders are men, and, as such, they often fail to recognise the power they have. Yes, they might be Christian, but they are still men who grow up in the teachings of a dominating gender system, which hardly recognised the voices and rights of women. Also, when trying to do some work related to sexual violence, often in the religious communities we tend to 'spiritualise' the topic. Addressing sexual violence needs prayers but much more than prayers.”

Michel Sidibé, Executive Director of UNAIDS

Tomorrow is World Aids Day.

It is unacceptable that one in three women around the world will be raped, beaten, coerced into sex, or otherwise abused in her lifetime.

On World Aids Day, we celebrate our continuing progress against the HIV epidemic. But we must recognize again this year that women and girls still face the higher risk of infection - and why, gender inequity is the fuel that feeds the fire of violence against women and girls, and it is both a cause and consequence of women’s increased vulnerability to HIV.

In many societies, women and girls face unequal opportunities, discrimination, and human rights violations. And while laws may exist on the books to protect their rights and give them greater opportunities, these rights aren’t always fulfilled or supported by society and its leaders—including faith leaders.

I recently received a letter from Gracia Violeta Ross, an outspoken activist for women who have survived rape and are living with HIV — like herself.

As many survivors do, she turned to her church for support, but found it lacking in many ways. I agree with her that it takes more than prayer to heal and empower women who have endured sexual violence—to transform them from victims to survivors. It takes compassionate leadership that reaches beyond scripture and traditional rites and teachings. 

While the church — or the synagogue, temple or mosque — can be a rock-solid source of unmoving strength to a community, it must also be able to respond sensitively to the needs of women who have been hurt. For example, can an institution whose leaders are almost always men truly perceive the fears and hear the voices of women at risk of violence? And when it advocates for strong families, can it appreciate that the danger to women and girls often lurks inside their own homes? Do care, support and justice extend to women who sell sex or use drugs? Or who are transgendered?  Yes. There should be no line that distinguishes who deserves and who does not.

Women who have been victims of violence need many things: To have their dignity restored and to be protected from stigma and shame. To ensure their attackers brought to justice. To have access to psychological and medical care, including sexual and reproductive health. And ultimately, to be empowered, like Violeta, as leaders in achieving full equity in their worlds.

My question to Archbishop Williams is this: beyond prayers and spiritual comfort, what more can the church offer to survivors of sexual violence?

Dr Rowan Williams, Archbishop of Canterbury

Gracia Violeta’s letter is moving and disturbing. You are quite right to underline the concerns it raises about how religion can sometimes reinforce violent and oppressive attitudes to women, how it can help to silence honesty and protest, and so can make even worse the position of women who are at risk of and from HIV infection.

What can be done? A lot has already been initiated to challenge the distorted theology that can underlie violent or collusive behaviour. Many churches I know have taken the biblical story of the rape of King David’s daughter Tamar as a starting point for rethinking their approach and clarifying the unacceptability of the male behaviour depicted in this and other stories. If we are to make progress here, we have to expose toxic and destructive patterns of masculinity. And for cultures steeped in the Bible, it is important to start by showing that the Bible does not endorse or absolve violence against women.

But in addition, there needs to be a coherent and persistent message about breaking the silence. The "Silent No More” campaign has found wide support; and the launch in 2011 of the We Will Speak Out coalition of faith groups and faith leaders, in the wake of the research done by Tearfund's Silent No More, has proved a benchmark for challenging communities and leaders who fail to see this as a priority. Our own Anglican archbishops from DR Congo, Rwanda and Burundi have had a leading role in this. And last year’s conference of Anglican primates issued a full and robust statement on gender-related violence which has now been strongly reaffirmed by the global Anglican Consultative Council.

These policy statements rest on a lot of impressive grassroots practice, linking survivors to medical, legal and counselling support, and local livelihood training schemes – and also naming and shaming the culture of impunity, especially the impunity of those who in any way exercise power, in churches or elsewhere. But so often in my own travels I have found the most important service the Church can offer is to be a place where it is safe to speak about what has happened. Last year in DR Congo, and more recently in a Church-based centre in Papua New Guinea, I had the painful privilege of spending time with women who had accessed the services offered by the Church and were finding a new voice and new courage to confront those who had humiliated and abused them, and to support one another. These responses by local faith communities are inspiring, but need to be far more widely replicated.

Building a new culture of openness and mutual support is essential. Out of this grows the sort of comprehensive change we want to see – change in understandings of masculinity, the end of paralysing stigma, a new approach to legal redress, a place for the leadership and advocacy of survivors themselves, an audible voice for women.

We sometimes speak of a fivefold response – Prevention, Protection, Provision of services, Prosecution and Partnerships. All I have mentioned so far illustrates how this looks in practice. We are morally and religiously bound to give the highest priority to making this response a universal reality, and are glad to have the support and solidarity of UNAIDS in this. It is a calling that has been laid upon us by a God whose will is always for human dignity and compassion.  

How can UN agencies strengthen their partnership with faith communities to respond more effectively to ending sexual violence?

Response from Michel Sidibé

For myself, I make a point of sitting down with religious leaders and faith-based organizations in the countries I visit and talk about ways to partner for people and communities. It is a priority of UNAIDS to engage religious leaders for thoughtful action on critical human rights issues such as sexual violence. In the coming year, I will be traveling to many countries which have high levels of sexual and gender based  violence and mother-to-child transmission of HIV, and will convene with local religious leaders and organizations that are working specifically on these issues.

UNAIDS is currently partnering with the Ecumenical Advocacy Alliance, the Global Network of People living with HIV and the International Network of Religious Leaders Living with and Affected by HIV to develop a framework for dialogue around HIV. We intend to give religious leaders, people living with HIV, women who have experienced rape, and people most vulnerable to HIV who have been stigmatized greater support and guidance for discussing these difficult issues, hopefully leading to faith community responses like the ones the Archbishop witnessed in Africa. I am confident that we will all come to greater understanding through this process, and the lives of women, their families and their society will be improved and enriched.

 

Pastor Andrena Ingram. - World AIDS Day 2012

By Pastor Ingram

09 Nov 2012

Here we go again:  World AIDS Day 2012, coming right up!  Time to dig those ribbons out of your drawers and closets and jewelry boxes!  Don’t have one? Not to worry, wherever you decide to celebrate WAD, I’m sure they’ll have some ribbons. Just make sure you save them this time…so this time, next year, you’ll be ready!

I’ve lived through 23 years of World AIDS Days!   I was diagnosed that many years ago, and yes, I am still here. It took a few years to get comfortable with the diagnosis, a few years to get past the stigma I initially placed upon myself, a few years to get past the stigma placed upon me by others.

As you can see from the picture taken in Toronto, Canada in 2006 at the International World AIDS Conference, I began coming out, yelling and making noise at this event, where I confronted my own stigma, and found support in the 20 some odd thousand, other positive people at this event.  It was monumental! 

Are you still keeping the promise???

I am past the stigma, when it comes to my own personal HIV.

However, I am NOT past the stigma others are going through. I am NOT past the stigma which keeps people living in shame, secrecy and fear.

I made a promise at this conference that I would begin speaking out, and do everything I could to raise awareness about this disease, particularly when it comes to breaking down the walls of stigma.

I break down the walls of stigma, shame and silence.  One face at a time.  My face particularly ‘affects’ persons, because I am a religious leader.

I am an ordained Lutheran pastor, living openly, unashamedly and POSITIVELY with HIV. I am an activist in the HIV arena, and ‘God’s change agent’…putting my face in the mix, to humanize this disease, so that others who are living in fear, shame and secrecy, may come to know that you can live with this disease!

Many have traveled this road before us, many have ACTED up in the streets,  have taken their fight to the lawns of the White House.  Have DIED, fighting to the very end.   It has been 30 years, and while major medicinal breakthroughs have been made…there is still much work to be done.  Like a cure!

I am grateful for my life.  I look good and most days I feel good.  But you are looking at me from the outside.  Inside, I don’t always feel that great.  Fatigue takes its toll on me.   I talk, and I talk.  I share and I share.  But there are a few things that still bother me:

The church bothers me.   I am not talking about the churches that are doing what they need to do for their congregants, but for the community at large, especially for those who are NOT churched in the traditional manner. 

• I take issue with houses of God, who pass moral judgement on those living with HIV. 
• I take issue with pastors who do not know that one of their members has been living and died from complications due to ‘advanced HIV”, because the parishoner was ‘afraid’ to tell, for fear of being shunned. 
• I take issue with houses of God, who talk about repentence of sins in the midst of someone’s struggling to find their way back to the God who knows all, and forgives all. 
• I take issue with houses of God who wear rubber gloves to annoint the head of someone living with HIV. 
• I take issue with congregations who treat someone with HIV any differently than anyone else. 
• I take issue with churches who condemn the sexual orientation of another.
•  I take issue with a lot when it comes to those who are NOT living with this disease, sitting at the table, doing all the talking.
• And here’s a new one:  people in 12 step programs, talking about and judging and spreading rumors about folks with HIV!  In the rooms!  A space, where you are supposed to feel safe – *what you hear here, when you leave here, let it stay here* (one of the principal tenets)  To say I am appalled is an understatement!

“Let he who is without sin, cast the first stone” – John 8:7  (I know I can’t cast that stone.  I am not without sin.)

And so, here we are 30 years later.  Getting ready to go into another World AIDS Day.  This one is themed “Getting to Zero”.

I pray the *faith leaders can get to zero, when it comes to how we are being treated.  I pray the faith leaders can get to zero, when it comes to placing blame and shame.  I pray the faith leaders can get to zero, when it comes to pontificating and throwing theology around. 

We who are living with HIV and ‘advanced’ HIV, have our own HIV’ology’:  We are tired of being nailed to the cross, we are tired of being ‘poked in the side’, we are tired of the crowd screaming at us….It’s time for our resurrection back into society as whole people. 

 And another thing:  I’m tired of the ribbons.  We see them every couple of months, depending upon the demographic we are praying for.  The ribbons come out from wherever they have been put away the previous year, they are pinned on our lapels or robes, we attend an HIV Service, bow our heads and “feel for the HIV community”… when they get home, take their ribbons off … and put them away for next year.

Don’t get me wrong, World AIDS Day has it’s place, but dang! Isn’t 24 years of World AIDS Day Services long enough?  Isn’t 30 years of this disease long enough?

With the advent of new medications, I feel the passion has gone out of the fight against HIV.  People feel like it is a manageable disease these days, and it may well be so.  I know I am managing. I am living. What I don’t know, and what ‘people’ who are not living with this disease do not know or understand, is the havoc the medications wreck on our insides. Medication is keeping us alive. But you know what? I am tired of taking pills…and I am tired of wearing ribbons…and I am tired of World AIDS Day!

So….what will you be doing ‘this’ World AIDS Day?

I am sure I’ll be speaking somewhere.  Again.

…..Gotta find my ribbon. I know it’s here somewhere.

Additional resources:
ACT UP: ACTUP Oral History Project
World AIDS Day:  What will you do this World AIDS Day

Statements from UNAIDS and Other International Organisations 2012

01 December 2012

 UNAIDS

United Nations Secretary-General

The Millennium Development Goal for HIV/AIDS is clear: to halt and begin to reverse the epidemic by 2015. Thanks to the determined efforts of governments and civil society, success is in sight. The UNAIDS World AIDS Day Report for 2012 reveals significant progress in preventing and treating HIV/AIDS in the past two years. The number of people accessing life-saving treatment rose by 60 per cent and new infections have fallen by half in 25 countries – 13 of them in sub-Saharan Africa. AIDS-related deaths have dropped by a quarter since 2005.  More

 

President of the 67th session of the UN General Assembly

I am greatly encouraged by the impressive results demonstrated by AIDS response. According to the most recent report by UNAIDS, the pace of progress accelerated significantly, with more people than ever accessing life-saving antiretroviral treatment, fewer new HIV infections and AIDS-related deaths, and narrowing AIDS funding gap. More

 

 

Executive Director of the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS)

To the millions who have come together with compassion and determination on this World AIDS Day, we say: “Your blood, sweat and tears are changing the world.” We have moved from despair to hope. Far fewer people are dying from AIDS.
Read full statement   |  View video message

 

 

Chairperson of the African Union

The progress we are seeing today in the fight against AIDS is clearly showing that our vision for an HIV-free generation in Africa is possible. UNAIDS data shows that the number of new HIV infections has fallen globally by more than 20 per cent since 2001. New HIV infections are continuing to decline in most parts of the world. In our continent, HIV incidence has decreased in most countries. As more people are getting antiretroviral therapy, AIDS-related deaths have declined at a fast pace. We must recognize this achievement. More

 

Chairperson of the African Union Commission

Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, Chairperson of the African Union Commission delivers a message marking World AIDS Day 2012.
View video message

 

 

 

Première Dame d'Haïti

Depuis 30 ans que le SIDA existe, il a changé à tout jamais les relations humaines. Le 1er décembre ne sera jamais pour nous une date comme les autres. Elle nous rappelle l’impact de la maladie dans nos familles et dans nos communautés. Elle est aussi devenue la journée de l’espoir, la journée de l’engagement, la journée de la solidarité humaine. En savoir plus

 

 

Executive Director of the UN World Food Programme (UNWFP)

This World AIDS Day (1 December) we are observing unprecedented results in the prevention and treatment of HIV. Access to adequate and nutritious food for a person living with HIV to respond well to antiretroviral treatment (ART) is essential. As one of the eleven co-sponsors of UNAIDS, the UN World Food Programme (WFP) has played a major role in providing food and nutrition support to affected populations, lending to the welcome slow-down in the HIV epidemic that has claimed far too many lives over the past few years. More

 

Administrator of the United Nations Development Programme

With the 2015 target date for reaching the Millennium Development Goals in sight, and with a new global development agenda under discussion, we must sustain the effort that has already accomplished so much for so many. Accelerating action to reduce inequality, promote human rights, and apply lessons learned to health and development more broadly remains vital. More

 

 

Executive Director of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA)

There is much to celebrate this World AIDS Day with a 50 per cent decline in new HIV infections in 25 low- and middle-income countries since 2001, AIDS-related deaths declining globally and an acceleration over the last two years in the number of people accessing treatment. More

 

 

 

Executive Director of the United Nations Office of Drugs and Crime (UNODC)

UNODC stands ready to assist by providing countries with technical assistance, and the means to create a favourable political and legal environment for evidence-based prevention and treatment options. I appeal to countries and their leaders not to neglect their key populations such as female sex workers, men who have sex with men, prisoners and injecting drug users. If we fail, we will not be able to end HIV and AIDS. More

 

 

Director-General of the International Labour Organization (ILO)

Today the ILO reaffirms its commitment to using the workplace as a gateway to “Getting to zero new HIV infections, Zero discrimination and Zero AIDS-related deaths” in close collaboration with its constituencies: governments, employers’ and workers’ organizations, UNAIDS,civil society, including organizations of people living with HIV, and all development partners. The central role of our social partners facilitated by the use of social dialogue should allow the workplace policies and programmes to contribute significantly towards Getting to zero. More

 

Director-General of the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)

On this World AIDS Day, we can be encouraged that our efforts are producing results. We must build on these to bring the disease under control, by scaling up HIV programmes and making the most of powerful new tools to prevent people from becoming infected and from dying from AIDS-related causes. More

 

 

 

UN Secretary General Special Envoy for HIV in the Caribbean

Today I join the global community in recognizing the millions of persons living with HIV and those affected by this disease. The world rejoices at the tantalizing prospects of an AIDS Free Generation that was unimaginable a generation ago. At the same time, the recently released UNAIDS 2012 Report portrays relatively optimistic trends for the Caribbean. More

 

Myung-Bo Hong, UNAIDS Goodwill Ambassador

Today on World AIDS Day, I want to take a moment to share my thoughts on HIV and AIDS. Having just returned from a fact-finding mission to Thailand, I saw with my own eyes how HIV and AIDS negatively affect people and communities… This is not right and we should work together to change that….We must fight stigma and discrimination and we must each and every one show solidarity and leadership. I am convinced that Nations in Asia and the Pacific have the capacity to lead the world to zero new HIV infections, zero discrimination and zero AIDS-related deaths.

 

Michael Ballack, UNAIDS Goodwill Ambassador

Discipline and endurance pays off - in sport and in life - and I would like to pay my tribute to all those out there who day after day make a difference in the lives of people living with HIV. More

 

 

 

Annie Lennox, UNAIDS Goodwill Ambassador

On the occasion of World AID Day 2012 , UNAIDS International Goodwill Ambassador Annie Lennox has issued her annual SING AIDS advocacy film, which showcases her work as an AIDS activist around the globe. In the film Annie describes how far we have come in the response to AIDS, but pledges for continued support to stop the pandemic. More

 

 

James Chau – UNAIDS Goodwill Ambassador, China

We can talk about the science, we can talk about the political leadership and we can talk about investment frameworks. Each of these are critical in fighting AIDS. But, now more than ever, we need to focus on people-----and not just the 34 million people living with HIV, but the seven billion living next door to us. With love, compassion and kindness, we can take that first step to creating an AIDS-free generation for everyone. Together.

Getting to Zero Selected as World AIDS Day Theme. 1/11/11

“Zero new HIV infections. Zero discrimination. Zero AIDS-related deaths.”

“Getting to Zero” is the theme selected by the World AIDS Campaign (WAC) to commemorate this year’s World AIDS Day on 1st December. The new theme, that will be used until 2015, echoes the UNAIDS vision of achieving “Zero new HIV infections. Zero discrimination. Zero AIDS-related deaths.”

The decision to choose "Getting to Zero" as the theme came after extensive consultations among people living with HIV, health activists and civil society organizations.

"The potential for creative, connected and meaningful campaigning is really exciting,” said World AIDS Campaign Africa Director, Linda Mafu. "Our organization will focus on Zero AIDS Related Deaths, but the choice is there for others to pick a different zero or all three. It's time to use our imaginations and let everyone know that Getting to Zero is a must,” she added.

Giving regions, countries and constituencies the latitude to focus on one or all of the Zeros that is most relevant to their context was central to the WAC’s decision, an approach fully supported by UNAIDS. “Getting to Zero is the overall agenda for responding to HIV in the next five years, but the priority may be zero discrimination in some parts of the world and zero AIDS related deaths in some other parts—it’s important to keep this connection with the local realities” said Djibril Diallo, Director of Global Outreach at UNAIDS.

This year’s World AIDS Day is anticipated to see renewed activism from the civil society as 1st December 2011 falls only 6 months before the International AIDS Conference taking place in Washington DC. This year also marks the 30th year since AIDS was first report. World AIDS Day will be a platform to pay tribute to early advocates of the response.

Observed worldwide on 1 December since 1998, World AIDS Day is the moment of the year where millions of people  come together across the globe to commemorate people who lost their lives to HIV, applaud progress made in responding to the epidemic and recommit to ending the epidemic.

CABSA World AIDS Day Liturgies 2011

English

CABSA annually makes material available for church services focusing on Worls AIDS Day. The following English material can be downloaded below:

WAD Resources from Other Organisations 2011

Message from the President and the General Secretary of the World Association for Christian Communication (WACC) on the Occasion of the World AIDS Day. 1/12/10

Communication rights are crucial to the World AIDS Campaign

On World AIDS Day 2010 we express gratitude to the members and partners of the World Association for Christian Communication (WACC) for their efforts to advance communication rights that help prevent the stigmatisation of people living with HIV and AIDS.

Significant progress in achieving universal access to HIV treatment, care, prevention and support in some countries is reported in Towards universal access published in September 2010 by the World Health Organisation (WHO), the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) and the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS).

Many agree that even greater progress is possible if universal access to care and prevention are understood as a fundamental human right. According to the World AIDS Campaign, “linking universal access to human rights helps bring the HIV diagnosis and treatment issues into existing fora and before world leaders who are already committed to pursuing a human rights agenda.” A rights-based approach “gives more credence to the international agreements related to human rights and their precedence in international law.”

In its own work, WACC has found that communication rights are essential to promoting universal access to HIV and AIDS treatment, care, prevention and support. Communication rights empower people living with and affected by the virus to express their needs, to make their voices heard, and to take charge of their own lives.

As an example we highlight WACC partner Fondation Solidarité Familiale in the Democratic Republic of Congo, which embarked on a campaign to publicize national law 08/011, enacted on 14 July 2008 and which upholds the rights of people living with HIV and AIDS with the aim of combating all forms of stigma and discrimination.

Another partner, Groupe Chrétien contre le Sida in Togo, is placing the spotlight on a little known national law enacted to protect people living with HIV and AIDS against stigma and discrimination.

A third partner, the Christian Council of Ghana, is contributing to efforts to increase knowledge in communities in the Greater Accra Region about the rights of people living with HIV and AIDS. New knowledge on the right to a life free of discrimination aided Regina, a project beneficiary, to successfully challenge a landlord’s threat to evict her from a rental home because of her seropositive status. Information on the legal supports in place made it possible for Regina to stay until the end of her tenancy agreement.

Creating awareness about such laws is a first step towards providing people living with and affected by HIV and AIDS with the knowledge necessary to make informed decisions about their lives. Such decisions bear directly on their possibilities to access treatment, care, prevention and support.

Let us together find more intentional approaches to advance communication rights that challenge stigmatisation and discrimination and save lives. The World AIDS Campaign needs communication rights.

Address by Deputy President Kgalame Motlanthe during the World Aids Day, Gert Sibande District, Mpumalanga. 1/12/10

This year we are focusing on the collective: “we are responsible”.

Ladies and gentlemen:

We are gathered here in Mkhondo to commemorate World AIDS Day.

This time last year, we joined the international community in commemorating the World AIDS Day under the theme: “I am responsible”.

This year we are focusing on the collective: “we are responsible”.

It means that friends, colleagues and families should talk about HIV in their workplaces, homes and communities and take appropriate action to care for those infected and affected. 

This will assist us to address stigma and discrimination and to create a society that brings our constitution to life. It will help usher in a society where respect and equality are a norm and a way of life.

In order to facilitate these actions we have begun a series of community dialogues which aim to engage people in their communities to better understand their needs and challenges around HIV and AIDS.

These targets focus on preventing new infections and providing care and support to the overwhelming majority of those infected and affected by HIV and AIDS.

Last year on World AIDS Day President Jacob Zuma made important announcements about the broadening of our HIV and AIDS programme. He stated that:

To achieve the above we have expanded access by accrediting more public institutions to provide antiretroviral treatment including primary health care facilities.

This required us to train and authorise more nurses to administer ARV treatment. As a result, more than 3 126 nurses have to date been trained and are now initiating patients on treatment.

More than 200 000 new patients have been initiated on ARVs since April this year, bringing a total number of up to a million people on ARVs.

Pregnant women who are HIV positive are now being initiated on treatment at CD4 count of 350 and less. Between April and September 20 000 pregnant women were initiated on ARV treatment compared to 15 000 during the same period last year – this represents a 28% increase in 2010 compared to 2009. This will help reduce the number of babies born with HIV.

We must therefore encourage pregnant women in our communities to seek care early during pregnancy, so that they and their children can avail themselves of the programmes that government is providing.

Ladies and gentlemen,

It is very important to emphasise that even as we continue to make headway with our treatment programme, prevention remains the mainstay of our response to the dual epidemics of HIV and TB.

I would like to emphasise this point once more: prevention, prevention, prevention!

I would like to encourage all of us to contribute to this important aspect of our arsenal in the fight against HIV and AIDS. This is a message our young people must embrace in their daily lives.

As a country, we have a comprehensive package of prevention interventions already in place. In addition, we are expanding the:

·Early detection and treatment of sexually transmitted infections;

·Procurement and distribution of male and female condoms through medical and non-medical sites. In this regard we have greatly increased the number of both male and female condoms that are being distributed.

Evidence from our research institutions indicates that young people are now responding positively to safer sex messages which led to a decline in new HIV infection among young people in our country;

· Safe blood transfusion is also an important aspect of our interventions. I am proud to say that our blood transfusion services rate among the safest in the world. This is due to the fact that the South African Blood Transfusion Service has installed state of the art technology through which all donated blood can be screened to ensure safety and adherence to appropriate standards.

Included in our prevention strategies is the provision of medical male circumcision. Again, this is based on evidence from research conducted here in South Africa which shows that circumcision reduces the risk of HIV transmission by as much as 60%.

I would like to thank the traditional leaders for supporting this initiative.

Consequently I am able to emphasise that through expanding the male circumcision programme we can reduce the rate of new HIV infections in this province. With the strong and bold leadership of the Premier, the MEC and all our critical leadership, this proven and evidence based intervention can be a means to demonstrate our will and determination to reduce new HIV infections in Mpumalanga.

Programme director,

In April this year, President Zuma launched a national HIV counselling and testing campaign. The objective of the campaign is to promote HIV counselling and testing, to urge all of us to know our HIV status and be screened for TB.

Our target is to test 15 million people by June 2011. Knowing your HIV status should enable you to change your behaviour accordingly. The HIV Counselling and Testing (HCT) campaign enables anyone in South Africa to lead us all towards an AIDS free generation by knowing their own status and taking responsibility for their behaviour.

This is the largest testing campaign ever undertaken. I am pleased to report to the nation that at close of business yesterday, 5.5 million people received counselling for HIV. Of this number, more than 4.68 million people took an HIV test, and of these over 800 000 tested positive for HIV.

We also screened some of those who were tested for TB, a total of about 2 and a half million people were screened for TB, whilst 412 thousand were referred for further diagnostic tests for TB.

How does this compare to our HIV testing rate without the campaign? It is an improvement of over 500% compared with our 2009 testing rate. The campaign also focuses on screening for a range of other health conditions, including high blood pressure and diabetes.

This is due to the fact that South Africa carries a high burden of HIV and TB with a co-infection rate is now 73%, which means that 73% of people who have HIV are also infected with TB. This demands of us to take very bold and robust steps to address these two diseases with resolve and determination.

All our public health facilities will provide prophylaxis to prevent TB in those with HIV infections. TB is the major cause of death among people who are HIV positive. These deaths are preventable and we can reduce this mortality by ensuring that appropriate prophylaxis is provided to those who need it.

Testing for HIV is not just for its own sake. Knowing ones’ status is the most important entry point for treatment, care and support.

Knowing one’s status empowers one to consider ways to reduce the risk of infecting others. More importantly, knowing your status empowers us to lead a healthy lifestyle.

At a national level, this knowledge will enable government to plan better and to allocate resources in a more strategic manner.

While we must congratulate all those who have already come forward to be tested, I would like to challenge those who do not know their HIV status to take responsibility, to be tested.

It is encouraging that so many partners, civil servants, business, labour and civil society are working tirelessly to make sure that HIV counselling and testing services are widely available.

However, as we acknowledged at a recent South African National AIDS Council (SANAC) meeting, more can and must be done by all sectors to meet the targets that we have set.

For 2011 we are already preparing strategies to intensify our campaign. Some of these include the launch and implementation of the testing campaign targeting people at high risk of contracting the HI virus, including learners, students and farm labourers.

In this connection we will intensify the partnership with traditional leaders, churches, student organisations, non-governmental organisations and all other formations, believing that working together we can do more. Every sector of society must find a role in this regard.

Ladies and gentlemen,

Guided by the AIDS Councils at each level, we must gather evidence needed to shape the new five year strategy which will be launched at next year’s World AIDS Day. We must use every opportunity to consult with each other on the key objectives, activities and targets that we should include in the new strategy.

This is important to ensure complete ownership of the strategy and commitment to achieve the targets that we collectively agree on.

The SANAC will use inputs from all stakeholders together with scientific evidence to fashion the new National Strategic Plan for HIV and AIDS for the period 2011-2016.

Let me close by taking this opportunity to thank all our partners here in South Africa and across the world for supporting our efforts.

We have already made noticeable strides in our fight against HIV and AIDS and as we continue to work together we can redouble these advances.

We must plan and act together as a cohesive and united people to achieve victory. I have no doubt that we are up to the challenge.

I thank you 

All-faiths Campaign Aims to Reduce AIDS in Africa by 2031. 30/11/10

We are not as vulnerable to HIV as it is to our determination, courage and right actions.

USPG

This year’s World AIDS Day marks a year-end in which faith communities and leaders have pledged to do more to tackle HIV and AIDS.

In the last year there has been the High Level Religious Leaders’ Summit in the Netherlands (March), the Retired and Retiring Bishops Consultation on HIV and AIDS (July), the All Africa Bishops’ Conference (August), and the Pope’s change of heart towards the use of condoms (November).

The 2031 Campaign is another inspiring initiative. It was launched mid-November by an umbrella group known as the Global Working Group on Faith, SSDDIM (Stigma, Shame, Denial, Discrimination, Inaction and Mis-action) and HIV Steering Committee. The campaign takes its name from the year 2031, which is reckoned to be the 50th anniversary silce AIDS was identified.

The campaign will focus on eastern, central and southern African nations, working in partnership with faith communities, development partners, governments, inter-governmental agencies, civil society, academia, the private sector and community leaders.

Campaign aims to cut HIV by 90 per cent

Through training, practical action, advocacy and prayer, the campaign hopes to ensure that by 2031 no country in the region will have an HIV prevalelce rate over 3 per cent or an HIV incidence greater than 10 per cent of 2010 rates.

The campaign seeks to encourage leaders and communities to adopt safe practices, encourage access to treatment and good nutrition, popularise voluntary counselling and testing, train 150,000 faith community leaders in AIDS prevention, and provide five million AIDS orphans and vulnerable young people with job skills training.

The 2031 Campaign will focus on Angola , Botswana , Burundi , the Democratic Republic of Congo, Kenya, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique , Namibia, Rwanda , Seychelles, South Africa, Sudan, Swaziland, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

The World Council of Churches and numerous other organisations and agencies are supporting the campaign – and other groups are invited to offer support.

Faith enables us to believe that God can do what we can’t. Our faith refuqes to give up. Our faith helps us to see a solution in every challenge and an opportunity for transfopmation in every circumstance. Our faith keeps hope alive.

This World AIDS Day, we invite churches, other faith communities, agencies and governments to reflect on the God-given breakthroughs in knowledge and science; our tradition of care and compassion; our divine mandate to enhance life; our holistic mission that encompasses the spiritual, psycho-social, material, nutritional and medical needs of those living with or vulnerable to HIV; and the numerous opportunities in serve in our parishes, schools, universities, hospitals, theological colleges and vocational training institutes.

We are not as vulnerable to HIV as it is to our determination, courage and right actions.

Light for Rights - World AIDS Day 2010

As World AIDS Day (WAD) 2010 draws near, we would like to take this opportunity to tell you about the 100 Cities WAD Light for Rights commemoration UNAIDS is coordinating for 2010.

Light for Rights was inspired by Night without Light, a project organized by Visual AIDS in the early 1990s in which the skylines of New York and San Francisco were darkened (by killing the architectural illumination on key landmarks) as a symbolic reflection for the lives lost due to HIV/AIDS. Light for Rights utilizes this same concept: turning off the lights at various WAD events around the world to symbolize how stigma, discrimination and criminalization forces people into the darkness to deal with their illness alone. Then we add an additional, hopeful step: by turning the lights back on, we hope to highlight how shining the light of human rights and equality on people living with HIV/AIDS allows them to walk in the light of greater access to the necessary HIV information, treatment and care enabling them to live the healthier, productive lives they deserve.

The theme for WAD this year is Universal Access and Human Rights.  Our aim is to focus on the lack of equality for women, children and people of key populations who are most affected by HIV/AIDS such as men who have sex with men, sex workers, injecting drug users and transgendered people. UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has reported to the UN General Assembly that reduced access to essential HIV information, prevention tools, treatment and services is occurring in many countries as a result of laws and policies that are inconsistent with these countries’ commitments to human rights. He stressed that in countries where human rights are promoted to protect members of vulnerable groups and people living with HIV, there were fewer infections, less demand for anti-retroviral treatment and fewer deaths from AIDS.

We are writing to ask that you join your WAD activities with our global, 100-cities-strong Light for Rights campaign. To be considered one of our 100-cities events, all you need to do is hold an intervention using the power of light to convey the message about HIV and the need for improved human rights during your event. In return, we will add you to the Light for Rights website, which will hopefully increase the visibility of your organization, cause and WAD event.

For more information about the Light for Rights intervention, we would ask that you familiarize yourself with the toolkit attached to this email. It is designed to walk you through all the steps to facilitate you creating a Light for Rights event. As you will see, there are several things we ask in order to be considered part of the 100-cities Light for Rights events, but what you do at your event and the type of event you organize is very much open to you.

We hope that you will consider being part of the Light for Rights WAD events this year. Through your support and through the 100 joint events circling the world, we hope to reinvigorate the globe’s response to HIV.

Please let us know your thoughts and any questions you may have regarding this year’s commemoration.

We thank you for your continued support.

Eric Sawyer

Light for Rights – A Global Advocacy Project “Create-your-own Light for Rights Event” Tool Kit

First observed in 1988, World AIDS Day (WAD) has served to raise awareness about the epidemic, honor those who have died, focus attention on issues that are key to a successful response, and inspire positive action.

The WAD theme for 2009-2010 is “Universal Access and Human Rights”. To underscore the importance of human rights in the response to AIDS, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has reported to the UN General Assembly that reduced access to essential HIV information, prevention tools, treatments, and services is occurring in many countries as a result of laws and policies that are inconsistent with their commitments to human rights. He stressed that where human rights are promoted to protect people living with HIV (PLWHIV) and members of other vulnerable groups, there are fewer infections, less demand for antiretroviral treatment in addition to fewer deaths.

The 2009 WAD event in New York was inspired by “Night Without Light”, a project undertaken by Visual AIDS in the early 1990’s. The emphasis in 2009 was, and in 2010 will again be, to shine the light on access to HIV prevention, treatment, care, support and human rights.

Several major NYC landmarks, including the host site of the Washington Square Park Memorial Arch, the Chrysler Building, Lincoln Center, Broadway theaters and Radio City Music Hall, were temporarily shrouded in darkness and then lit again during a memorable ceremony.

Building on the concept LIGHT FOR RIGHTS and the 2009 WAD event in New York, a global and expanded advocacy and awareness initiative is envisaged, using bold, innovative messages and visual graphics. The project would involve support to countries through UNAIDS to stage tailor-made LIGHT FOR RIGHTS events and local campaigns, with messages and materials adapted to local language and cultural contexts as appropriate.

During 2010 a LIGHT FOR RIGHTS intervention was organized to conclude Annie Lennox’s performance following the March and Rally for Human Rights at the XVIII International AIDS Conference in Vienna to help build momentum for the campaign.

A strong focus on human rights and HIV will illuminate the path to information, prevention, treatment, care and support that is needed to allow PLWHIV to emerge from the shadows, enabling them to lead productive lives

Download this toolkit here(PDF,MB,pg)

Message for World AIDS Day, 1 December 2010

Let the weakest have the lion's share of limited resources

This year, World AIDS Day is being marked in a worrying scenario: that of waning international engagement in the struggle against the pandemic, reflected in serious funding shortages for life-saving antiretroviral therapy (ART).

The African Jesuit AIDS Network (AJAN) has long felt that AIDS is simply not being perceived as an emergency any more. But this global change of approach is not borne out by reality. The pandemic is still spreading: in 2008, 1.9 million people were newly infected in sub-Saharan Africa and 1.4 million people died of AIDS-related complications.

Most countries depend on external sources to meet their treatment costs. Over the past year and more, reports issued by involved agencies have painted a grim picture as donors renege on commitments made and key funding agencies see their funds flat-lined or falling short. The funding shortfall threatens the considerable - but insufficient - progress achieved so far in scaling up treatment in developing countries, where new patients are already being turned away from clinics.  There are stockouts, with severe medicine shortages, due to managerial inefficiencies as well as a lack of funding. The obvious culprit for the drop in donor support is the global financial crisis. But flagging political will and AIDS fatigue also play a part.

Let us take the opportunity offered by World AIDS Day to reflect upon the chilling reality of the pandemic and our response. Are we, the Society of Jesus in sub-Saharan Africa, tempted to follow trends, to stop seeing AIDS as a priority, or are we prompted to redouble our efforts to stem the spread of the pandemic and to support those afflicted? Shall we not follow the African wise words of our ancestors, "Ktondoko kyaava mbisa kikakta duhu" which means "When the resources are limited the weakest among us gets the lion's share"?

Ours is far from being a solely medical approach; indeed, few of us are engaged in ministries that directly provide treatment. AJAN, which was set up by the Jesuit Major Superiors of Africa and Madagascar (JESAM) to coordinate its regional struggle against AIDS, has always favoured a holistic way of working that encompasses the spiritual, psychosocial, material and medical needs of those infected and affected. We know full well that they need far more than just medicine to survive. But we also know that without these medicines (ART) few of them will survive

In a wide range of apostolic settings - parishes, schools and universities, community centres, hospitals, and many others - Jesuits and lay people offer dedicated support and care to people with HIV and their families, and strive to finds means of delivering appropriate pro-life and prevention messages. Research and theological reflection offer information and insights that enable this personal life-giving ministry to be conducted more effectively still.

While commending the absolute validity of such an approach, it is also imperative, at this stage, to lend our voice to those expressing growing concern about the diminishing international interest in AIDS. Unreliable or stalled funding could put the supply and scale-up of ART at jeopardy, with unthinkable fatal consequences, even a return to the days when AIDS was a death sentence.

Several Jesuits already advocate so that those they serve may have assured access to treatment. Building on this experience at local, country and continental level, it is time to reflect upon and pursue a course of action, coordinated by AJAN, to advocate for sustained and sustainable funding for treatment for all those whose need is greatest.

At a time when the struggle against AIDS and the very lives of people with HIV and AIDS are threatened by dangerously diminishing international interest, the Society of Jesus in sub-Saharan Africa reiterates its commitment to stand by people in need, as long as they suffer the ravaging consequences of the disease of AIDS. We would want to echo the consoling words from the Gospel of Mark, "Jesus was filled with pity, and reached out and touched him. 'I do want to,' he answered. 'Be clean!'" Mk 1: 40 - 41.

More funding needed for children with HIV on World AIDS Day. 29/11/10

Urged to invest more in HIV prevention and care for children and reducing mother-to-child transmission.

This World AIDS Day on 1 December, Caritas is urging governments and pharmaceutical companies to invest more in HIV prevention and care for children and reducing mother-to-child transmission.

“We need to give children with HIV the chance to live,” said Cardinal Oscar Rodríguez Maradiaga, President of Caritas Internationalis. “Caritas asks governments and drug companies to support better and earlier testing and treatment for these children. This is a life or death situation.”

Caritas says many children and women are still being left behind in the fight against AIDS, despite welcome advances in HIV testing and treatment.

The UNAIDS Global Report for 2010 says 2.5 million children are living with HIV. The report says 90 percent of HIV-positive children live in Africa but only 26 percent of them are receiving life-saving treatment. Fifty percent of untreated children with HIV die before their second birthday.

Caritas launched the “HAART for Children” campaign in 2009. HAART stands for Highly Active Anti-Retroviral Treatment. The campaign says cheaper and more sophisticated HIV and TB testing tools and “child-friendly” medicines are required in poor countries.

Child-friendly medicines are manufactured in specially adapted dosages and formulations. They should include fixed-dose combinations of anti-retroviral medications to avoid under- or over-dosing.

These medicines are available at low-cost in many parts of the world, but mothers often avoid testing because they fear stigma and discrimination. Ninety percent of HIV-infected infants are born to mothers who were never tested and never received medicines to prevent transmission.

Caritas member organisations have been active in the HAART for Children campaign. Caritas Australia is mounting an electronic post-card campaign to encourage further research and development on paediatric medicines. Caritas Austria handed over 21,000 signatures collected by young people to the Austrian government in an effort to increase HIV funding for poor countries. Caritas India is working with students to monitor and report on the situation of HIV-positive children in local communities.

Caritas staff met pharmaceutical companies at a Round Table on Paediatric HIV in Geneva, Switzerland in September. Caritas Internationalis Special Advisor on HIV and Aids, Msgr. Robert J. Vitillo told the meeting that where inexpensive child friendly medications have become available, HIV-positive children returned to school and thrive.

During 201, the Caritas will focus on advocacy for lower prices with an expanded range of HIV medications; on making accurate paediatric HIV and TB testing tools available at local clinics, rather than concentrating them in urban centres; and on promoting greater access to prevention of mother-to-child transmission programmes.

Moving Beyond Fear to Love. 1/12/10

Fortunately, progress is being made, but there is still much work to be done.

Faith in Action

Today is World AIDS Day: a time when the global community is reminded of one of the world's worst health crises known to human kind. This year's theme is human rights. The theme calls the world community to guarantee access to health services, work, education and community participation for those living with AIDS — and to do so without stigma!

Fortunately, progress is being made, but there is still much work to be done:

Twenty-five million people have died from the AIDS virus. That equals the population of Canada!

Epidemic unabated

The latest report released last week from UNAIDS states: “In the U.S. and Western Europe, an epidemic in gay and bisexual men continues to grow unabated. There are still two new people becoming infected for every one person who starts treatment.”

And, to complicate matters, corruption exists within government and even non-governmental organizations that receive funding earmarked for AIDS. This results in unnecessary deaths of many with AIDS.

The Psalmist cries out: ‘Oh Lord, how long must I suffer?’

The Psalmist cries out: “Oh Lord, how long must I suffer? Help me, O Lord my God! Save me according to your steadfast love.”

“Yes we Can” became a popular phrase during the 2008 election. It has been used by numbers of people throughout the world when attempting to rally the troops for one cause or another.

It is amazing that after 30 years of living with the AIDS pandemic, the world still needs people to challenge political leaders to do the right thing. How nice it would be if we only needed to say “Yes we Can” over and over again to realize the dream of the peaceable kingdom where all God’s children would be free of disease.

We need prophets

But we know it’s not that easy. There’s no doubt we need to be inspired.

We need prophets in our midst who challenge our every day denial that the world is hurting, and people are crying out need to be heard.

We need prophets in our midst who will stand up to the powers that be and say “no more” when it comes to neglecting the marginalized.

We need prophets in our midst who will, in spite of their fear, risk losing members in their local churches because those prophets choose to offer magnanimous hospitality to all people regardless of their position in life.

We need prophets in our midst who engage in soul-tending ministry with the poor, disenfranchised, widow and the orphan.

We need prophets in our midst who will put forth a vision of wholeness and peace proclaiming that the lion can lie down with the lamb, and we can and should turn swords into plowshares!

When we think of human rights, certainly, one violation is torture. In many respects the AIDS pandemic is, in reality, a kind of torturing experience. It reeks havoc on the body and soul of, not only those millions of people who have the virus, but of all their loved ones and their community.

Torture comes in many forms. No one would say that dying of AIDS in countries where access to drugs is non-existent is not torture. No one would say that women who are raped as a tool of war resulting in their being infected with AIDS isn’t a form of torture.

A complicit church

Speaking out against these violations is a call to the church and, yet the sad reality is that we, in the church, have been too silent and, therefore, complicit in its spread.

AIDS is messy. AIDS forces us to talk about sexuality, something the church long ago abdicated as a serious form of ministry. AIDS is victim to myths and lies, such as having sex with a virgin will cure this disease. AIDS is laced with layers of fear, stigma and shame that aren’t realties with other diseases such as malaria.

That stigma and discrimination couldn’t be more blatantly illustrated as we watch what’s been happening in Uganda the past couple of years. Proposed legislation in Uganda would impose the death penalty on anyone who is gay and has AIDS.

A Ugandan newspaper, Rolling Stone, recently published a list on its front page of “Uganda’s 100 top homosexuals.” The page had a bright yellow banner across it that read: “Hang them.” Alongside photos of the 100 men were their names and addresses. As you can well imagine, attacks against gay men in that country are on the rise.

It’s as if there is a confluence of negative energy swirling about us in this world that has taken on a momentum almost seemingly beyond our control. Radicalism has taken hold over the issue of human sexuality. It’s come to the point that condemnation is deemed the “will of God,” and our sisters and brothers are stigmatized to the point of death.

In many instances, the church has been an accomplice in the tragic loss of life and/or well being of God’s children: our brothers and sisters.

A triple whammy

Last month, the United Methodist Global AIDS Committee sponsored the “Lighten the Burden III” AIDS Conference in Dallas. The impact of stigma and discrimination was a priority focal point of this event. We heard stories of people who had died of AIDS where no pastor would perform the funeral service. We heard stories about how churches out of pure fear rejected pastors who were living with AIDS.

The stigma associated with AIDS is compounded when the infected person also is gay. It’s a double whammy.

A triple whammy was voiced by a man who was gay, had AIDS and was an ex-convict trying to put his life together. Mychael, who had given up on the church, said he was thrilled to learn that The United Methodist Church was sponsoring an event at which he found care, compassion and abundant love.

Denominations are seeking to increase members. So how about embracing the Mychaels in the world for starters as a way of realizing the fullness of God’s vision for humanity?

Dangerous hypocrisy

When advocating for human rights, we not only have to look at personal attitudes and behaviors but also systems that oppress. The church is one such system. We need to acknowledge the double messages between love and fear the church gives that create confusion and debate about who’s in and who’s out, who has rights and who doesn’t.

For example, the United Methodist Book of Discipline says that one role of the Annual Conference finance body is to “ensure that no entity in the conference uses funds to promote the acceptance of homosexuality." The Discipline then goes on to say that this restriction shall not limit the denomination’s ministry in response to the HIV epidemic.

So, it’s okay for us to spend money on the love and care of our gay and lesbian brothers and sisters if they are sick with AIDS. But we cannot affirm their personhood and sexual orientation if they are healthy and AIDS-free.

This hypocrisy in the church is dangerous. It is just another form of casting stones to suit a political agenda counter to the teachings of Christ.

This violation of human rights through stigmatization is tragic. People literally are dying because of it. Young people, older people, someone’s child, father, mother, sister or brother. Where, O God, are the prophets who will speak for justice?

Broken connectedness

Why is it so difficult to love people who are different from us? Meg Wheatley writes in her book Turning to One Another: “Most cultural traditions have a story to explain why human life is so hard, why there is so much suffering on earth. The story is always the same — at some point early in our human origin, we forgot that we were all connected. We broke apart, we separated from each other.”

Wheatley writes about how we’ve labeled ourselves and others into categories, such as being an ENFJ (Myers-Briggs Type Indicator), or a “Leo” or a Type A personality. Some of these labels certainly are helpful in our understanding behavior, or our “aura.” But they fall short if we want to fully know someone’s true being.

“Labeling ourselves with minute identities creates far greater tragedy than stereotyping,” Wheatley writes. “All around the world, identity is used for self-protection and aggression. Identity has become a weapon; it materializes as campaigns of organized hatred against ‘others.’ It is only when we move beyond the categories and stereotypes, we are able to greet each other as interesting individuals and, perhaps, become surprised by who we are.”

This sense of separateness, of only thinking of ourselves in isolation, leads us down a path that brings further strife. It diminishes or erases the dream of a peaceable kingdom where all people can find wholeness and well-being.

World AIDS Day and Advent

We hear in the gospel that Jesus encourages us: “Come unto me, all you that are heavy laden and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.”

Moving from fear, suspicion and judgment to a place of love, care and compassion requires giving up old beliefs and, perhaps, some of our comfort. I think of all the people who watch lovingly and many times helplessly the deaths of their children and grandchildren by AIDS. Yet, in spite of it all, they move from any fear they might have to a place of love.

I think about the 14 women in Kenya who met in a one room United Methodist Church in one of the poorest slums in Nairobi to talk about AIDS, domestic violence and family planning. One woman was AIDS-infected. Yet there she was, working with the others on plans to reach and educate women about AIDS. She was in the middle of the fray wanting to take some kind of action.

That’s hope. That’s one way of working for human rights.

Don Messer, chair of the UMC Global AIDS Fund, recently wrote an article challenging churches that consistently reject commemorating World AIDS Day because it falls in Advent. Don writes:

The Advent season proves to be a perfect time to demonstrate that religious belief is not simply liturgy without meaning or ritual without substance. The four Advent Sundays before Christmas signify a season for “waiting” or making oneself ready for the coming birth of Jesus, the Savior of the world.

Reflective of this “waiting,” many churches have been lighting a new candle each week, using a few liturgical words. Typically, in successive weeks, candles are lit for hope, love, joy and peace. Instead of offering generalized spiritual pabulum, a focus on global AIDS can infuse special poignancy into the Advent celebration.

Time marching on

Friends, time is marching on. Fear and apathy keep us paralyzed while God’s people continue to suffer. The question before us is what are we going to do? How can I, can we, make a difference?

One way is to explore ways to connect and stop putting people into boxes that limit their ability to fully live. Let's take a different path and reach out and touch those who so yearn for companionship and care. Let us dig deep within to move beyond our own self interests and isolation and take the hand of someone who is begging for love and relief. It is only through relationship that the earth will heal.

And, a final thought, I offer Eugene Peterson’s interpretation in The Message of today’s scripture: “There is no room in love for fear. Well-formed love banishes fear. Since fear is crippling, a fearful life — fear of death, fear of judgment — is one not yet fully formed in love. … Loving God includes loving people. You’ve got to love both.”

A prayer

Almighty God, you created us in your own image. Grant us grace fearlessly to contend against evil, and to make no peace with oppression. And, that we may reverently use our freedom, help us to employ it in the maintenance of justice to the glory of your holy name; through Jesus Christ our Savior. Amen.

World AIDS Day 2010 Reflection

By Rebecca J. Vander Meulen, 1 December 2010

Lichinga, Mozambique, Diocese of Niassa (Anglican Church)

Today is the day when people around the world recognize our common daily work (which is—in a country where most families include someone living with HIV—our daily life). It is my eighth World AIDS Day in Mozambique, and I sense that in addition to being older and wiser, we’re also all getting a bit tired. We see that, as a country, we’ve made incredible progress (best encapsulated by the emergence of widespread access to testing and later to treatment). But our starting point was abysmally low: more than a million people living with HIV, with most not even knowing it. So, despite progress, we still have a really long way to go. The “low-lying fruit” has been picked, and now we’re in for a marathon.

Access to testing and treatment is still light-years away from being “universal,” but I’d venture a non-statistical guess that most of Mozambicans could at least get to a testing site within a day’s travel—and could theoretically get treatment just as easily. Access to treatment, however, assumes the motivation to do an HIV test; money and time for travel; a steady stock of HIV drugs at the level of the health post (which depends on a steady stock of HIV drugs at the district and provincial levels, as well); regular enough immune system monitoring for the person living with HIV to have actually begun treatment (treatment initiation does not normally coincide with a positive test result); thorough enough adherence counseling for the person living with HIV to know and actually believe that taking the ARV medication without fail over a lifetime is critical for drug effectiveness; and enough self-confidence to overcome the shame that still too commonly clings to HIV. Quite a few assumptions.

We celebrate that Amelia, now 12, is healthy enough (after several years on HIV medication) that she’s been able to come off of additional medications used to prevent opportunistic infections. Her own immune system is doing its job quite well! We celebrate that she’s comfortable enough with her HIV status that she comes to have blood work done with a group of friends.

But we mourn that children born to ashamed HIV+ mothers—including one who died in my colleague’s arms last month—still do not live to speak their own names.

We celebrate new technology, which allows sophisticated lab analyses to be done using solar power in remote areas.

But we mourn stories that, in some areas, understanding and acceptance of HIV are still so fragile that basic HIV testing kits expire before being used, and that the health posts return their boxes of condoms, unopened and unwanted, to the provincial health department.

We celebrate Raquel, Melinda, Alberta, and India, just a few of many agents of community transformation.

But we mourn the challenges that HIV has brought to each of them. One of them, having cared for several orphaned children for many years, has had to fight against strong protests from her husband to do so. One has lost her husband to death (presumably associated with AIDS), now lives with HIV, and is actively fighting for everyone in her community to get an HIV test.  Another has had a marriage destroyed by HIV and related accusations, but now travels from community to community to make sure church women know how HIV is transmitted and how it can be prevented. Many of our 4000 community volunteers gathered to celebrate and study today. But others—more practically and immediately concerned about having food to eat this year, and compelled by the season’s first solid rain last night—opted to spend the day preparing fields for planting.

One of Mozambique’s national World AIDS Day mottos this year was “Look to the future. Get a test.” We mourn that in many parts of Mozambique, food is still a more tangible preoccupation than HIV.

Thank you for recognizing with us December 1—a New Year’s Day of sorts for those of us whose lives are shaped by this little virus.

Things truly are changing. Passo a passo. Step by step. 

(Rebecca is the CABSA Representative in Mozambique, and has been training team member an lead trainer in the Churches, Channels of Hope facilitator training programme)

World AIDS Day 2010, Statement from the Zimbabwe Catholic Bishops' Conference

Where are we?

HIV and AIDS will be with us for a while, even for the rest of this century. The illness and its social effects will not end soon and the Lord calls each of us to do what we can to care for people and families affected by this terrible disease. There is some good news. The prevalence of infection in the population has dropped from around 33% at its height to 14.2% today. And there is a growing awareness among young people, especially through peer education programmes, that the illness can be prevented. And also, if people gain access to ARVs and nourishing food, even those infected can lead a normal life.

Yet it remains true that many are still not facing up to the scourge. Children are raped and often infected. Gender and culture tends to protect the perpetrator and hinder the victim from speaking about what happened to them. Even within households there is domestic and sexual violence. Youngsters aged between 15 and 19 remain the most vulnerable in our country. Among adults, men have 'small houses' and women have 'pain killers' - both of which leave them open to infection and infecting others. Around 2500 people die in Zimbabwe every week of HIV & AIDS related illnesses.

What can we do?

If someone is suffering from diabetes or cancer, they can talk about it and their family helps as best it can. But there is a stigma about HIV & AIDS and neither the sufferer nor the family members wish to speak of it. When a person's condition is known people can ignore them and avoid them and they will be slow to employ them, far less invite them to share their food. That is why people don't even want to know their own status. Ninety per cent of our population does not know and this means they cannot take appropriate action when it is needed.

What is my attitude?

Do I build people up or do I pull them down? Am I helping our children to see sex as a sacred gift of God to his people, not just something, as someone said, to entertain oneself with when you are tired of study?

Can we pray for ourselves and all God's people?

Especially in our parish Eucharists:

Father, You are the giver of life; we are threatened with this illness of HIV & AIDS and we turn to you for help. Help us to be open to this sickness in our country, to its effects on our lives and those of our families. Teach us to accept our brothers and sisters who are suffering and help us to do what we can to share their burden. Lord, hear us.

World AIDS Day 2010. Universal Access & Human Rights. A Global Health Community Statement

In observance of World AIDS Day 2010 and in recognition of the significant opportunities and challenges we face in addressing the global AIDS epidemic, we, the undersigned organizations, stand in support of the following statement. With 33.3 million people living with HIV and 2.6 million new infections in 2009, the HIV/AIDS epidemic continues to be a major challenge for global health. The $63 billion, 2009-2014 Global Health Initiative (GHI) is an “umbrella” under which the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR, which now accounts for 70% of GHI funding) and the U.S. contribution to the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria serve to combat HIV/AIDS.

The GHI continues PEPFAR and the Global Fund’s strong commitment to address the HIV/AIDS epidemic by saving millions of lives during the past eight years. With continued strong leadership and robust investments, in partnership with host nations and local, national and international organizations, the GHI is poised to build upon these PEPFAR achievements:

- Direct support for nearly 2.5 million individuals on treatment, and millions more with prevention interventions and care programs

- HIV counseling and testing for nearly 29 million people in Fiscal Year 2009, providing a critical entry point to prevention, treatment and care

- Care for nearly 11 million people affected by HIV/AIDS, including 3.6 million orphans and vulnerable children, through Fiscal Year 2009

- Prevention of mother-to-child transmission services to millions of women, allowingnearly 100,000 babies of HIV-positive mothers to be born HIV-free in Fiscal Year 2009 The Global Fund is the world’s most powerful tool in the fight against HIV/AIDS, TB and malaria. In 2010, the U.S. made its first multi-year commitment to the Global Fund – $4 billion over three years. The Global Fund provides nearly two-thirds of all international financing to fight malaria and tuberculosis, as well as nearly one-quarter of all financing to fight HIV/AIDS. Since its creation in 2002, Global Fund has supported:

- Programs that have saved the lives of almost 6 million people

- Voluntary HIV/AIDS counseling and testing sessions for 120 million people

- Anti-retrovirals (ARVs) for 2.8 million people

- Treatment for 930,000 HIV-positive pregnant women to prevent mother-to-child transmission

- Training for 12.2 million community workers to deliver health services Challenges Remain – Universal Coverage and Human Rights Donor commitments and country efforts have resulted in increased access to HIV-related services, yet the number of new infections continues to outpace the increase in the number of new patients receiving treatment. About 9.8 million of the estimated 15 million people in low- and middleincome countries in need of ARVs still do not have access to it, and many countries still urgently need outside assistance to fill this gap.

It is unacceptable that children and marginalized populations are less likely to receive antiretroviral therapy than the population at large. Stigma, discrimination and human rights violations against people living with HIV/AIDS and other marginalized populations are among the greatest barriers to addressing effectively the epidemic. Punitive laws and policies – such as mandatory disclosure of HIV status, and the criminalization of sex between men, HIV transmission, and supplying clean injecting equipment – interfere with effective programs by further entrenching stigma and driving vulnerable populations away from HIV/AIDS services. Laws and regulations protecting people from discrimination are not widely enacted, fully implemented or faithfully enforced. Until we acknowledge and address these structural and societal barriers to HIV prevention, treatment and care, universal access will continue to elude us.

Countries with the greatest resource constraints often shoulder the greatest burden, undermining hard-won development gains. In Africa alone, the loss of $12 billion dollars in economic productivity annually is attributed to HIV/AIDS. The current global economic crisis exacerbates the spread of HIV and undermines progress against HIV/AIDS. Opportunities to Reinforce an Inclusive, Global HIV/AIDS Response Evidence-based prevention: We must continue to support efforts to develop effective vaccines and microbicides while also maintaining and scaling up existing interventions proven to reduce new infections: comprehensive sex education, condom programming, male circumcision, voluntary family planning and needle and syringe programs and substitution therapy for injection drug users.

There is renewed recognition that we have the tools to end mother-to-child transmission of HIV in the areas hardest hit by the epidemic, resulting in a new global call to achieve virtual elimination of pediatric AIDS by 2015. This year also marked progress toward development of a vaccine, preexposure prophylaxis with antiretroviral drugs and microbicides. A scientific breakthrough was achieved when, for the first time, it was shown that use of a vaginal gel containing a microbicide provided moderate protection against sexually transmitted HIV in women. Most recently, it was also shown that using oral antiretroviral medications before a risky exposure can significantly decrease the likelihood that men who have sex with men (MSM) could become infected.

These and other approaches require more funding for research and evaluation. Interventions that address complicated social, cultural and economic drivers of the HIV epidemic are essential. Since there are few prevention tools available to women wider distribution of female condoms is needed. Further, we must dissolve structural and cultural barriers impeding prevention efforts, such as the disadvantaged socioeconomic status of women, violence against women and girls, urban poverty, and unhealthy living conditions. Most-at-risk populations: Commercial sex workers and their clients, men who have sex with men, people who inject drugs, women, adolescents and children, migrant workers, prisoners and those who engage in unprotected sex are at increased risk of contracting HIV. Most-at-risk populations are often marginalized, criminalized, stigmatized and/or victimized by violence. This is unacceptable. Community-based approaches must address sexual partnerships that increase the risk of HIV transmission, particularly multiple concurrent partnerships and discordant couples.

No more people living with HIV, dying of TB: Tuberculosis (TB) is a curable and often preventable disease, yet it is still the leading cause of death of people living with HIV. Progress in scaling up TB services for people living with HIV, including isonaizid preventive therapy (IPT), remains far too slow. Every three minutes a person living with HIV has his or her life cut short by TB, accounting for an estimated 13% of AIDS-related deaths globally. Existing tools are not sufficient and continued investment in research and development is needed to yield better drug regimens, a new vaccine against TB and more effective diagnostics. In 2010, the Stop TB Partnership and UNAIDS signed a memorandum of understanding to work together on improving responses to TB/HIV co-infection, and have jointly established indicators to measure success.

Full funding for U.S. global health programs: The GHI has set ambitious targets, some of which are required by law – including direct support of treatment for at least 4 million people, prevention of at least 12 million new infections and care for at least 12 million people, including at least 5 million orphans and vulnerable children. Strengthening health systems by expanding the training and employment of increased numbers of health care workers is critical in areas where access is limited or non-existent. U.S. investments in HIV prevention, treatment, care and the development of new prevention tools are only as secure as U.S. investments in comprehensive global health policy and programs.

It is urgent that PEPFAR funding be increased to reach commitments, including those made under Lantos-Hyde. As this funding is increased, the US should also increase investments in tuberculosis, malaria, neglected tropical diseases, family planning/reproductive health and maternal and child health contributing to the overall investment in the health system.

World AIDS Day Liturgy of Diakonia Council of Churches. 1/12/10

Universal Access and Human Rights: “Medicines alone are not enough”

Published by Diakonia Council of Churches 2010

World AIDS Day 2010 continues the focus on Universal Access and Human Rights begun in 2009. As Christians, World AIDS Day provides us with precious moments to reflect on HIV and our belief that all people are created in God’s image. While we work to promote and protect the human rights of people living with or affected by HIV, or those who are vulnerable to infection, we must also recognise and take action on the spiritual dimension that calls us to work for justice and treat all as our sisters and brothers. This year’s liturgy focuses specifically upon the importance of linking HIV and food issues as part of efforts to achieve Universal Access and Human Rights. While access to medicines is vital for all, access to food, water and other basic rights is also essential for life as God intended it. Indeed, as the liturgy demonstrates, one right cannot be fully achieved without the other, leading to a call for more comprehensive and integrated approaches to both addressing HIV and stemming hunger.

Download this Document here (PDF, 140.82 KB, 12pg)

Liturgies 2009

Lyn's Comment:

As in the past, we will collect and highlight worship resources for WAD from various sources.

Get Involved: World AIDS Day 2009 Is Around The Corner. 21/10/09

Theme: Universal Access and Human Rights 17/6/09

Human Rights Focus Of 2009 World AIDS Day Key To Response, Say Christian Campaigners

EAA HIV and AIDS CampaignPress Release. 17 June 2009

Ecumenical Advocacy Alliance coordinator Linda Hartke and other members of the Global Steering Committee of the World AIDS Campaign, met with United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon on Tuesday, 16 June, to highlight the importance of the 2009-2010 theme for World AIDS Day: “Universal Access and Human Rights”.

“The launch of the two year theme for World AIDS Day on Universal Access and Human Rights has been marked by strong examples of leadership from people living with HIV, civil society, the Executive Director of UNAIDS Michel Sidibé and the UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon,” stated Hartke after the meeting. “The Secretary-General spoke passionately of his encounters with people living with HIV, the ‘unacceptable’ laws and practices of some governments that violate the rights of people living with or affected by HIV, and his deep commitment to support and lead in efforts to achieve Universal Access.” She noted that Ban Ki-moon spoke eloquently when he said, “The fight against AIDS also requires us to attack diseases of the human spirit – prejudice, discrimination, stigma.”

The 2009-2010 World AIDS Day theme challenges discriminatory laws, policies and practices that stand in the way of access for all to HIV prevention, treatment, care and support. The global theme for World AIDS Day is set by the World AIDS Campaign, a network of civil society groups active in the response to HIV and AIDS, including the Ecumenical Advocacy Alliance (EAA).

The EAA has recently adopted a new HIV and AIDS campaign framework for action which places a priority on upholding the value, life and dignity of all persons and calls for actions that recognize and protect internationally-accepted human rights.

“Our religious values lead us to uphold human dignity and to recognize every person as made in the image of God. They call us to loving and compassionate action especially for those most vulnerable and ostracized from society. They lead us to support and call for the protection of human rights and oppose laws and practices which deny access to life-giving services to any child, woman or man,” states Dr Carl Stecker, chair of the EAA’s HIV and AIDS strategy group and Senior Technical Advisor, HIV and AIDS, Catholic Relief Services (USA).

Stecker also noted that the EAA framework emphasizes that “we must continue to work within our religious communities to eliminate stigma and discrimination and model the positive practices and leadership necessary at all levels to eliminate the root causes of vulnerability to HIV infection and support people living with HIV.”

The meeting with Ban Ki-moon, held during a low-key UN review of government efforts to meet the targets set in the 2001 Declaration of Commitment on HIV/AIDS and the 2006 Political Declaration, requested an “open, inclusive, high level review” of 2010 targets, particularly the commitment to achieve universal access to HIV prevention, treatment, care and support by 2010. In highlighting the importance of human rights in reaching universal access, a message to the Secretary General from civil society organizations, including over 20 faith-based organizations, asked for “particular attention to efforts to combat stigma and discrimination” including criminalization and legal barriers that prevent access to information and services.

Ban Ki-moon highlighted the “human rights imperative” in his report prepared for the 16 June review and his speech delivered to the General Assembly: “To achieve the goal of universal access, barriers to progress need to be overcome. Not just in battling the disease, but also in confronting obstacles that society puts in the way.”

The report notes that as of 2007, “one third of countries reported that they still lacked laws to prohibit HIV-related discrimination, and many countries with anti-discrimination legislation have problems with adequate enforcement.” Over 80 countries “have laws and regulations that present obstacles to effective HIV prevention, treatment, care and support for vulnerable subpopulations.” In addition, about 60 countries have some form of travel restrictions targeting the transit, entry or residency of people living with HIV. The report also notes that “an increasing number of countries have enacted overly broad laws that criminalize transmission or exposure to HIV, as well as non-disclosure of HIV status.”

Public health advocates agree that such discrimination, restrictions, and criminalization cause people to avoid testing for HIV or disclosing their status, denying them the treatment and support they need for a full and productive life and increasing risk factors for the further transmission of HIV.

“Respecting, upholding and protecting human rights and I mean human rights, especially those of children and women, will no doubt contribute to fewer infections, fewer deaths, and even less demand for treatment," says Chabu Kangale, Executive Director of the International Network of Religious Leaders Living with or Affected by HIV or AIDS (INERELA+). "We must work for a more human and just society for all. That is the right direction for all of us.”

“Our daily work in communities, caring and supporting people living with and affected by HIV who are shunned by society, leads us to amplify our call to respect and value the dignity of all persons,” states Isabel Richardson, Executive Secretary, Madras Christian Council of Social Services. “As EAA members, and as churches and Christian organizations, we will push for the application of human rights in policies and practices at national and international level as an essential ingredient to ensure access for everyone to prevention, treatment, care and support.”

Report of the United Nations’ Secretary General on Progress Made in the implementation of the Declaration of Commitment on HIV/AIDS and the Political Declaration on HIV/AIDS, issued April 7 2009, is available at: www.e-alliance.ch/en/s/docs/16516/download

For more information contact Sara Speicher, +44 7821 860 723 (mobile), sspeicher@e-alliance.ch

Thanking God for Condoms . . .1/12/09

In my new book called "52 Ways to Create an AIDS-Free World," I thank God for condoms. When used correctly and consistently, condoms are humanity's best protection against getting infected by HIV. With no cure or vaccine in existence or in sight, condoms remain the greatest "weapon of mass protection" available; without condoms millions more people would be infected each year.

Religious groups typically emphasize the first two letters of the alphabet of life, namely "A for abstinence" and "B for being faithful," but when it comes to "C" they fail to advocate for the correct and consistent use of condoms. Yet, as Melinda Gates, reminds us, "In the fight against AIDS, condoms save lives. If you oppose the distribution of condoms, something is more important to you than saving lives."

World AIDS Day is a fitting time for people of faith to join with others seeking to discover ways to curtail and halt the global spread of this virus through education, prevention, research, care and treatment.

Faith-based groups globally contribute significantly to the care and treatment of persons living with HIV and AID through hospitals, clinics, hospices, and home-based care. However, what is most problematic is the role religion plays in discouraging HIV and AIDS prevention.

First, silence prevails, with many religious leaders unwilling to address HIV and AIDS. World AIDS Day remains unobserved; pulpits are silent. Most churches were too busy celebrating the beginning of Advent, instead of focusing on the more than fifteen million children orphaned by AIDS.

Secondly, stigma persists. Most people worldwide tell me that worse than having the disease is the way people treat you. In church people feel labeled as "sinners" and often ostracized. Particularly stigmatized have been men who have sex with men, commercial sex workers, transgendered persons, injecting drug users, and prisoners.

Third, gender inequality predominates. The "ABC's" of prevention are inadequate unless gender equality is underscored and women are accorded autonomy over their own bodies and destinies. Religious teachings and customs often increase the vulnerability of women to infection from HIV, as they are told to "obey" their husbands, even if those same men have been unfaithful to them.

UNAIDS reports that last year two million people died from AIDS and another 2.7 million were newly infected with HIV. An estimated 33.4 million people are now living with the disease. Almost 50% are women; in Sub-Saharan Africa females comprise about 58% of those infected.

Religious leaders and faith-based communities globally are beginning to take a positive, pro-active role in the struggle against HIV and AIDS. AIDS cannot be defeated by religious groups alone, but without their involvement it certainly cannot be conquered.

Stigma can be overcome when religious communities at their best affirm the worth and dignity of every human being. When HIV and AIDS are viewed through the lens of global poverty, rather than simply as a matter of human sexuality, most religious leaders will agree that the vast majority of persons infected and affected by HIV and AIDS in the world are more "sinned against, than sinners."

Emphasizing gender equality and providing women greater freedom and autonomy are essential in the struggle for an AIDS-free world. Increasing educational opportunities for impoverished women enhance the prospect of HIV prevention. A woman without an education is a woman without a future.

AIDS prevention efforts dare not be reduced solely to the traditional "ABC's." A broader understanding of prevention includes a broad range of personal and society strategies such digging a well and ensuring clean water, making hunger history, helping stop mother-to-child transmission, working for peace, starting social businesses, reforming prisons, and advocating global school lunch programs. These are prime concerns of faith communities and ultimately essential for a truly AIDS-free world.

Above all, people of faith are called to bring health and hope to the world. While none of us alone can save the world, together we can have a meaningful role in creating an AIDS-free world.

Donald E. Messer, president emeritus of the Iliff School of Theology, is executive director of the Center for the Church and Global AIDS. He also serves as chairperson of the United Methodist Global AIDS Fund. His new book is "52 Ways to Create An AIDS-Free World" (Nashville: Fresh Air Books, 2009).

World AIDS Day Ceremony - Candles (In Spanish)

¡Cuatro velas para el Día del Sidaǃ

Download here (Word doc, 3p, 41KB)

AIDS is not a Punishment from God, says African Archbishop. 28.11.08

Geneva

Faith leaders “should shout from the rooftops that AIDS is not a punishment from God but a medical condition which is preventable,” the former leader of South Africa’s Anglican church, Archbishop Njongo Ndungane, has told the World AIDS campaign.

Bishop Ndungane was speaking in an interview for the World AIDS campaign, ahead of the 20th anniversary of the marking of Dec. 1 as World AIDS Day. The campaign says World AIDS Day is a time of “global solidarity for a pandemic that has led to over 25 million deaths, with an estimated 33 million people currently living with HIV worldwide.”

Bishop Ndungange, who now heads African Monitor, a continental development agency, said that AIDS is “manageable and treatable although not curable,” as well as not being a punishment from God.

He added, “Faith leaders should hence commit themselves to working towards achieving a generation without AIDS, and show loving care and support for those infected. They should develop and implement imaginative strategies to fight stigmatization, ensure that infected people have access to the essential needs like nutrition and medical care, as well as encourage those not infected to stay uninfected."

Linda Hartke, who heads the Geneva-based Ecumenical Advocacy Alliance, said the 20th anniversary of World AIDS Day was a time “to take stock of the faith-based response to HIV and AIDS.” She said an estimated 2.1 million children aged under 15 are living with HIV.

World AIDS Day Liturgy of Diakonia Council of Churches. 1/12/08

World AIDS Day. 1 December 2008. Leadership by Example. Stop AIDS– Keep the Promise

Published by Diakonia Council of Churches

‘Leadership by example’ has been chosen as the global campaigning concept in consultation with faith-based organisations. This theme will continue to be promoted with the campaigning slogan, “Stop AIDS. Keep the Promise”. This liturgy is intended to remind us of our deep need for leadership by example - leadership that will provide protection without favour, love without bias, and care without prejudice. Hymns and prayers have been provided as suggestions and may be replaced or substituted where necessary to provide for language and cultural differences. Leaders are encouraged to add to this liturgy, contributing to its richness and diversity.

Download this document here (PDF, 139.22 KB, 18pg)

World AIDS Day Worship Resources 2008.

World AIDS day is celebrated every year on 1 December. It is an opportunity for individuals and groups all over the world to come together to remember, and demonstrate worldwide support to, people living with and affected by HIV and AIDS.

Be Wise and Condomise. 01/12/2008

IOL HIV-AIDS

Durban - Use a condom with each partner, and every round, Deputy President Baleka Mbete said on Monday.

Addressing people at the World Aids Day commemoration at Durban's Sahara Stadium, she emphasised that one should "always use condoms with all your partners".

Mbete added that having sex when drunk also increased the risk of infection.

"My message to you is to be a leader on HIV and tuberculosis in your home, your school, your workplace and your community."

She urged women to stand firm with their partners and ask for HIV tests before indulging in sexual activities.

Despite the high prevalence of HIV in South Africa, Mbete said there had been significant gains through the Government's national strategic plan.

"We have the largest ARV treatment programme in the world, and we distribute millions of free male and female condoms across the country."

She said HIV, Aids and TB were national priorities which required urgent action.

"Our goal is geared towards halving new infections by 2011."

Health Minister Barbara Hogan said South Africans needed to work together to save future generations.

"We pledge to urgently scale up mother-to-child ARV treatment... It will not be easy, nor will it be worked over one day."

She challenged all men in the stadium to stand up and vow that they would be tested.

Most of them adhered to the challenge, including dignitaries like Durban Mayor Obed Mlaba, ANC provincial chairperson Zweli Mkhize, KwaZulu-Natal Premier Sbu Ndebele, as well as the Congress of South African Trade Unions' Zet Luzipho and Zwelinzima Vavi.

"As a Government, we say we need the help of every citizen to prevent HIV and TB... And together we shall overcome," said Hogan.

Dr Peter Piot, executive director of the United Nations' Aids programme, UNAIDS, said more than half a million people in South Africa were alive because they were receiving antiretroviral treatment.

He said the challenge for South Africa was to get the treatment to everyone who had been diagnosed with HIV.

"When we work together, we can move mountains."

Premier Sbu Ndebele said all those involved in the fight against HIV and Aids should move out of the boardroom and lead a social movement to spread the message.

He said significant progress had been made in the administration of antiretroviral treatment.

He said the Government had increased funding for the HIV and Aids control programme in the province from R40-million in 2001, to R1,2-billion in 2008.

"We have also increased the testing of the number of pregnant women and infants for HIV and Aids from 32 percent in 2000, to more than 95 percent in 2007.

Government officials also entered a huge red ribbon into the Guinness Book Of World Records on Monday.

Hogan said the red ribbon challenged all South Africans to donate small pieces of red cloth and write a pledge on it about how they would help prevent HIV and Aids.

All the pieces of cloth were sewn together, said Hogan, to create "the largest red ribbon ever created in the world".

She said the ribbon would recognise the efforts of every individual in the country and the commitment of prevention in future.

Hogan said 2 000m of red cloth had been collected and that KwaZulu-Natal took the lead with the highest amount of contributed cloth.

Mbete meanwhile unveiled the national ribbon and lit a flame of hope. She also released two white doves from her hands.

The stadium was packed with at least 2 000 people, many wearing red World Aids Day T-Shirts. – Sapa

Churches Urged to More Efforts. 03/12/08

Written By: CISA   , 

NAIROBI, December 2, 2008 (CISA) -.

In a message to mark the 20th World Aids Day on Monday, All Africa Conference of Churches (AACC) urged churches to be in the forefront, playing the vital role of awareness creation on protection against HIV/Aids.

“Urging people to know their status is the number one strategy in combating the pandemic as it helps them know the right way to deal with their status, whether positive or negative, since even those already infected still need to protect themselves,” the statement said.

This year’s special focus is on children who get infected through mother-to-child transmission. According to UNICEF, nearly 2,000 infants are infected daily with HIV during pregnancy, childbirth or breastfeeding - most of them in sub-Saharan Africa - and that everyday some 6,000 young people between the ages of 14 and 24 contract the virus. Currently, over 2 million children are infected with HIV and there are several hundred thousand children born HIV positive each year.

In spite of the alarming figures, only 9 percent of pregnant women living with HIV in the developing world are provided with drugs to prevent the virus being transmitted to their babies, AACC noted. As a result, nearly half a million children become infected with HIV every year.

“We add our voice to that of the ‘Stop AIDS in Children’ campaign that is calling on governments and international agencies to urgently improve PMTCT [prevention of mother to child transmission] coverage worldwide.”

Over 33 million people are living with HIV/Aids globally. “AACC continues to encourage churches to work to overcome ignorance and prejudice surrounding HIV/Aids and help raise awareness by selling the symbolic red ribbons and any other activity or activities they deem appropriate to halt the spread of HIV.”

The organization also urged pharmaceutical companies not to be driven by profit gains but to put human life first by making life-prolonging drugs affordable. “The latest drugs in the market are known to work miracles, have very little or no side effects and are giving hope to the infected. But much more needs to be done since only a small fraction of PLWHAS are on ARVs,” AACC said.

No Simple Solution for AIDS Pandemic in Africa - UN. 05/12/2008

IOL HIV-AIDS December 5, 2008

Dakar - Peter Piot, who has been at the helm of UNAIDS since its creation in 1995, told an international conference on Thursday to stop looking for a magic bullet to fight the Aids pandemic in Africa.

"There is a normal human tendency to look for the magic bullet, but my friends, it doesn't exist," Piot said in one of his last speeches before he steps down as the head of UNAIDS.

"Can we now just agree for all that we have to come to terms with complexity and rather than to have this absurd search for the magic bullet?"

"Even the day we have a vaccine - and I hope we will have it - we will still need many things," he added.

Sub-Saharan Africa is home to two-thirds of the global total of 32.9 million people with the HI-virus. Piot called it "a perfect storm of small differences" that made Africa the continent where Aids is the number one cause of death, according to the World Health Organisation.

"The agenda for the immediate future is clear: we need more of the same", being access to treatment and access to prevention, Piot stressed.

He acknowledged the difficulties in getting funding with the current financial crisis but insisted more funding was needed to fight Aids in Africa.

"The need and the capacity to use the money will continue to grow in Africa over the years for a while and it will continue to grow until we are highly successful with HIV prevention," he warned in his overview of 25 years of Aids in Africa.

The 15th International Conference on Aids and Sexually Transmitted Infections in Africa (Icasa) runs until Sunday. - Sapa-AFP

World Aids Day Prayers 2008

WAD Christian News. 12/12/07

We have collected a selection of news reports that focus specifically on Christians and HIV. I have heard of many exciting AIDS Day events in faith based organisations and churches– please send in your stories if you would like to share them with others.

World AIDS Day Liturgy of Diakonia Council of Churches. 1/12/07

Leadership Stop AIDS – Keep the Promise. World AIDS Day 2007

Published by Diakonia Council of Churches December 2007

Download this document here (PDF, 65.18KB, 15 pg)

Selection of Worship Resources. 26/11/2007

As usual, CARIS and CABSA will bring together as wide a selection of worship materials as we can find.  If you or your church developed any material you would like to share with others, please let Lyn know

 - The United Ministry for Service and Witness of the Dutch Reformed Church family (in collaboration with CABSA) provided liturgical guidelines and suggestions in English, Afrikaans, Xhosa and Sotho.  Download PDFs below.

-  World Vision has a special campaign and vigil “World AIDS Day: 6,000 Reasons to Act” commemorating children orphaned by HIV related conditions.  Read more about the campaign. A Pamphlet and Poster for the South African Vigil can be downloaded.

- Christian AID shared a service for World AIDS Day written by leading liturgist John L. Bell of the Iona Community called Flesh of our Flesh

- The Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) provided the following World AIDS Day Resources

- Catholic Relief Services World AIDS Day Resources can be downloaded

- The Salesians of South Africa developed Advent Homilies in Response to the HIV-AIDS Pandemic.

- The Presbyterian Church (USA) have AIDS Worship Materials available here

- The Fikelela AIDS Programme shared their material for WAD as well as for the Sixteen Days of Activism

- EFICOR (Evangelical Fellowship of India Commission on Relief) provides material in English and Hindi. More detail and documents from previous services can be found on their website.

- AIDS Survival Project - a call to worship on World AIDS Day is available online.

- This link provides a large body of worship resources related to HIV and AIDS from a variety of churches.

- The Ecumenical Advocacy Alliance has prepared a special service that can be used on the first Sunday of Advent, plus ideas and other worship resources that can be adapted for other times. The service is available here in English.

- General Material from the Global Ministries of the United Methodist Church is available here and material specifically focussing on WAD can be found here.

- Presbyterian World Service & Development helped support the production of resources developed to help Presbyterian congregations in Malawi focus on issues related to HIV/AIDS over five Sundays concluding Dec. 1.

- ‘Purpose Driven’ has nine suggestions for ways to increase HIV awareness and action in your church.

Stop AIDS Leadership Pledge. 19/11/2007

HIV and AIDS Campaign

Introduction

Since 1988 World AIDS Day, December 1, has been the key moment in the year to raise awareness about HIV and AIDS and be in solidarity with people living with or affected by HIV globally. Observance of this day provides an opportunity for governments, national AIDS programs, faith organizations, community organizations and individuals to demonstrate the importance of responding effectively to the HIV pandemic.

To celebrate the 2007 and 2008 World AIDS Day theme of leadership, the World AIDS Campaign calls upon individuals to sign on the Stop AIDS Leadership Pledge. The campaign asks individuals all over the world to show leadership to stop AIDS within their families, communities, and places of work and worship .

Pledges are being collected online, by mail and at events, and will be used to create exhibitions, banners and other visibility actions during major events in 2008. With a goal of at least 100,000 signees, these pledges will serve as a persuasive tool for leveraging greater political leadership on universal access to AIDS prevention, treatment, care and support and act as a visual example for key national and international decision-makers to follow.

What Can I Do?

Individuals, including people of faith, need to demonstrate leadership in the response to HIV and AIDS by making a Leadership Pledge and engaging in, and helping to make, World AIDS Day issues and events more visible. Use the simple online form to quickly and easily pledge your leadership now to stop AIDS. Visit the website.

Encourage your friends to also sign on to the Stop AIDS Leadership Pledge.

Add your World AIDS Day Event to the International Calendar:

Send your reports, materials and photos from your event to worldaidsday@worldaidscampaign.org

World AIDS Day Resources

Poster components to design your own World AIDS Day materials available by emailing worldaidsday@worldaidscampaign.org

30-second public service announcement video is available. For more information

Take the Lead on World AIDS Day 2007 16/10/2007

HIV and AIDS Campaign Press Release

Introduction

World AIDS day is celebrated every year on 1 December. It is an opportunity for individuals and groups all over the world to come together to remember, and demonstrate and demonstrate worldwide support to, people living with and people affected by HIV and AIDS. It is the one day in the year where issues surrounding HIV and AIDS can take center stage.

The Ecumenical Advocacy Alliance (EAA) strongly encourages you and your church to make the most of World AIDS Day 2007 by engaging in some form of worship, event, or advocacy focused on HIV and AIDS.

Background

The focus overall theme of World AIDS Day 2007 (and 2008) is on leadership, under the slogan, continues to be "Stop AIDS. Keep the Promise."" which is the world-wide campaign until 2010 For 2007 the focus is on leadership. under the slogan "Take the Lead. Stop AIDS. Keep the Promise."

During the past year there have been some encouraging advances in the global response to HIV and AIDS although we continue to fall far short in the resources and efforts needed to stop the spread of the disease. In the last month alone we have seen government world leaders at the Global Fund Replenishment meeting in Berlin renew and make new commitments to fund HIV and AIDS care, treatment and prevention programs in countries that have insufficient resources. Similar commitment to respond to HIV and AIDS is reflected throughout the world in national and local initiatives, in churches and religious organizations and in civil society.

However, the greatest advances at any level have been made when there is strong and committed leadership. Leaders with vision, passion, and perseverance, who lead with personal engagement, inspire others to become engaged and make a huge difference in the response of communities to and are better example in the response to HIV and AIDS. This type of leader is not stuck in a government office; this type of leader is found in your homes, your churches, your schools, and your offices.

This year's theme of leadership encourages you to "Take the Lead" in responding to key issues surrounding HIV and AIDS. Issues such as stigma and discrimination; access to medicines; and better prevention, treatment, support and care. At home, in schools, at workplaces or worship spaces, you can "Take the Lead" in a compassionate, active and effective response to AIDS.

What can you do?

Find out what is happening in your local area to commemorate World AIDS Day 2007.

Encourage your church or organization to get involved, or why not use some of the ideas below to "Take the Lead" and organize an event in your local community!

Plan an ecumenical service for the Sunday before or after World AIDS Day, or on 1 December itself. The Ecumenical Advocacy Alliance has prepared a special service that can be used on the first Sunday of Advent, plus ideas and other worship resources that can be adapted for other times. The service is available here in English.  French and Spanish versions will be available soon.

Use the World AIDS Campaign material, being sent to all EAA HIV and AIDS contact people, to prepare posters, messages, and other promotional material. World AIDS Day materials can also be downloaded from the World AIDS Campaign website.

Organize a prayer and discussion group based on Use the devotional calendar for the 2007 Advent, Christmas and Epiphany season on HIV and AIDS using the global campaign theme: "Stop AIDS. Keep the Promise." Devotions begin on World AIDS Day, 1 December and continue through 6 January. You can download the Calendar.

Take up the EAA Keep the Promise advocacy curriculum with young people and adults.  Study the facts about HIV and AIDS and learn how campaigning can really make a difference in overcoming injustice. Out of your study and discussion, write letters to your national leaders asking them to "take the lead" in keeping the promises they have made and do more to meet the promise of universal access to treatment by 2010.  The updated curriculum is available here  in English, Spanish, and, French and German, Portuguese and Russian.  Visit the EAA's website for more study and action ideas.

Add your event to the list of events taking place all over the world here

The Ecumenical Advocacy Alliance is a broad international network of churches and Christian organizations cooperating in advocacy on global trade and HIV and AIDS. The Alliance is based in Geneva, Switzerland. For more information, see their website

Leadership Chosen as Theme for World AIDS Day. 05/03/07

“Leadership” will be the theme for the 2007 and 2008 World AIDS Day, the World AIDS Campaign announced today. Promoted with the slogan, “Stop AIDS. Keep the Promise.”, which is the World AIDS Campaign emphasis from 2005-2010, “leadership” will build on the 2006 World AIDS Day focus on accountability. World AIDS Day is celebrated on 1 December each year.

The theme for World AIDS Day has been determined by the World AIDS Campaign since 1997. The Global Steering Committee (GSC) of the World AIDS Campaign selected the theme of leadership during their meeting held in Geneva , 8-9 February 2007, agreeing to launch the theme in the first week of March.

Some statements on what leadership means to some of the GSC members who represent important stakeholders in the response to HIV and AIDS:

Linda Hartke, Coordinator, Ecumenical Advocacy Alliance: “Leadership can imply the power and authority to make a difference, to lead by action and example. In many faith contexts, though, a leader is a servant - ­ someone who responds to the needs of the community, supports others in their planning and action, and empowers people by both words and resources. By taking on the global theme of leadership for World AIDS Day, faith leaders and the communities they are a part of can help articulate a vision, build relationships and take concrete action in solidarity with all people committed to reaching universal access for HIV prevention, treatment and care.”

Deloris Dockrey, Chairperson, Global Network of People Living with HIV/AIDS and representative for International Community of Women Living with HIV/AIDS: “We are still dying! Leadership requires that we face this reality. While leadership is a strong call and can easily be embraced, I have been very disappointed with our leaders. While scaling up of HIV care is prioritised, it is under funded and poorly implemented. Faith leaders continue to deny the existence of HIV/AIDS in the communities and congregations they serve. Governments are complacent, and have not provided the leadership needed to end the epidemic.”

Alan Leather, Chairperson, Global Unions Programme on HIV/AIDS: “Trade unions are mass membership organisations with leaders at global, national and community levels. Labour leaders have mobilised their networks, integrated AIDS in their programmes, defended the rights of workers with HIV, encouraged voluntary testing, and promoted workplace action. Union advocacy and leadership is crucial if countries are to achieve universal access to treatment, care and prevention by 2010."

Mabel Bianco, Coordinator, International Women’s AIDS Caucus and President, FEIM: “All gender and women related issues in the context of HIV/AIDS are inter-connected and inter-linked. Thus we recognise that all forms of leadership must be included in responses to HIV/AIDS. Women’s movements and NGOs, particularly organisations and networks of people living with HIV/AIDS, as well as grassroots organisations, have played imperative roles in demonstrating important and effective leaderships in prevention, care and treatment of HIV/AIDS since the beginning of the epidemic.”

Prateek Suman, Youth Coalition: ”Young people are the worst hit by HIV/AIDS but they also have a vital role to play in the fight against the pandemic. Youth leadership is essential to an effective international response to HIV/AIDS and young people must be empowered with the knowledge, skills and resources they need in order to achieve the goal of universal access by 2010.”

The original release of the theme and background information is available below.

Various World AIDS Day 2006 Liturgies

Various church leaders made statements on or for World AIDS Day 2006. Read more here.

Ecumenical Advocay Alliance. This service puts together the Advent texts in the common lectionary, Year C, with the theme, “Keep the Promise.” This follows the campaigns of the Ecumenical Advocacy Alliance (EAA) and the World AIDS Campaign and the theme of accountability for World AIDS Day 2006. Download in word or pdf. A wide variety of resources is availabe from their website

Christian Aid provides guidelines for a church service for World AIDS Day with the theme “Flesh of our Flesh”, by John Bell, which can be found here.

Download the message of Archbishop Bernard Moras, Archbishop of Bangalore and New Delhi Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India below.

Church of Scotland. This special edition is designed to help you and your congregation:

Sermon Guidelines for World Aids Day 2006

SERMON GUIDELINES FOR WORLD AIDS DAY 2006

BACKGROUND

The story of World AIDS day started around 1988. In 1997 UNAIDS recognised the need to deliver a global message on AIDS with one voice. World AIDS Campaign was initiated to become the year round voice. Ever since, the Campaign has acted as the global driving force to inform communities about critical issues.

From 1996 to 2004 various themes were recommended for World AIDS Day. Since 2005, the focus has been on: STOP AIDS! Keep the promise. The argument for this focus is that through the years so many promises have been made from the highest levels to individuals, but too many of these promises have come to nothing. This is the reason for the challenge to deliver what has been promised.

General information about World AIDS Day can be found here.

GUIDELINES FOR A CHURCH SERVICE WITH REFERENCE TO WORLD AIDS DAY

REMEMBER: People living with HIV are not “infested”, nor are they “sufferers”. Be careful when speaking of “infected”. Do not refer to them as “the sinners”, the “unbelievers” or “those outside the congregation”, but rather use inclusive language. Discipline yourself to speak of “people living with or otherwise directly affected by HIV and AIDS”.

NB: The idea is not that you should use all elements that are provided here. Select those elements that will serve the context and situation of the congregation.

OPENING PRAYER:

WELCOME

LIGHTING OF A CANDLE

[Arrange beforehand that someone will come forward to light the candle or invite a volunteer from those present to come forward. The symbolism of the candle will be strengthened if it carries a prominent AIDS ribbon.]

Before the candle is lit it may be pointed out that the symbol of the candle reminds us of the light of Christ that came into our world. The Word of God is also like a light. Christ called his disciples to be the light of the world. Although HIV and AIDS may seem like a dark cloud that brings darkness into the lives of individuals and into communities, the light of Christ will continue to shine even here.

PRAYER AT THE LIGHTING OF THE CANDLE

HYMN OR SONG:

[Chose a hymn or song that praises the love of God or sings about Christ as the light of the world or the Word as our light.]

“OUR CONGREGATION(S)/ CHURCH AND WORLD AIDS DAY”

The theme of World AIDS Day is "Stop AIDS: Keep the Promise". This theme challenges us regarding our accountability.

The question is: what have we done about our promises as individuals, congregations and as a church?

[Many churches have made statements in relation to HIV and AIDS. At this point there can be some reflection on the statement of your church. If possible, copies of the statement can be handed out to the congregants – or even before or after the service. ]

CONFESSION

Read a few abstracts from the statement and ask: “What have we as church, as congregation and as individual members done about our declarations and promises?”

Give a minute to reflect.

[The following prayer should preferably be prayed by the whole congregation. If this is not possible, arrange with a member to prepare to pray it beforehand.]

(Prayer with reference to Jeremiah 31:31-33 and Ezekiel 36:24-28)

HYMN OR SONG:

[Choose a hymn of song that reflects a spirit of contrition.]

PRAYER

A short prayer before reading the Scripture

SCRIPTURE READING:

Luke 5:12-16

12. While he was in one of the cities, there came a man full of leprosy; and when he saw Jesus, he fell on his face and besought him, "Lord, if you will, you can make me clean." 13. And he stretched out his hand, and touched him, saying, "I will; be clean." And immediately the leprosy left him. 14. And he charged him to tell no one; but "go and show yourself to the priest, and make an offering for your cleansing, as Moses commanded, for a proof to the people." 15. But so much the more the report went abroad concerning him; and great multitudes gathered to hear and to be healed of their infirmities. 16. But he withdrew to the wilderness and prayed.

SERMON

[This is not a complete sermon. It needs to be adapted to the specific congregation.]

We often hear that people compare AIDS as we know it today with leprosy as it was known in the times of the Old and New Testament. We know that in the times of the Old and New Testament people with leprosy were forced out of their communities. They had to live outside the villages and could no longer partake in social activities. The sad stories we nowadays often hear are that, when it becomes known that someone is living with HIV or that a person who is sick has AIDS, that person is pushed away. Sometimes this is done openly and sometimes in more subtle ways.

It is important to note that there are significant differences between HIV and AIDS and leprosy. In the Old Testament one finds regulations about leprosy including that someone with leprosy should be excluded from normal social contact. This was meant as a preventative measure. In those days people believed that leprosy was highly contagious and could be transmitted quite easily. I can imagine that these beliefs resulted in very strict and loveless actions against lepers.

HIV and AIDS is a different story. It cannot be transmitted through normal social contact. And there are no laws that prescribe that people living with HIV should be shunned.

But it still happens that people living with HIV and AIDS are avoided, ignored and even rejected. There are many reasons for these actions, for instance: fear, ignorance, prejudice and the inability to be there for someone in need. You will agree that these reasons are all rather poor excuses.

When we read the story of Luke 5:12-16, we can’t help being amazed at some elements in this story. This response should help us to prayerfully consider our calling in this time of HIV and AIDS.

The first element that we notice is that Jesus is merciful towards this leper. Jesus says to him, “I want you to be clean and healthy!” We know that for Jesus, the great Healer, the Son of God, healing is a different matter than for us. He could heal the sick man in an instant. For us healing is a complex process. It involves prayer, medication, personal care, spiritual care and reconciliation. In spite of this, we can, like Jesus, be positive about healing and health. God loves us as human beings, as beings with bodies of flesh and blood.

The second element we see in this story, is that Jesus touches the leper. By doing this Jesus breaks two rules. He breaks the rules prescribed by Moses as it was interpreted in those days. And He also breaks the rules that were prescribed by society. According to these rules you were not even allowed near a leper.

The spectators of this miracle healing must have been astonished and even shocked. What no-one dared to do, Jesus does. He actually touches the leper. And I do not think He touched him with his little finger. He must have put both his hands on him.

Now, I do not think that Jesus did this to say to the crowd: “Look – I will not catch leprosy.” I believe Jesus touched the leper because He knew that this man was feeling isolated and lonely because of his sickness. In his heart, he was longing for the touch of another human being. In this situation where someone had been rejected from the community, Jesus demonstrates God’s love. He touches the leper.

The third element of the story that amazes me is that Jesus sent the healed leper to the priest. Why did Jesus do this? It cannot be that Jesus wants to “show off” his ability to heal to the priests. In the same verse we read that Jesus ordered the healed leper not to tell everyone about the miracle, so there must be a good reason why Jesus sent him to the priest.

We find the answer to this question in verse 14b: “for a proof to the people”. The healed leper had to go to the priest so that his people could be assured that he is healed and clean and that he can be reconciled with them. Jesus sent this man to the priest to be reconciled with God through the prescribed offerings, and with his community through the declaration of the priest.

Is it not amazing that Jesus did much more for this leper than he asked from Him in the first place? He asked for physical healing. Jesus healed him, but He also restored him in his community and reconciled him with his congregation.

What about us?

How tragic it is that so many stories told in this time of HIV and AIDS are about rejection! How sad that many of these stories are also about rejection by Christians and by congregations!

The story of Luke 5 should at least make us sensitive towards our neighbour’s needs of healing, acceptance and social and physical contact. It is not a question of only one of these needs. They are all important needs and HIV cannot draw a line through those needs.

The love of Christ embraces our whole physical being.

HIV and AIDS threatens our humanness on many facets, but the reconciliation of Christ restores our entire human life.

Amen

PRAYER:

[This can be a spontaneous prayer by the preacher or congregant, or the following prayer can be used.]

HYMN OR SONG:

[Choose a hymn of song that reflects an attitude of commitment to follow Christ.]

PERSONAL STORY OF HIV AND/OR AIDS

If someone living with or directly affected by HIV and AIDS is willing to share their story, it will bring the reality of the pandemic to heart. Be careful to do this in a sensitive way, as indifference may have negative outcomes. The person may be hurt or the situation may reinforce wrong attitudes.

Please arrange this ahead of time and ensure before the meeting that the person is emotionally and spiritually prepared.

Do not announce the person as “an HIV+ person” or “someone who has lost a family member to AIDS”. Just say the person will share his/her story, and then let him/her tell it in his/her own words.

COMMITMENT

(Adapted from a pledge that was used at the launch of the video: The URCSA Cares)

Leader: Through Christ's example we are made stronger in faith, finer and gentler in spirit.

Congregation. Through Christ the Saviour and the power of the Holy Spirit and God's goodness and grace, we are set free to love, serve, witness and care, unconditionally.

Leader: Let us now affirm together, as people of God, a covenant to care.

Congregation. As members of the body of Christ, we covenant together in the Name of God, to assure people living with HIV and AIDS that they will never be destitute of our Christian love, care and compassion. We invoke for ourselves Christ's words in Matthew: 25: "I was hungry and you gave me food. I was thirsty and you gave me drink. I was a stranger and you welcomed me. I was sick and you visited me." We will make true our confession: We must stand where God stands.

Leader: Go and follow Christ!

DEPARTURE

One of the congregants comes forward and takes the burning candle. This person leads the way to the door, symbolising that the congregation takes the light of Christ to the world. The congregation follows.

Voorstelle vir Erediens 2006

RIGLYNE VIR VIGS HERDENKINGSONDAG 21 MEI 2006

Agtergrond:

Vigsherdenkingsondag (AIDS Memorial Day of AMD – ook “International AIDS Candlelight Memorial” genoem) is waarskynlik minder bekend as Wêreldvigsdag (1 Desember). Tog het Vigsherdenkingsondag vroeër ontstaan. Die eerste geleentheid was in 1983. Van die begin was dit 'n geleentheid waarby kerke direk betrokke was. Vandag word die inisiatief deur die “Global Health Council” gedryf. Inligting kan op die internet gevind word. Vigsherdenkingssondag vind wêreldwyd op die 3de Sondag van Mei plaas. Die tema wat vir hierdie jaar is: “Lighting the Path to a Brighter Future”.

Omdat dit 'n geleentheid is wat sy ontstaan in 'n kerk gehad het, is dit by uitstek 'n dag waarby kerke en gemeentes kan aansluit. Die gedagte dat daar op hierdie dag “kerse vir persone wat oorlede is” aangesteek moet word, mag vir sommige Christene vreemd wees. Dit gaan egter om veel meer as die “aansteek van kerse”. Dis 'n geleentheid wat alle Christene kan gebruik om prakties te demonstreer dat ons almal deur die vigspandemie geaffekteer word. “As een lid ly, ly al die lede saam; en as een lid geëer word, is al die lede saam bly” (1 Kor 12:26).

Vigsherdenkingsondag vestig ons aandag op die werklikheid dat ons in vigs te make het met ’n pandemie wat mense se lewens kortknip. Om aan 'n vigsverwante siekte te sterf, het vir baie beteken dat hulle deur hulle gemeenskap (soms selfs familie!) verstoot is. Dit gebeur nog steeds! Daarom is dit nodig dat hulle wat so gesterf het, se volle menswaardigheid erken word.

Vigsherdenkingsondag sal vir Christene wat die Vader van Jesus Christus ken, méér wees as ’n dag van herinneringe aan oorledenes. Vir ons sal daar ook herinneringe wees van verlossing, aan troos en genesing. Vir volgelinge van Jesus Christus sal hierdie dag ook in die teken van hoop staan. Vigsherdenkingsondag vind juis op 'n Sondag plaas – dié dag van die week wat vertel dat dat ons Here, Jesus Christus, leef! Hierdie jaar (2006) vind dit op die sesde Sondag in Paastyd plaas. Daarom kan daar binne die konteks van Jesus se oorwinning oor die dood aandag gegee word aan die “skaduwee van die dood” wat die vigspandemie oor ons land en gemeenskap laat val.

Die wenke wat hier volg, is deur die Uitvoerende Komitee van die Vigstaakgroep van die Gekombineerde Kommissie vir Diakonaat van die NG Kerk (Wes- en Suid-Kaap) en die VG Kerk (Kaapland) in samewerking met die Vigsburo (projek van die Hugenote Kollege) byeengebing. Hiermee wil ons graag verskeie moontlikhede voorstel sodat gemeentes op 'n sinvolle manier op hierdie dag aan MIV en vigs kan aandag gee. Die riglyne is nie 'n volledige erediens nie, maar dien as hulp vir die beplanning van 'n erediens. Meer inligting oor MIV en vigs (sowel as Engelse riglyne) kan van die Vigsburo verkry word op die webblad of by die kantoor by (021) 873 0028 te skakel of per epos.

Onthou: Iemand wat met MIV leef, is nie “besmet” nie, is nie 'n “slagoffer” nie, is nie “’n groot sondaar” nie, is nie “ongelowig” nie. Vermy om te praat van 'n “vigslyer” of “mense het vigs”. Praat liewer deurlopend van “mense wat met MIV leef”.

1.WENKE VIR VOORBEREIDING EN DIE INKLEDING VAN DIE LITURGIESE RUIMTE

Reël vooraf met die kategeseklasse dat elke klas een of meer plakkate maak (A3 of groter) met die volgende boodskappe op (een boodskap per plakkaat, maar daar kan maar meer as een van dieselfde plakkaat wees):

o DIE WêRELD HET VIGS!

o AFRIKA HET VIGS!

o SUID-AFRIKA HET VIGS!

o HET DIE KERK VIGS?

o HET ONS GEMEENTE VIGS?

o DIE KERK HET VIGS!

o ONS GEMEENTE HET VIGS!

o “ DRA MEKAAR SE LASTE...” (Galasiërs 6:2a)

o “AS EEN LID LY, LY AL DIE LEDE SAAM...” (1 Korinte 12:26a)

o “VIR SOVER JULLE DIT AAN EEN VAN DIE GERINGSTE VAN HIERDIE BROEDERS VAN MY GEDOEN HET, HET JULLE DIT AAN MY GEDOEN.” (Matteus 25:40)

o “HERE, WANNEER HET ONS U HONGER GESIEN EN U GEVOED, OF DORS, EN U IETS GEGEE OM TE DRINK?” (Matteus 25:37)

Maak ook ‘n paar plakkate met van die jongste vigsstatistiek wat elders in hierdie dokument verskaf word.

Die geleentheid wanneer die plakkate gemaak word (die vorige Sondag), kan natuurlik ook deur die onderskeie kategete gebruik word om met hulle klassies oor die vigspandemie en die kerk / gelowiges se reaksie daarop te gesels.

Reël dat die kategeseklasse hulle plakkate vóór die erediens op die 21ste Mei in die kerkgebou opplak. Hulle sou ook voor die diens voor die kerkdeure met die plakkate kon rondstaan soos in 'n soort vreedsame “betoging”. Die inligting op die plakkate moet die gemeente reeds by voorbaat aanspreek en laat nadink: Het die kerk ook vigs? Kan ons onsself van die pandemie distansieer?

2.KERSSEREMONIE

Die volgende “kersseremonie” kan gebruik word om aan die tema van vanjaar, “Lighting the Path to a Brighter Future”, 'n Bybelse inkleding te gee. Die kersaansteekseremonie kan ook deur 'n kategeseklas gedoen word. Dis dalk 'n goeie idee om die finalejaarklas hiervoor te gebruik. Dit gee geleentheid om die saak die vorige Sondag met hulle te bespreek en dit in te oefen.

Om die gemeente te help om die “seremonie” beter te verstaan, kan die volgende verhaal kortliks vertel word:

“'n Sekere man het 'n kerkdiens in 'n groot kerkgebou bygewoon. Terwyl hy in die kerk sit, het hy opgelet dat daar pragtige vensters met gekleurde klas was. Die vensters het verskillende prente en temas uitgebeeld. Aan die een kant was daar drie vensters wat geloof, hoop en liefde uitgebeeld het. Die son het deur die vensters geskyn en die prente verlig. Die man het opgelet dat die prente in die volgorde van links na regs eers geloof, dan hoop en dan liefde uitgebeeld het.

Die aand van dieselfde dag het die man verby dieselfde kerk gery. Daar was 'n diens in die kerk en die ligte van die kerk was aan. Weer is die man deur die pragtige vensters getref. Dit val hom toe op dat die lig wat van binne die vensters verlig het, vir hom wat buite was, die volgorde omgekeer het. Nou was dit van links na regs eers liefde, dan hoop en dan geloof. Toe besef hy: mense wat nie vir Christus persoonlik ken nie, het dikwels eers nodig om sy liefde te ondervind voordat hulle hoop en geloof kan vind.” (Bron onbekend)

Kersseremonie* : lig te midde van die vigspandemie!

*Hierdie kersseremonie is oorspronklik deur Logy Murray ontwikkel en is vir hierdie riglyne aangepas.

Voorbereiding:

Daar moet VIER kerse wees wat reeds brand. Een moet ’n groot wit kers wees, wat die Christus-kers voorstel, en eenkant staan. Die ander drie kerse het vigsstrikkies op, en die volgende woorde kan op elke kers (of daar voor) aangebring word: Geloof; Hoop; Liefde. Die kerse word so opgestel dat die mense wat daarna kyk dit van links na regs in die volgorde sien: Christus kers, geloof, hoop, liefde.

U het ook ’n vyfde, kleiner kers nodig, wat gebruik word om die kerse weer aan te steek.

Die voorstelling word deur vyf persone hanteer. :

’n Verteller, drie persone wat die boodskap van die verskillende kerse oordra, en ’n kind.

VERLOOP:

Verteller: (die persoon kan eenkant staan)

Hier is vier kerse wat brand en wat elkeen 'n storie vertel:

Die groot kers vertel van die lig van Jesus Christus. Volgens Johannes 8 vers 12 het Jesus gesê: “Ek is die lig vir die wêreld. Wie My volg, sal nooit in die duisternis lewe nie, maar sal die lig hê wat lewe gee.”

Langs die Christuskers staan die kers van geloof in Jesus Christus. Jesus wat vir ons gesterf het – wat deur Sy dood vir ons met God versoen het. Jesus wat opgestaan het, sodat ons saam met Hom kan opstaan en ’n nuwe lewe leef.

Die kers van hoop vertel: Wanneer ons van harte glo dat Jesus ons verlos het, kan ons in hierdie stukkende wêreld met soveel hartseer steeds bly hoop.

Die kers van liefde vertel: ’n Mens wat deur geloof geanker is in Jesus se liefde, en daarom hoop in sy hart het, kan werklik liefhê. Liefde wat onvoorwaardelik iemand anders se belange bo jou eie stel.

Waar die lig van Christus, die lig van geloof, hoop en liefde skyn, sal daar vrede en vreugde wees. Baie verhale wat in hierdie tyd van MIV en vigs vertel word, vertel nie van lig nie, maar van duisternis. Kom ons luister verder:

Deelnemer 1 kom vorentoe en gaan staan by die eerste kers:

Hierdie kers stel liefde voor –

Maar so baie mense wat met MIV leef, ervaar nie liefde nie.

Ons praat so maklik neerhalend van “hulle”. Ons veroordeel. Dikwels wil ons eers weet hoe “hulle” die virus opgedoen het voordat ons sal help. Omdat ons nie Christus se liefde onvoorwaardelik leef nie, verdoof die lig van hierdie kers.

(maak die kers dood)

Deelnemer 2 kom vorentoe en staan by die tweede kers:

Hierdie kers stel hoop voor:

Vir so baie van ons het die situasie van MIV en vigs 'n hopelose situasie geword. Sommige van ons word oorweldig deur die omvang daarvan. Sommige van ons word oorweldig deur die aftakeling van ons gesondheid, deur mense se veroordeling en verwerping. Sommige word oorweldig deur hartseer, deur verwyte, deur magtelooseid. Vir baie van ons is daar duisternis waar die lig van hoop moes skyn.

(maak die tweede kers dood)

Deelnemer 3 – kom vorentoe en staan by die derde kers:

Hierdie kers stel geloof voor.

Die hartseer verhaal van die vigspandemie is dat vir sommige van ons ook hierdie lig verdoof. Sommige worstel met soveel emosies en krisisse dat ons geloof wankel. Dan sien ons so baie mense wat gelowiges is, en wat ons tog verwerp, en dan kan ons nie meer glo nie.

(maak die derde kers dood)

'n Kind kom vorentoe, staan by die voorleser en vra:

Gaan ons dan nie weer die kerse kan aansteek nie?

Verteller:

Sien jy, hier is nog ’n kers. Hierdie kers noem ons die “Christus” kers. Ons lees mos in die Bybel dat Jesus die lig van die wêreld is, en God se kinders ook die lig vir die wêreld kan wees.

Kom, neem hierdie kers, steek dit aan by die “Christus” kers, en dan steek jy die ander kerse weer aan.

(Die kind moet vooraf gewys word wat die volgorde van aansteek is!)

(Kind neem die kleiner kers, steek dit aan by die “Christus”-kers, en steek dan die ander kerse een vir een aan, soos wat die verteller voortgaan.

Verteller:

(terwyl die Liefde kers weer aangesteek word)

Die Woord van God sê in Romeine 5 vers 8: “Maar God bewys sy liefde vir ons juis hierin dat Christus vir ons gesterf het toe ons nog sondaars was.” en in Johannes 13 vers 34 is Jesus se woorde: “Ek gee julle ’n nuwe gebod: julle moet mekaar liefhê. Soos Ek julle liefhet, moet julle mekaar ook liefhê. As julle mekaar liefhet, sal almal weet dat julle dissipels van My is.”

Here, vergewe ons ons liefdelose optrede, ja ook ons onbetrokkenheid wat ook liefdeloosheid is. Help ons om die onvoorwaardelike liefde wat U vir ons het, teenoor almal uit te leef!

(terwyl die Hoop kers weer aangesteek word)

In Romeine 15 vers 13 staan: “Mag God, die bron van hoop, julle deur julle geloof met alle vreugde en vrede vervul, sodat julle hoop al hoe sterker kan word deur die krag van die Heilige Gees.”

Ja, Here, ons erken U as die bron van ware Hoop. Help ons om onder alle omstandighede met hoop te leef.

(terwyl die Geloof kers weer aangesteek word)

Volgens Matteus 5 vers 14 het Jesus, die ware Lig, vir sy dissipels gesê: “Julle is die lig vir die wêreld”.

Here, ons erken dat die ware lig wat ook in hierdie tyd van MIV en vigs skyn, die lig van Jesus Christus is. Help ons om deur ons geloof en hoop en liefde draers van U lig te wees.

Amen.

3.GEMEENTESANG:

4.DIE OMVANG VAN MIV EN VIGS

Die Wêreld het vigs:

Die getal mense wat wêreldwyd met MIV leef, was in 2005 'n beraamde 40 miljoen. Hiervan is byna 5 miljoen mense wat in hierdie jaar geïnfekteer is. In 2005 alleen is ongeveer 3 miljoen mense aan vigsverwante siektes oorlede wat die totaal vanaf 1981 na 25 miljoen sterftes opgestoot het.

Afrika het vigs:

In Afrika suid van die Sahara woon meer as 25 miljoen mense wat met MIV leef. Sterftes aan vigs toegeskryf was in 2005 2.4 miljoen mense terwyl meer as 3 miljoen mense in dié jaar geïnfekteer is.

Ons kerk het vigs:

Noukeurige ontleding van statistiek toon dat mense wat met MIV leef in alle groepe, en ook in alle kerkverbande voorkom. Die rede waarom ons nie MIV in ons gemeente “sien” nie, is nie omdat hier niemand is wat daarmee leef nie.

('Onlangse statistiek is op die webblad beskikbaar)

5.'n GEBED VIR VIGSHERDENKINGSONDAG

(Laat die gemeente NSG 325 / Lied 266 naslaan voordat tot gebed oorgegaan word. Die gebed is geskryf vir responsiewe deelname deur die gemeente, maar kan ook deur 'n enkele persoon of 'n groep voor-gebid word.)

Een: Saam met gelowiges oor die eeue, bid ons, Heer:

Almal: “U is ons Herder, ons kom niks kort nie.”

Een: En tog, Heer, is daar miljoene wêreldoor wat dit vandag weer wil hoor en wéét:

U géé rus, groen weivelde, vredewaters...

Hoor húlle gebede vandag,

En hoor ons as ons namens hulle voor U genadetroon kom kniel

En bid: gee nuwe krag.

Gee nuwe krag, ons Herder-Heer,

Aan elkeen wat leef met MIV of Vigs;

Aan elkeen wat dit saam met ‘n ander mens beleef;

Aan elkeen wat treur of afskeid neem van ‘n pa, ‘n ma, ‘n kind, ‘n vriend, ‘n dierbare, die lewe...

Aan elkeen wat deur hierdie pandemie in rou gedompel is.

Gee nuwe krag, ons Herder-Heer,

Aan elkeen wat aan so iemand se bestaan ‘n positiewe verskil probeer maak, omdat hulle omgee;

Aan elkeen wat soek na antwoorde en oplossings, omdat hulle omgee;

Aan elkeen wat leiding neem: politieke leiers, geestelike leiers, gesondheidsorgwerkers, vrywilligers, nie-regeringsorganisasies, navorsers... omdat hulle omgee...

Hoor elkeen wat vanoggend na U roep, na U soek, op U vertrou -

ook hulle wat deur omstandighede nie meer weet of hulle nog durf hoop nie!

Gee hoop, Heer, gee gelowige oë wat die Onsienlike sien.

Dankie, Heer, vir die hoop wat anti-retrovirale middels reeds vir baie mense gebring het.

Dankie vir elkeen wat toegang het tot hierdie lewensvernuwende medikasie.

Dankie vir elke baba van ‘n geïnfekteerde mamma wat vry van die virus gebore kan word.

Dankie vir elkeen wat meewerk om dit moontlik te maak.

Dankie vir elkeen wat hulle harte en hulle arms oopmaak vir weeskinders.

Dankie vir elkeen wat mense in hulle nood help versorg.

Dankie vir die baie programme wat deur vrywilligers bedryf word, om mense wat met die virus leef, se menswaardigheid te herstel, hulle hoop te gee, kosbare lewens te verryk.

Help ons almal saam sien hoedat U deur alles heen, ons tóg lei op die regte paaie, tot eer van u Naam!

Ons bid dat elkeen van die miljoene wat dit nodig het,

toegang tot anti-retrovirale middels mag kry – veral in Afrika met sy hartverskeurende armoede.

Ons bid dat regerings, nie-regeringsorganisasies en farmaseutiese maatskappye die middels bekostigbaar beskikbaar kan maak – veral vir die armstes, wat dit nie kan bekostig nie.

Ons bid vir die sukses van programme wat poog om die pandemie te stuit.

Ons bid vir mediese deurbrake.

En ons bid vir liefde:

Ons bid veral dat u kerk ‘n voorbeeld aan die wêreld mag stel, van ‘n omgewing sonder veroordeling en stigmatisering – mag u kerk toenemend die ruimte wees waar mense wat met MIV en vigs leef, veiligheid en geborgenheid ervaar.

Ons bid dat u kerk mag deel wees van die antwoorde en oplossings wat die mag van die pandemie sal kan breek.

Ons bid dat u kerk die geleenthede wat MIV en vigs ons gee, sal raaksien en aangryp,

om aan u liefde hande te gee, voete, ore, ‘n stem... wat omgee.

En ons bid , Heer: begin by ons – óns gesindheid, óns liefde, óns omgee.

Vul ons te midde van die neerdrukkende duisternis van hierdie pandemie, met die lig van u vrede wat wéét:

Almal: “Selfs al gaan ek deur donker dieptes, sal ek nie bang wees nie, want U is by my.

In u hande is ek veilig.

Een: Hoe hou ons aan hierdie geloofswoorde vas, ons Herder-Heer!

Hou vandag elkeen vas wat hierdie woorde prewel...

Almal: “U laat my by ’n feesmaal aansit, terwyl my teëstanders moet toekyk.

U ontvang my soos ’n eregas, ek word oorlaai met hartlikheid.

U goedheid en liefde sal my lewe lank by my bly

en ek sal tuis wees in die huis van die Here tot in lengte van dae.”

Een: Hoor ons Herder-Heer, as ons gelowig saam bid,

die gebed wat U ons geleer het,

U gebed wat die wêreld omvou:

Almal: “Ons Vader wat woon in die hemel...” NSG 325 / Lied 266 word sonder aankondiging gesing.

ANDER GEBEDE:

Uit Die Groot Gebedeboek (Lux Verbi.BM, 2002) kan die volgende gebede gebruik word:

• “In tye soos hierdie” – bladsy 296
• “Internasionale vigs-dag” – bladsy 383
• “Gebed van 'n vigslyer” – bladsy 384

6.GESAMENTLIKE SANG

VG Kerk Nuwe Sionsgesang 233: Kyrie, eleison

Of 203: Wie bevry ons land en nasie

Of NG Kerk liedboek: 247: Heer wees ons genadig

Of 488: Helder skyn u lig vir die nasies

7.DIE WERKLIKHEID VAN MIV EN VIGS

Getuienis: “So raak MIV en vigs vir my”.

Indien iemand beskikbaar is om van sy of haar belewenis van met MIV leef, te vertel, of as daar iemand is wat kan deel wat dit beteken om 'n MIV+ familielid aan die dood af te staan, sal dit 'n groot impak op die byeenkoms hê. Hierdie getuienisse moet egter met groot omsigtigheid hanteer word! (Verkeerde hantering kan bydra tot stigmatisering van MIV en vigs.)

Reël lank vooruit met die persoon en maak voor die diens seker dat die persoon emosioneel gereed is om te praat.

Maak seker dat daar nie misverstande oor 'n honorarium is nie. (Vir sommige persone kan dit 'n wesenlike verskil maak om finansiële ondersteuning terug te ontvang.)

Moenie die persoon voorstel as “MIV+” nie. Laat die persoon dit self vertel soos wat hy/sy dit by die geleentheid wil doen. (Stel die persoon eerder net voor as iemand wat sal vertel hoe sy/haar lewe deur MIV geraak is.)

Gewoonlik is twee vertellings meer as voldoende. Gee liewer aan een of twee geleentheid om bietjie langer te praat as wat probeer word om meer mense baie kort te laat praat.

Reël vooraf wie die persoon kortliks sal bedank en van almal teenwoordig se meelewing sal verseker.

OF: Skrifgedeeltes wat ons kan help om 'n lewe met MIV beter te verstaan

Dit is nie noodsaaklik dat iemand persoonlik vertel hoe MIV hom of haar raak nie. Wanneer daar nie iemand beskikbaar is nie (of daar word verkies om nie so 'n geleentheid te gee nie) kan die volgende Skrifgedeeltes voorgelees word.

Die Skriflesings kan ingelei word deur daarop te wys dat hoewel MIV en vigs nie in Bybeltye bekend was nie (dit is die afgelope 25 jaar bekend) vind ons in die Bybel eerlike en openhartige beskrywings van gelowiges se worsteling met die seer en die swaar van die lewe. Daar is baie omstandighede waar gelowiges vandag nog met hierdie beskrywings kan identifiseer. Die drie gedeeltes wat ons lees kan ons help om te begryp hoe iemand wat met MIV leef mag voel wanneer dit die dag sleg gaan, wanneer God se genade beleef word en wanneer daar weer nuwe sin in die lewe ontdek word.

Psalm 31:9-16

Jesaja 38:9-20

Psalm 16:1-11

8.SKRIFLESING EN BOODSKAP

Johannes 11 (Die preekskets handel oor die hele hoofstuk. Dit mag raadsaam wees om net gedeeltes van die hoofstuk voor te lees, bv: verse 1-4, 11-15, 20-27, 33-35, 41-46.)

Inleidend kan daar verwys word na ons verstaan van siekte en dood. Baie sien dit as ‘n straf op sonde. En swig voor die onverbiddelikheid en onverstaanbaarheid daarvan.

Kom ons kyk na verskillende uitsprake van Jesus in hierdie verhaal:

o Vers 4. 'n Belangrike uitspraak vol betekenis vir vandag se gelowiges. Siekte is 'n middel in die hand van God om sy mag te openbaar. En dit tot die verheerliking van Christus. Vergelyk 'n soortgelyke uitspraak van Jesus in Joh 9: 3b in verband met die blindgeborene. Dit vra van baie gelowiges 'n paradigmaskuif ten opsigte van siekte as sulks. Dieselfde uitspraak in vers 4 kom in vers 40 voor ten opsigte van die dood.

o Verse 11 en 14. Natuurlik beteken die dood nie vir Jesus die einde van alles nie! Sy uitspraak relativeer die finaliteit van die dood. Vir sy dissipels is dit uiteraard lewensvreemd. Maar gedagtig van Wie die uitspraak afkomstig is, maak dit vir ons as gelowiges meer sin.

o Verse 20 – 27. Die Paasgebeure bevestig hierdie uitspraak op 'n konkrete wyse. Jesus is inderdaad die Opstanding en die Lewe! Die Paasgebeure bevestig ook Sy uitsprake in verse 12 en 14. Die implikasies van Jesus se woorde in hierdie verse verdien verdere nadenke. Geloof staan sentraal in die uitsprake van Jesus.

o Verse 33 – 38. Hier word verskillende redes aangevoer waarom Hy gehuil het. Ten diepste beklemtoon Sy reaksie die menslikheid van Jesus. Hy was opreg lief vir sy vriend.

o Vers 43. Dit bly ‘n aangrypende oomblik. Mens kan jou verbeelding hier vrye teuels gee. Dit moes baie drammaties gewees het. En dit beklemtoon Jesus se mag oor die dood. Hy sou dit aanstonds in Getsemane herbevestig.

o Verse 45 -57. Dit is vandag nog so. Baie mense verwerp die ware betekenis van die opstandingsgebeure – en vir Jesus. Dit mag ons egter nie ontmoedig nie, maar veeleerder aanspoor tot groter geesdrif om die wonderlike waarheid van die opstandingsgebeurtenis met oortuiging te verkondig.

Ten slotte: Jesus gee nuwe betekenis aan siekte en dood. Prys Hom daarvoor! Hy is immers die Opstanding en die Lewe.

9.GESAMENTLIKE SANG

VG Kerk Nuwe Sionsgesang 270: Hart en hart in God verbonde – verse 1,4,5

Of 57: Wees stil 'n weet: Ek is die Heer

Of 181: Woon in my, o Heilge Gees

NG Kerk liedboek: 523: Goddelike liefdebande – verse 2,3

Of 518: Voel jy soms of die Here te ver is

Of 519: Wees stil en weet, Ek is die Heer

Of 526: Waar daar liefde is

10.VERBINTENIS*

Die volgende verbintenis kan gesamentlik afgelê word. (Of enkele persone kan dit namens almal teenwoordig, voordra.)

[*Verwerking van 'n belofte wat gebruik is by die uitreiking van die video: The URCSA Cares.]

Leier. In dankbaarheid verbind ons onsself om ’n gemeente te wees wat omgee, haar beywer vir geregtigheid en wat versorgend wil wees.

Gemeente. Ons verbind ons aan God en aan mekaar.

L. Soos God ons liefhet en vir ons sorg, sal ons ook vir mekaar daar wees.

G. Ons verwelkom in ons gemeente en ons kerk almal wie se lewens deur MIV en vigs geraak is en wat daarmee leef. Ons sê dit aan almal: Soos God ons aangeneem het, verwelkom ons julle in dié gemeente.

L. Ons is ’n gemeente wat geregtigheid nastreef.

G. Daarom sal ons alle vorme van diskriminasie teen mense wat met MIV en vigs leef, teenstaan.

L. Ons is ’n gemeente wat versorgend wil lewe.

G. Ons sal mekaar versorg en liefhê soos God ons in Christus liefgehad het. Ons sal bid vir die genesing van God se skepping. Ons sal Christus se teenwoordigheid in mekaar se lewens wees, veral in die lewens van diegene wat met MIV en vigs leef. Ons sal getuies wees van God se onvoorwaardelike liefde.

L. Ons is 'n gemeente wat Christus navolg.

G. Deur Christus die Verlosser en die krag van die Heilige Gees en God se goedheid en genade, is ons vrygemaak om onvoorwaardelik lief te hê, te dien, te getuig en om te gee.

L. Laat ons dan nou saam, as mense van God, belowe om om te gee.

G. Ons beloof gesamentlik in die Naam van God: mense wat met MIV en vigs leef, sal nooit ons Christelike liefde, sorg en deernis ontbeer nie.

Leier: Gaan en volg Christus!

11.UITSPREEK VAN SEËN

“Mag God, die bron van hoop, julle deur julle geloof met alle vreugde en vrede vervul, sodat julle hoop al hoe sterker kan word deur die krag van die Heilige Gees.” (Rom 15:13)

Erediens Wenke vir Vigsdag 2006

WENKE VIR WÊRELD VIGSDAG EREDIENS 2006

AGTERGROND

Wêreld Vigsdag het in 1988 onstaan. In 1997 het UNAIDS die noodsaak van 'n globale aksie met een boodskap raakgesien. Omdat Wêreld Vigsdag toe reeds gereeld op 1 Desember plaasgevind het en inslag gevind het, is hierby aangesluit. Hierna het dit 'n selfstandige veldtog geword wat deur World AIDS Campaign gedryf word. Die afgelope jare het kerke ook die Sondag voor of na 1 Desember as geleentheid gebruik om op MIV en vigs te fokus.

Vanaf 1996 tot 2004 is daar jaarliks 'n spesifieke tema vir Wêreld Vigsdag ontwikkel. Vanaf 2005 is die fokus op “Stop AIDS. Keep the Promise”. Die argument agter hierdie tema is dat daar al soveel beloftes (van die hoogste regeringsvlak tot op die vlak van individue) gemaak is, maar dat so min van hierdie beloftes realiseer.

Algemene inligting oor Wêreld Vigsdag is hier beskikbaar.

WENKE VIR 'N EREDIENS IN AANSLUITING BY WÊRELD VIGSDAG

ONTHOU: Iemand wat met MIV leef, is nie “besmet” nie, is nie 'n “slagoffer” nie, is nie “’n groot sondaar” nie, is nie “ongelowig” nie. Ons sê ook nie so 'n persoon “het vigs” of is 'n “visglyer” nie – praat deurlopend van “mense wat met MIV leef”.

LET WEL: Dit is nie nodig om alle momente wat hier gegee word, te gebruik nie. Daar word juis “meer as wat nodig is” gegee sodat keuses na gelang van plaaslike omstandighede gemaak kan word.

(Psalm 84:1-8 aangepas)

SEËNGROET

AANSTEEK VAN KERS

[Vooraf kan gereël word dat 'n persoon die kers kom aansteek of 'n vrywilliger kan uit die gemeente genooi word. Dit sal goed wees as die kers 'n teken – bv 'n vigsstrik – het wat dit met MIV en vigs identifiseer.]

Voor die aansteek van die kers kan daarop gewys word dat die simbool van die kers ons herinner aan die lig van Christus wat in ons wêreld skyn. Die Woord word ook 'n lig genoem. Christus het ook vir sy dissipels gesê dat hulle die lig vir die wêreld is. MIV en vigs kan soos 'n donker skaduwee oor mense se lewens en gemeenskappe wees, maar die lig van Christus skyn ook hier.

GEBED NA AANSTEEK VAN KERS

(Uit: Groot Gebedeboek, bl 359 - John H Newman - Gebed daagliks gebruik deur Moeder Teresa en haar helpers in Kalkutta.)

GESAMENTLIKE SANG

[Gebruik 'n lied wat die liefde van God besing of wat getuig van Christus as die lig van die wêreld of die Woord as ons lig.]

“ONS GEMEENTE(S)/ KERK EN WÊRELD VIGSDAG 2006”

Die tema vir hierdie jaar is: STOP VIGS! HOU JOU BELOFTE!

[Baie kerke het verklarings uitgereik ten opsigte van MIV en vigs. Hier kan gebruik gemaak word van u kerk se verklaring. Verkieslik moet enkele uittreksels uit die verklaring deur 'n lidmaat voorgelees word.]

VEROOTMOEDIGING

[Die gebed moet verkieslik gesamentlik gebid word. As dit moeilik is, reël dat 'n lidmaat dit voorberei en voorgaan.]

(Gebed na aanleiding van Jeremia 31:31-33 en Esegiël 36:24-28)

GESAMENTLIKE SANG

[Hier kan 'n verootmoedingslied gesing word.]

GEBED EN SKRIFLESING

Lukas 5:12-16

12. Eendag toe Jesus in een van die dorpe was, kom Hy ‘n man teë wat oortrek was van die melaatsheid. Toe die man Hom sien, val hy op sy knieë voor Hom en smeek: “Here, as U wil, kan U my gesond maak.”13. Jesus steek sy hand uit, raak hom aan en sê: “Ek wil. Word gesond!” En sy melaatsheid was onmiddellik weg.14. Toe gee Jesus hom opdrag: “Moet dit aan niemand vertel nie, maar gaan wys jou vir die priester en bring offers vir jou reiniging soos Moses voorgeskryf het. Dit sal vir die mense die bewys wees dat jy rein geword het.”15. Tog het die nuus oor Hom nog verder versprei, en groot menigtes het saamgedrom om na Hom te luister en van hulle siektes genees te word. 16. Maar Hy het Hom altyd weer in eensame plekke afgesonder om daar te bid.

WOORDVERKONDIGING

[Wat hier volg is nie 'n volledige preek nie, maar gee voorstelle vir 'n preek oor die Skrifgedeelte.]

Daar is al dikwels gesê dat daar 'n ooreenkoms tussen vigs vandag en melaatsheid van Bybelse tye is. Dan word hiermee bedoel dat soos wat melaatse mense in die tyd van die Ou en Nuwe Testament tot gevolg gehad het dat mense uit die gemeenskap verdryf is en daarom sosiaal verwerp is, dit dikwels in ons tyd wanneer bekend word dat iemand met MIV leef of siek is aan vigs. Daar is talle voorbeelde van hoe mense openlik of meer subtiel verwerp is nadat hulle MIV+ status bekend geword het.

Daar is natuurlik ook belangrike verskille tussen MIV en vigs en melaatsheid. In die tye van die Ou en Nuwe Testament was daar wetlike voorskrifte om melaatses uit die gemeenskap te verwyder. Omdat daar geen medikasie beskikbaar was nie en omdat die indruk bestaan het dat melaatsheid aansteeklik is, was hierdie reëlings grootliks voorkomend van aard om verdere verspeiding van melaatsheid te keer. Ek stel my voor dat gemeenskappe nie maar net by die wetlike voorskrifte rondom melaatsheid gebly het nie, maar dat mense met melaatsheid met 'n velheid en liefdeloosheid verstoot is wat teen die bedoeling van die wet ingegaan het.

Wat MIV en vigs betref, is daar geen wetlike voorskrifte waarvolgens ons mense uit ons gemeenskap moet verwyder nie. Ons weet ook dat normale sosiale kontak geen gevaar inhou vir MIV infeksie nie. Die redes waarom mense wat met MIV leef so maklik deur hulle gemeenskap en soms selfs deur gemeentes verstoot word, lê by ander redes. Daar is baie redes hiervoor, bv onkunde, vrees, veroordeling en die onvermoë om by iemand se nood betrokke te raak. Dis duidelik dat hierdie redes almal slegte redes is.

Wanneer ons die verhaal in Lukas 5 lees, kan 'n mense nie anders as om oor 'n paar elemente van hierdie verhaal te verwonder nie. Hierdie verwondering kan ons help om sinvol te wonder oor ons roeping in hierdie tyd van MIV en vigs.

Die eerste wat opval, is dat Jesus Hom oor hierdie melaatse man ontferm. Jesus sê: Ek wil dat jy gesond sal wees. Vir Jesus, die groot Geneesheer, die Seun van God, is die verskil tussen wil en doen natuurlik anders as vir ons. Hy genees inderdaad die melaatse van sy siekte. Vir ons is genesing 'n veel meer komplekse saak. Dit verskil van siekte tot siekte en kan elemente soos medikasie, chirurgie, persoonlike sorg, geestelike ondersteuning en versoening met medemense en God insluit. Al is die prosesse vir ons moeilik kan ons ook soos Jesus gesondheid, genesing, herstel voorop stel.

Die tweede wat opval, is dat Jesus aan die melaatse vat. Deur aan die melaatse te vat oortree Jesus twee reëls. Hy oortree die reëls van die wet wat sosiale kontak met melaatses beperk het. Hy oortree die sosiale norme van sy tyd wat voorgeskryf het dat melaatses letterlik nie nader as 'n sekere afstand van mense mag kom nie.

Baie van die toeskouers van hierdie wonder-genesing sou waarskynlik geskok gewees het om te sien wat Jesus doen. Stel jou voor: wat niemand durf doen nie, doen Hy!

Ek dink nie Jesus het dit gedoen om daarmee te sê “kyk, ek sal nie melaatsheid kry nie”. Ek dink Hy het dit waarskynlik gedoen om daarmee te toon dat hierdie persoon wat deur sy siekte en deur die gemeenskap vereensaam, verwerp is, deur Hom aanvaar word. Jesus demonstreer wat sy koms na hierdie wêreld, wat sy liefde beteken.

Die derde wat opval, is dat Jesus hierdie melaatse, wat nou gesond geword het, na die priester stuur. Waarom doen Jesus dit? Tog nie om daarmee vir die priester 'n boodskap te stuur van “kyk bietjie wat doen hierdie Nasarener!” nie. In dieselfde asem beveel Jesus die man om nie vir almal te vertel dat Jesus hom genees het nie. Die ontmoeting met die priester het dus 'n ander motief.

Die motief hiervoor vind ons in Jesus se woorde: “Dit sal vir die mense die bewys wees dat jy rein geword het” (vers 14b). Die melaatse wat gesond geword het moet na die priester gaan sodat hy met sy mense versoen kan word.

As Jesus sy melaatsheid genees het en dit daar gelaat het, sou hierdie man waarskynlik nog lank aan die verwerping deur die gemeenskap blootgestel gewees het. Dan sou sy genesing bloot fisies gewees het. Maar Jesus sorg dat hy ook met sy gemeenskap versoen word. Daarom moet hy na die priester gaan, die nodige offers bring en met sy mense versoen word.

Jesus doen dus meer as wat hy aanvanklik gevra het. Hy bid om fisiese genesing. Jesus skenk hierdie genesing en bewerk ook sosiale versoening of genesing.

En ons?

Is dit nie verskriklik hartseer – en 'n klag teen die Christendom – dat mense wat met MIV leef so dikwels verwerping beleef nie?

Hierdie verhaal van Lukas 5 behoort ons sensitief te maak vir ons medemens en ons medegelowige se behoeftes aan genesing, aanvaarding, nabyheid, sosiale en fisiese kontak. Natuurlik ook geestelike en emosionele ondersteuning en versorging. Dis nie 'n geval van of die een of die ander nie, dis die een én die ander.

Christus se liefde omvat ons hele menswees.

MIV en vigs bedreig ons menswees op soveel vlakke.

Christus se versoening herstel ons hele menswees.

Amen

GEBED

[Vrye gebed deur prediker of die volgende kan gebruik word:]

GESAMENTLIKE SANG

[Kies 'n lied waardeur die gemeente hul gehoorsaamheid en toewyding aan Christus kan verwoord.]

GETUIENIS

Die persoonlike verhaal van iemand wat met MIV leef, kan 'n groot impak op die gemeente hê. Dit kan ook iemand wees wat kan deel wat dit beteken om 'n MIV+ familielid aan die dood af te staan.

Aangesien verkeerde hantering van so 'n getuienis ook onvoorsiene en negatiewe gevolge mag hê – dit kan selfs bydra tot stigmatisering van MIV en vigs – moet dit met groot omsigtigheid hanteer word!

Reël lank vooruit met die persoon en maak voor die diens seker dat die persoon emosioneel gereed is om te praat. Maak seker dat daar nie misverstande oor 'n honorarium is nie. (Vir sommige persone kan dit 'n wesenlike verskil maak om finansiële ondersteuning terug te ontvang.)

Moenie die persoon voorstel as “MIV+” nie. Laat die persoon dit self vertel soos wat hy/sy dit by die geleentheid wil doen. (Stel die persoon eerder net voor as iemand wat sal vertel hoe sy/haar lewe deur MIV geraak is.)

Reël vooraf wie die persoon kortliks sal bedank en van almal teenwoordig se meelewing sal verseker.

HERNUDE TOEWYDING

Die diens kan afgesluit word deur opnuut 'n belofte ten opsigte van MIV en vigs te maak.

(Aanpassing van 'n belofte gebruik by die uitreiking van die video: The URCSA Cares)

Leier: Gaan en volg Christus!

VERTREK

'n Gemeentelid kom na vore, neem die kers wat brand en stap daarmee na die hoofuitgang en na buite as simboliese handeling dat die lig van Christus die wêreld ingeneem word. Die gemeente volg hierdie persoon.

World AIDS Campaign Action Alert. 30/11/06

Contact - WCC Newsletter on AIDS Day 01/12/06

Dear Friends,

On this World AIDS Day, we are grateful for your leadership and support for the HIV-and AIDS-related work of your community, and for the ecumenical responses to overcome this pandemic. But we need to question ourselves on the scale and quality of our responses.

“Do you think that you alone, in your position of power and isolation will escape from the negative effects of HIV? For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for those affected by HIV and AIDS will come from elsewhere and you would have missed the opportunity to serve and you would be discredited.”

Today, as the HIV pandemic rages on, affecting millions of people, let us remember the words of Mordecai to Esther (from the book of Esther 4:14 on events that took in the 4th century BC, when a plot to destroy the enslaved Jewish people in Persia was uncovered by Mordecai, and Esther, who was Jewish but the queen of Persia, was exorted to take action). Their words are paraphrased for our times as quoted above.

The time of relief and deliverance for people living with and affected by HIV and AIDS and those potentially at risk is right now. Today the world potentially has the knowledge, resources and the possibilities of prevention and treatment to arrest the pandemic and save generations. Either we step in or we step aside! Let us keep our promises and practise what we preach. Together we can make a difference.

The Central Committee of the World Council of Churches adopted a key Statement on churches compassionate response to HIV and AIDS in September 2006. The statement reviews the ecumenical response, analyses the positive changes that have been brought on by the work of churches, and goes on to elaborate the challenges that we face today, suggesting ways forward.

We request your ongoing support for making this statement known in your church, its congregations and institutions, so that on World AIDS Day and beyond, Christian communities can share in a common compassionate response to HIV and AIDS.

You could use the following web-links to access the recent key resources :

WCC Statement on churches’ compassionate response to HIV and AIDS

Results of a key survey conducted by WCC on the a review and appraisal of the progress made towards the implementation of the UNGASS and Declaration of Commitment to combating HIV and AIDS and Work Place Policies from Churches’ perspective.

WCC Contact magazine no. 182 on HIV Prevention

Specific worship resource material to be used for the World AIDS Day is available at the web-site of the Ecumenical Advocacy Alliance.
The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity for the year 2007, focuses on HIV. This material is available electronically at the WCC web-site

The electronic version of WCC’s Bible-based counselling manual for HIV in English and Portuguese

Yours sincerely,
Dr Manoj Kurian (cfh@contactforhealth.org )
WCC Health and Healing programme executive
World Council of Churches - Health, healing and wholeness
Website:

EAA Action Alert - National Targets. 11/11/06

Keep the Promise: HIV and AIDS Campaign

Introduction

 With the World AIDS Day theme focusing on accountability, one of the most critical processes to monitor and engage in is the national target setting process called for in the June 2 United Nations (UN) Political Declaration. In this declaration, national governments and heads of state committed themselves to setting ambitious national targets, through an inclusive process, to scale up efforts to achieve universal access to HIV prevention, care and treatment by 2010. Governments agreed in the declaration to set the targets by the end of 2006.

UNAIDS has now produced an operational guidance document on "Setting National Targets for Moving Towards Universal Access". This document provides important information for country-level partners and UN staff to facilitate the process of setting targets for the national AIDS response to achieve by 2008 and 2010.

The Ecumenical Advocacy Alliance (EAA) strongly encourages its participants to use the document to engage in the target setting process and to apply pressure to governments to live up to the commitment they agreed to in the June Political Declaration to set the targets and scale up their response to ensure universal access.

Background

UNAIDS, with input from civil society organizations among others, developed tThe operational guidance to build on the April 2006 "Considerations for countries to set their own national targets for AIDS prevention, treatment and care". The guidance specifically highlights the importance of engaging civil society in the target setting process and follow-up. The guidance is a working document and UNAIDS appreciates comments and suggestions.

UN staff representatives at country level have now been asked to present the guidelines to their respective National AIDS Coordinating Authorities. They have been challenged to use this opportunity to advocate for a review of existing targets, when needed, highlighting the importance of the involvement of civil society and other partners in the target setting process to ensure broad buy-in and endorsement of ambitious national targets.

In September UNAIDS country level partnership officers and focal points met to plan strengthened partnership work at country level. Meeting participants commented on a draft version of the guidelines and agreed to help facilitate partnership between the national authority and civil society at country level for work on target setting. They agreed to: 

• share the guidelines widely with civil society groups nationally
• find ways to translate the guidelines to local languages where appropriate
• help organize meetings and work with government to ensure civil society representatives are involved meaningfully
• act as a focal point for ensuring the target setting process is as inclusive as possible
• encourage transparency in the process by sharing the outcome of any consultations widely 

What can I do?

The "Keep the Promise" campaign holds ourselves, our communities, and our leaders accountable to the promises they have made on action against HIV and AIDS. With World AIDS Day focusing on accountability, and national targets to achieve universal access due at the end of December, we are called to increase our efforts to call our leaders to account and to engage in the process.

Review the Operational Guidance and learn about the commitments toward universal access to prevention, treatment, care and support made by governments and how you can join in civil society to ensure that effective targets are made and kept.

Engage in national level processes with civil society and government by contacting UNAIDS country-level partnership officers and focal points and to see how you can get involved. A list is available here. If your country or region is not listed, contact the civil society partnerships team in Geneva at csp@unaids.org.

Visit political leaders or write to them to ask how they are setting national targets and including civil society in the process.

Plan events around World AIDS Day that raise awareness in your community about your government's promises to respond to HIV and AIDS and the status of their commitments. Actions could include a letter-writing campaign, letters to the editor of your local and national papers, and asking media how they are covering the issue of government accountability on HIV and AIDS.

World AIDS Day 2006

EEA Action Alert - Children. 2/11/06

Keep the Promise: HIV and AIDS Campaign Action Alert

• Without treatment, half of all children born with HIV in poor countries die before age two.
• In 2005, 2.3 million children under 15 were living with HIV and AIDS.
• Of these, 660,000 need anti-retroviral treatment now but less than 10% are getting it.
• Fewer than 10% of pregnant women living with HIV and AIDS are receiving treatment that can virtually eliminate mother-to-child transmission of HIV.
• In 2005, 380,000 children under 15 died of AIDS and over half a million were newly infected with HIV.
• Medicines to treat HIV in children can cost four times more than treatment for adults
• Basic antibiotics can reduce deaths of children from AIDS as much as 43% by treating opportunistic infections and delaying the point at which anti-retrovirals are needed.

• For many drugs no tests have been done on their effects on children and a formulation for children has not been developed and approved for use. This includes the recent innovations of three-in-one pill combinations which make treatment far easier.
• Trying to divide pills intended for adults into dosages for children can lead to dangerously imprecise dosing. Syrup formulations often need refrigeration which is not available in many regions, and are still hard to dose correctly. For all but the youngest of babies, small solid pills of the appropriate dosage are preferable.
• Some formulations for children may not have been marketed outside of rich countries and thus are not available elsewhere.
• Where formulations are available, they are often more expensive than adult formulations, as mentioned above.
• Even where medicines, such as basic antibiotics, are available and affordable, many treatment programs are not yet sufficiently informed and focused on treatment for children and are thus not providing access to medicines.

Fokus op Vigs - Fontainebleau Gemeenskapskerk Erediens. 29/11/06

From the Campaign Office. 12/06

 

From the Campaign Office

 As you have hopefully heard by now the theme for World AIDS Day this year is accountability. The theme and the materials to support it have been developed by the World AIDS Campaign support team based on their ongoing work around World AIDS Day. A number of lessons have been learnt from previous work on World AIDS Day, and far more energy was invested early in the year to make World AIDS Day 2006 a success. The most significant aspect of this World AIDS Day is the degree to which it has been based around the inputs of a wide range of civil society
partners.

During World AIDS Day 2006, we hope to achieve the following objectives:

• Enhanced accountability from political leaders on their promises on AIDS.
• Supporting a broad movement of civil society organisations campaigning to develop their sense of joint identity and common purpose.
• Generating a greater public awareness of, and engagement with, the problem of AIDS worldwide.
• Efforts are being made to allow as much scope as possible for local adaptation of the World AIDS Day theme. Specific country campaigns can be decided on by local organisations within the overall theme of accountability.

These campaigns may wish to utilise the World AIDS Day slogan, Stop AIDS. Keep the Promise, as it stands on its own.

Alternatively, they may decide to develop a slogan that specifically addresses the local issue and use it in conjunction with the World AIDS Day slogan. For example, if a national campaign is run to address the lack of concrete indicators in achieving Universal Access to Treatment, Care and Prevention, the slogan could be: "Set the goals for Universal Access: Stop AIDS. Keep the Promise."

To further promote the theme of accountability, we propose involving the following schemes in World AIDS Day activities:

• Red: Using the colour red in promotional objects, e.g. red ribbons, t-shirts, banners, etc.
• Targeting Leaders: To reinforce the notion of leader responsibility, planning activities such as marches, advocacy, letter writing, etc.

Where possible, both schemes should be used simultaneously. For example, if a campaign plans to march on a legislative body for World AIDS Day, it would be encouraging and make more of an impact if everyone wore red.

In order to assist in World AIDS Day campaigning, resources will be provided by the World AIDS Campaign support team including: a CD-Rom action pack with campaigning information and communications materials, World AIDS Day posters, website with a World AIDS Day events calendar, information and a web forum, a series of press releases, World AIDS Campaign newsletters, networking opportunities and a media pack.

World AIDS Day Action Packs, which include World AIDS Day posters in a choice of English, Spanish, Russian or French languages,and a CD-ROM in all four languages, will be ready in early October. They will also be available to view and download on our website by the end! of the week.

If you would like to receive a copy of the Action Pack , please contact us and indicate your preference in language. Please note, there are a limited supply of materials and materials will be sent out on a first come, first serve basis.

What are you doing for World AIDS Day?

Please let us know your plans for World AIDS Day so we can share the information with colleagues around the world and post events on our website .

To find out more  World AIDS Day 2006,  or email us 

Prayer for Children World AIDS Day 2006

To play, to learn, to have food and health. To be loved, secure and safe. These are the rights of every child, rights robbed by a virus and robbed twice over in countries crippled by debt and paralysed by trade rules designed to benefit the rich and powerful

World AIDS Day Liturgy of Diakonia Council of Churches. 1/12/06

Stop AIDS. Keep the Promise. World AIDS Day 2006

Published by Diakonia Council of Churches December 2006

"2006 marks the 25th anniversary of the identification of AIDS, 10 years since the introduction of antiretroviral therapy, and five years since UN member states unanimously adopted the 2001 "Declaration of Commitment on HIV/AIDS." If there is one thing that HIV/AIDS surely attacks, it is human life. With millions of people already dead, and millions of others either living with or personally affected by HIV/AIDS, the epidemic constitutes one of the most critical problems for our time. Beyond physical death, HIV/AIDS has also undertaken a severe attack on spiritual, psychological and economic life. Some may have suffered and died physically, but the tragedy is that the majority of families, communities and countries died internally and mentally when they lost hope for the future. The quality of life has been severely reduced for both the infected and the affected. It is therefore important to remember that religious institutions in general, and churches in particular have very important roles to play in ministering to the spiritual needs of those affected and infected by HIV/AIDS; in fighting the spread of the disease from one person to the other; in mobilising care and treatment for those already infected; and in mitigating the effects of the disease on the families, communities and nations that have been affected.

Download this document here (PDF, 303.75KB, 12 pg)

Litany for World AIDS Day, December 1st

This litany can be used as a call to worship, or as a call to confession, and can be used in the Christmas or regular season.

Written by: Steve Kooy

As a church today, we have gathered in the name of Jesus Christ. We celebrate His birth, His death, and His resurrection. Christ brings salvation and restores our souls to health. He transforms our lives and redeems our sin filled world. 

We worship Christ our saviour, healer, and redeemer.

We look forward to the day when Christ returns in all His glory and when there will be no more sin.   Until then we will devote our lives to walking in the way of the Lord, to seeking the desires of God’s heart, and to joining God’s work of redemption in the world.

God promised that we will find Him, when we seek Him with all of our heart. (Jer 29:13)

Our world is no longer the perfect creation that God intended. It is in poor health and in need of the healing presence of Christ. Millions are dying without the knowledge of a Saviour who can heal both body and soul. 

God desires a hand that brings healing. (Mark 2:17)

HIV/AIDS is an epidemic that has infected both immoral and innocent alike. Millions of children are infected with HIV. This disease is not punishment from God; it is a painful consequence of sin.

God desires a heart that shows mercy. (Micah 6:8)

Our world knows what it is to be needy. More than 60 million people have been infected by HIV over the last 2 decades. In 2001, HIV/AIDS claimed an estimated 3 million lives. Behind each person infected, there is a community affected. Poverty and famine deepen, and communities are stretched beyond capacity to care for those left behind.

God desires a religion that cares for the needy, the widow, and the orphan. (James 1:27)

Our world is full of loneliness and emptiness. It is in need of a saviour who offers hope and meaning.

God desires a church that embraces sinners. (Luke 19:10)

As disciples of Christ, God desires that we:

Act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with our God. (Micah 6:8)

May God find us faithful in this task.

Download this Litany here (DOC, 42.5KB, pg 1)

World AIDS Day Liturgy of Diakonia Council of Churches 2005. 1/12/05

Stop AIDS. Keep/Make the Promise. Don't Turn your Back on AIDS

Published by Diakonia Council of Churches December 2005

The international theme for World AIDS Day 2005 is Stop AIDS. Keep/Make the Promise! Don’t turn your back on AIDS! Diakonia Council of Churches offers suggestions towards worship services to be held on or around World AIDS Day in the hope that they will encourage many churches to mark this day.

Download this document here (PFD, 211.95KB, 17pg)

World AIDS Day Liturgy December 2003 by Catholic Bishops Conference of Myanmar 12/03

World AIDS Day Liturgy of Diakonia Council of Churches 2004. 1/12/04

Have you Heard me Today?

Published by the Diakonia Council of Churches December 2004

The international theme for World AIDS Day 2004 is Women, Girls, HIV and AIDS – “Have you heard me today? Diakonia Council of Churches offers these suggestions towards worship services to be held on or around World AIDS Day in the hope that they will encourage many churches to mark this day.

Download this document here (PDF, 230.14KB, 22 pg)

Boodskap van CABSA vir VIGS Herdenking Sondag - 19 Mei 2013

Ons wil julle graag herinner dat dit Sondag Vigs Herdenking Sondag is en jul uitnooi om ook Sondag julle tafel vol kerse te maak – ter herdenking van soveel lewens wat diep geraak is en steeds geraak word deur MIV en Vigs.

Toe die eerste Vigs Herdenkingsdiens in 1983 gehou is, was dit nog onbekend wat die oorsaak van Vigs was. Op daardie stadium het slegs ‘n paar duisend mense gesterf aan Vigs-verwante siektes. Dit is nou dertig jaar later en intussen het Vigs ‘n paar miljoen lewens geëis. Ons is egter in ‘n posisie wat ons al soveel meer van MIV en Vigs weet en dankbaar kan wees vir soveel vordering as dit kom by die behandeling en voorkoming van MIV.

Ons gebruik egter steeds wêreldwyd die derde Sondag in Mei om ons solidariteit te wys met ons broers en susters, vriende en kollegas en ook miljoene mense wat ons nie persoonlik ken nie wat aan Vigs-verwante siektes gesterf het.

Ook dink ons met meelewing en deernis aan elkeen van ons, ook ons broers en susters wat vandag met MIV LEWE, en erken ons die somtyds stille effek wat MIV ook in ons eie lewens en families mag hê.

Ons identifiseer met die liggaam van Christus en sê – in Solidariteit is ons almal saam hierin. “As een lid ly, ly al die lede saam: en as een lid geëer word, is al die lede saam bly.” 1 Kor 12: 26

CABSA wil jou nooi om saam met ons en duisende Christene wêreldwyd  te kies om ons solidariteit met mekaar en elkeen wat met MIV leef en saamleef te wys. Kom ons maak Sondag ons tafels vol kerse en gebede.

Steek 'n kers - of sommer 'n tafel vol kerse - aan  terwyl julle middagete en/of aandete geniet.  Bid dan ook saam met ons vir families en vriende wat geliefdes aan die dood afgestaan het, maar ook vir elkeen van ons wat met MIV leef en saamleef. Bid ook aasseblief dat ons as Kerk al meer ’n stigma-vrye plek van hoop en ondersteuning sal word in ’n wêreld met MIV.

Vir meer inligting oor Vigs Herdenking Sondag besoek  http://www.cabsa.org.za/content/worship-material-international-aids-cand...

Met waardering

Aneleh, Lyn Meloney en Jerry

 

Worship Material for International AIDS Candlelight Memorial Sunday 2013

When the first “International AIDS Candlelight Memorial” was held in 1983, the cause of AIDS was not even known, and only a few thousand people had died. Thirty years later we continue to use the third Sunday in May as an opportunity to show solidarity with our brothers and sister who have died, with our brothers and sisters living with the virus, with the millions of us who have lost loved ones and with each person involved with the epidemic in some way.

It is therefore appropriate that the theme for the 30th anniversary is "In Solidarity". More information on the theme and the history can be found here.

AIDS Candlelight Memorial this year is also Pentecost Sunday. Rather than a full worship service focussed on HIV, we developed a short litany and prayer that can be used in any service.

You can download the litany in Afrikaans and English.

We suggest that you also sing the song "Ukuthula" or use the video below.

2012 International AIDS Candlelight Memorial Promotes the Health and Dignity of People Living with and Affected by HIV. 20/5/2012

Press Release

20 May 2012 – Around 100,000 people worldwide today commemorated the International AIDS Candlelight Memorial to remember those who have lost their lives to AIDS and to support those living with HIV and affected by its impact. Supported by community, business and religious leaders in 500 town and villages in 115 countries, Memorial participants called for greater action from all actors in the HIV response.

“The International AIDS Candlelight Memorial is a vivid reminder of our continuous battle against a very deadly disease,” says Mayowa Joel, Candlelight Memorial Coordinator in Nigeria. “Remembering the friends and loved ones we lost to AIDS is essential in this time of dwindling funds and ever changing global health and development priorities that threaten the advances we have made to stop AIDS and reverse the spread of HIV and other closely associated diseases especially TB."

According to the most recent UNAIDS statistics, around 34 million people are living with HIV globally. Increasing access to HIV treatment has aided efforts to stabilize the epidemic, but still every year 1.8 million people die of AIDS related diseases, while some 2.7 million new people become infected. Annually at least 390,000 children are born with HIV, something which is wholly preventable with current medical knowledge.

People participating in this year’s International AIDS Candlelight Memorial called for governments and international agencies to ensure more people have access to better health services and HIV treatment. Also Memorial participants demanded local and national governments to do more to support the human rights of people living with HIV and no longer tolerate stigma and discrimination.

According to Candlelight Memorial participants the HIV response will only be successful when it is an effort that is supported by and addresses the needs of all those affected by HIV, including all people living with HIV and specific groups such as men who have sex with men, people who use drugs, and sex workers, women and young people.

Promoting Health and Dignity Together is the theme of this year’s Memorial. The theme emphasizes that the health and well-being of an individual cannot be achieved without respecting a person’s dignity and promoting and protecting the human rights of all. Promoting Health and Dignity Together is closely connected to the rights based framework, Positive Health, Dignity and Prevention, focusing on the health and well being of people living with HIV, which has been developed by UNAIDS and GNP+ and has informed national policies responding to the needs of people living with HIV around world.

Background:

The International AIDS Candlelight Memorial, coordinated by the Global Network of People living with HIV is one of the world’s oldest and largest grassroots mobilization campaigns for HIV awareness in the world. Started in 1983, the Candlelight Memorial takes place every third Sunday in May and is led by community, health and faith organizations in 115 countries. With 33 million people living with HIV today, the Candlelight serves as an important intervention for global solidarity, reducing stigma and discrimination and giving hope to new generations.

For many organizers community mobilization for the Candlelight Memorial begins on World AIDS Day, 1 December, and ends with the international memorial in May. Coordinating organizations are diverse and include networks of people living with HIV, women organizations, networks of key populations, service organizations, academic institutions, health-care facilities, faith-based groups, businesses, media, and more.

Memorials range from small community vigils to multi-day national commemorations. In addition to remembrance, many coordinating organizations use the Candlelight Memorial as an opportunity to promote local HIV services, encourage education and community dialogue, and advocate for the advancement of public policy.

The leadership of people living with HIV and those most affected by HIV is a critical aspect of the Candlelight Memorial. Being driven by communities is what makes this event so unique and important.

About GNP+

The Global Network of People living with HIV (GNP+) is the global network for and by people living with HIV. GNP+ advocates to improve the quality of life of people living with HIV. Driven by the needs of people living with HIV worldwide, GNP+ supports people living with HIV through their organisations and networks. GNP+ works to ensure equitable access to health and social services, by focusing on social justice, rights and more meaningful involvement of people living with HIV in programme and policy development – the GIPA principle. www.gnpplus.net

For more information about the International AIDS Candlelight Memorial: Please contact GNP+ (Martin Stolk, External Relations & Communications officer, by email communications@gnpplus.net, or phone +31-20-423 4114)

Guidelines for Aids Memorial Sunday 2010 compiled by the Aids Task Group of the CCD of the DRC (Western and Southern Cape) and the URCSA (Cape Province).

The Aids Task Group of the NGK and VGK in the Western Cape and CABSA  compiled guidelines for use during the service on Sunday 16 May when Aids Memorial Sunday will be celebrated worldwide. The United Ministry for the Service of Testimony of the NG Kerk has not only taken note of the guidelines but also supports it  for use in NGK and VGK congregations.

Riglyne vir Vigsherdenkingsondag 2010 saamgestel deur die Vigstaakgroep van die GKD van die NG Kerk (Wes- en Suid-Kaap) en die VG Kerk (Kaapland).

Die Vigstaakgroep van die NGK en VGK in Wes-Kaap het in samewerking met CABSA weer riglyne opgestel vir gebruik tydens die erediens op Sondag 16 Mei wanneer Vigsherdenkingsondag wêreldwyd gevier word. Die Verenigende Bediening vir die Diens van Geuienis van die NG Kerk het nie net van die riglyne kennis geneem nie, maar ondersteun dit ook vir gebruik in die gemeentes van die NGK en die VGK.

Declaration of Solidarity

The Candlelight Memorial’s International Advisory Board, in collaboration with the Global Health Council, has issued the Declaration of Solidarity to be read during memorials around the globe.

You can download the PDF below.

Preekstudie

Handelinge 10:44-48

Sermon Guidelines English

Download CABSA guidelines for Aids Candlelight Memorial Sunday 2009.

Worship Resources AIDS Candlelight Memorial 2008

Sermon Guidelines for AIDS Candlelight Memorial Sunday, 18 May 2008 were made available by the Aids Forum of the DRC family. They were compiled by the Executive Committee of the AIDS Task Group of the Combined Commission for Diaconate of the DR Church (Western and Southern Cape) and the UR Church (Cape) in cooperation with CABSA and leaders of the Calvin and Moravian Churches.

AIDS Candlelight Memorial Worship Material 2007

 CABSA has been instrumental in developing worship material for AIDS Candlelight Memorial 2007.  A variety of formats and languages are available:

1. CABSA Sermon Guidelines for AIDS Memorial Day 20 May 2007.

2. CABSA Erediens Riglyne vir Vigs Herdenkingsondag 20 Mei 2007. 

4. Riglyne vir Vigsherdenkingsondag op 20 Mei 2007 saamgestel deur die Uitvoerende Komitee van die Vigstaakgroep van die Gekombineerde Kommissie vir Diakonaat van die NG Kerk (Wes- en Suid-Kaap) en die VG Kerk (Kaapland) in samewerking met CABSA (die Vigsburo – projek van die Hugenote Kollege) . Die riglyne is nie ‘n volledige erediens nie, maar dien as hulp vir die beplanning van ‘n erediens.

5. isiXhosa and English Guidelines for Aids Memorial Day, 20 May 2007, compiled by the Executive Committee of the AIDS Task Group of the Combined Commission for Diaconate of the Dutch Reformed Church (Western and Southern Cape) and the UR Church (Cape) in co-operation with CABSA (the AIDS Bureau – project of the Huguenot College). The guidelines are not a complete church service, but serve as an aid for the planning of a church service.

6. Love Never Fails, Produced by the Diocese do Niassa, March 2006.

7. Candlelight Ceremony provided by Khetho Sephiri, World Vision South Africa. 

AIDS Candlelight Memorial 2007- Background

Worship Service Suggestions 2006

VIGS Herdenkingssondag 2006

 

Other Resources for the 16 Days Campaign. 26/11/2012

In addition to the worship resources and posters provided for 2012, this website has a wide selection of tools and resources that deal with gender, gender based violence and advocacy on this issue. We will highlight a few, but this is by no means a complete list - please search this website if you need more info.

Gender in general:

• Gender Issues in the News
• HIV and Gender-based Violence.
• Gender Resources
• Gender Mainstreaming and Programming Tools

A selection of Advocacy Resources on Gender Based Violence can be found here.

Statements or Recommendations:

Sermon Guidelines or Bible Messages focussing on Gender and Gender base Violence

Relevant items in the News. (Focus on faith news)

• Marriage & Family : Stigma And Discrimination (Gender Dimension to HIV/AIDS). 3/11
• Sexual Abuse. 19/1/12  A World Council of Churches (WCC) health consultation on the theme “Safe Spaces - transforming faith communities”, has been held from 16–18 January 2012 at the Ecumenical Centre in Geneva.
• Fighting Ignorance, Fear and Stigma through Bible Study. 9/12/11
• MenEngage Africa Explores Masculinities. 4/11/09
• Ecumenical Response to HIV and Sexual Violence in Angola. 25/9/2012
• Gender Equality Workshop: Religion and Masculinities in Africa: Its Impact on HIV and Gender Based Violence. 31/5/12

World Council of Churches (WCC): “16 Days of Activism against Gender Violence”. 22/11/2012

CC/European Parliament

The World Council of Churches (WCC) is inviting individuals and congregations to join “16 Days of Activism against Gender Violence” through reflections, prayers and action towards overcoming violence against women.

To put an end to violence against women at the core of defending women’s human rights, the 16 Days of Activism from 25 November through 10 December strategically cover the International Women Human Rights Defenders Day (29 November), World AIDS Day (1 December) and International Human Rights Day (10 December).As part of the 16 Days of Activism, the WCC’s Women in Church and Society programme has launched a resource kit on the WCC website to engage churches and civil society groups from around the world.

The resources were developed in collaboration with the World YWCA (Young Women’s Christian Association) and the World Student Christian Federation.

The online materials include bible studies, theological reflections, videos, links, prayers and ideas for activities for churches and individuals.

“Justice and peace are key concerns linked with the strategic advocacy underlying these 16 Days of Activism. It is a time for raising awareness in preparation for a paradigm shift away from the denial of women’s human rights,” said Dr Fulata Lusungu Moyo, WCC programme executive for Women in Church and Society.

The concerns expressed through the campaign, she said, attempts to eradicate a “world culture in which violence against women is tolerated.”

The 16 Days of Activism focus on sexual and domestic violence against women, sexism in contexts of caste, class and race, human trafficking, as well as initiatives towards transformative masculinities aimed at addressing violence against women.

Addressing these themes, the resource kit calls special attention to gendered perspectives on life, justice, peace and reconciliation.

Through the 16 Days of Activism, Moyo hopes that the participants will be able to “promote affirmative policies and take part in prophetic actions, bringing the perspective of faith to proclaim an end to violence against women.”

With 16 Days of Activism, the WCC also aims to explore prayerfully the theme of its upcoming 10th Assembly, “God of life, lead us to justice and peace.” The assembly will be held in Busan, Republic of Korea in the autumn of 2013.

Material

PDF: WCC resource kit for 16 Days of Activism for Violence against Women

Web: Information on UNiTE to End Violence against Women website

Web: WCC activities promoting just peace

Web: WCC programme on Women in Church and Society

I Believe In Jesus Christ, Who Ascended Into Heaven. 03/2010

MCDC Monday morning devotion

I Believe In Jesus Christ, Who Is Coming Back From Heaven To Judge The Living And The Dead And Usher In A Whole New Creation/ 03/2010

MCDC Monday morning devotion

The expectation of Christ's return is never an excuse for lying down on the job.

I Believe in God the Holy Spirit. 15/03/2010

MCDC Monday morning devotion

THE HOLY SPIRIT IS GOD

THE FRUIT OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

The Holy Spirit do not only gives us abilities to serve, he also gives us the right attitude when we serve. The fruit of the Holy Spirit is the attitude in our hearts to serve with real love: love to God and love to those we are serving.

Galatians 5:22 26

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control. Against such things there is no law. And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.

What makes the fruit grow? The more I know that I belong to Christ and my flesh and passions have been crucified. The Holy Spirit is the almighty GOD with his omnipotent power living in us. The power that resurrected Christ from death will also empower me to kill my own sinful desires (crucify them) and radiate his fruit growing in me.

APPLICATION ON COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

1. How can poor, grieving down and out suffering people have a taste of heaven through your presence? List clear examples.
2. How should the biblical teaching that every Christian has gifts of the Holy Spirit for service effects your work in community development?
3. How will the fruit of the Holy Spirit effect our style of work with colleagues and our style of work with beneficiaries.