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Join us for a World AIDS Day Interfaith Event

December 1, 2008
5:30 pm
Foundry United Methodist Church
1500 16th St NW, Washington, DC 20036

On December 1, 2008, a diverse group of people of faith will gather with the broader community to observe World AIDS Day 2008. 

Doors will open for refreshments at 5:30 p.m. The interfaith observance will begin at 6:00 p.m., followed by a candlelight vigil at 7:00 p.m. on the front steps of the church.

Speakers will include:

• Salma Abugidieri, Director, Peaceful Families Project
• Rev. Dr. Bernice Powell Jackson, North American President, World Council of Churches and Interim Pastor, Beecher Memorial United Church of Christ
• Patricia Nalls, Founder & Executive Director, The Women’s Collective
• Rev. William G. Sinkford, President, Unitarian Universalist Association of Congregations
• Rabbi David Saperstein, Director, Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism
• Featuring the All Souls Jubilee Singers

All individuals and organizations, religious or secular, are welcome to participate. We hope you will join our call for the truth and leadership needed for effective evidence-based HIV prevention.                                                                                                             

For more information or to RSVP, please contact Glenn Northern at the Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice.

Sponsored by: Advocates for Youth; American Jewish World Service; Black AIDS Institute; Catholics for Choice; Center for Health and Gender Equity (CHANGE); Foundry United Methodist AIDS Mission; General Board of Church & Society, United Methodist Church; International Women’s Health Coalition; National Council of Jewish Women; Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice; Sexuality Information and Education Council of the United States (SIECUS); Union for Reform Judaism; Unitarian Universalist Association of Congregations; United Church of Christ (Justice and Witness Ministries); Women of Reform Judaism; The Women’s Collective

Today, as we mark the 20th anniversary of World AIDS Day, we can take pride in the contribution the U.S. has made in increasing access to treatment and care for millions people affected by HIV/AIDS around the world. UNAIDS estimates there are 33 million people living with HIV and for every 2 people receiving treatment there are 5 new infections. With this rate of new infections still outpacing the number of people starting treatment, there is much work left to be done. President-elect Barack Obama has the opportunity to lead the way to effective HIV prevention policies.

Current U.S. policy prioritizes abstinence and fidelity programs over proven prevention strategies such as comprehensive sexuality education and programs that allow women to access a full range of contraceptive options. To curb the rate of new infections, the U.S. must invest heavily in evidence-based prevention methods and ensure that they reach groups bearing the brunt of new infections: women, youth, and other vulnerable populations.

Reversing the spread of HIV can be achieved but it requires creative involvement from all sectors of society, including the church. Faith communities, individuals, governments, and others must step up to break the silence and create the change that is needed.

Help us ensure that President-elect Obama works with Congress to renew efforts to prevent the spread of HIV across the world. On this World AIDS Day, please sign this petition urging the President-elect to take a stand and promote comprehensive, evidence-based HIV prevention programs for all people.