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RCRC Marks 2011 World AIDS Day

December 1 is World AIDS Day - a time to renew our resolve to prevent HIV, remember those who have died of the disease, and celebrate accomplishments such as increased access to treatment and prevention services. This year's observance is full of hope and promise. After 30 years of the global fight against HIV/AIDS, the focus is on "Getting to Zero" - zero new infections, zero discrimination, and zero AIDS-related deaths.  

UNAIDS reports that HIV infections are decreasing and more people have access to life-prolonging drugs. Yet despite advances in treatment and in laws designed to protect those living with HIV, many people do not know the facts about how to protect themselves and others from HIV or about the stigma and discrimination that remain a reality for many people living with HIV.  World AIDS Day is an important reminder  that there is still a vital need to raise money, increase awareness, expose prejudice and improve education.

The Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice asks you to help "get to zero" by taking one or more steps:

• Reduce the spread of HIV by learning the facts,
• End discrimination against persons with HIV/AIDS by sharing information,
• Prevent deaths by getting tested yourself and encouraging someone else to get tested.   

The HIV/AIDS pandemic affects us all in some way. As people of faith - as people who respect the sacredness of life and know we are all connected as children of God in this human family - let us work together to prevent, reduce, treat and cure HIV and AIDS.

A Prayer for World AIDS Day

Blessed and loving God,

Hear us as we call on all your many names in one universal prayer for all those affected by HIV/AIDS.

Guide us with your Spirit of Healing. We lift up in prayer all who have died from AIDS. Heal all who suffer. Inspire the researchers who work towards breakthroughs and bring renewal to the medical professionals who offer care and compassion.  

Guide us with your Spirit of Peace, bringing comfort to  persons with HIV and AIDS, their families, loved ones, caregivers, and all who mourn. Bring peace to all who work to reduce the spread of HIV, through education and advocacy and promotion of safer sex, comprehensive sexual education and needle exchange. 

Guide us with your Spirit ofJustice as we work to tear down the walls of fear and ignorance and ensure those living with HIV receive the medical care they need without barriers or burdens.  Strengthen us as we challenge HIV/AIDS as a source of stigma, discrimination and injustice. Help us to remove discrimination from our laws as well as our hearts, reminding us that we are all children of God, whatever our medical status.

Guide us, oh God, to zero.
 Amen.