'Great Awakening' about AIDS response could reach millions more vulnerable people

Mexico City, Aug. 1, 2008--Minister and AIDS educator Rev. Christo Greyling said that many more children and families affected by HIV and AIDS could be helped if churches and faith-based organizations (FBOs) shared a broader vision of leadership and co-operation.

At a speech at the Ecumenical Pre-Conference on AIDS, Rev. Greyling of the Christian humanitarian organization World Vision International detailed the progress made in the Church's response to AIDS over the past decade and challenged Christian leaders everywhere to do more for those affected by the impact of HIV and AIDS. The meeting, in Mexico City, precedes the XVII International AIDS Conference.

"Between 2001 and 2006, we realized that churches and their leaders had to be at the centre of the HIV and AIDS response. I think of that time as a 'Great Awakening,'" he said. "World Vision's work with churches and faith-based organizations over the years demonstrated that there is powerful potential for faith communities to help prevent the spread of HIV, promote care by reducing stigma and provide support for those affected - particularly children.

"However, despite all the progress and good work that has been done, this is no time for complacency. Have people stopped dying from AIDS? No. We know children and adults continue to die of AIDS, many because they cannot access treatment. As Christians and Christian leaders we are called to address this sad reality.

"Still, it's very often secular groups that lead advocacy on these issues, while church leaders should be among the first to advocate for the availability of therapy and pediatric drugs, for a complete roll-out of prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV, and for the rights of orphans and vulnerable children. When we see the low portion of funds that go to meeting children's needs, why are church leaders silent about this? These are things we must be vocal about."

Rev. Greyling said that leaders of churches and faith-based organizations also need to better network with partners and community groups to reach more people in need with broader knowledge and capacities. Greyling is chairman of ANERELA+, the African Network of Religious Leaders Living With or Personally Affected by HIV and AIDS. He also leads World Vision's Channels of Hope program for engaging and equipping faith leaders in responding to HIV.

"Groups are often each doing their part largely in isolation, which is regrettable when you consider the incredible power they would have working together. Imagine the impact we would see both within and beyond local congregations as they link and coordinate with other community-based efforts.

"If leaders in churches and FBOs - whether ordained or lay people - find the will to respond to HIV, prevent its spread and stigma, call for treatment access, and network better to provide community care for those with this disease, then the next decade may well be known as the Great Advance against the pandemic."

For more information, or an interview with one of World Vision's HIV and AIDS experts, contact Geraldine Ryerson-Cruz in Mexico City at +1.202.615.2608 or gryerson@worldvision.org.