Churches worldwide prayed for drug addicts, sex workers, homosexual men and other populations afflicted by HIV/AIDS as they marked Word AIDS Day on Dec. 1. This year’s events focused on universal access and human rights.
According to UNAIDS, an estimated 33 million people are living with HIV. In regions outside of sub-Saharan Africa, it is most common among people on the margins of society, and can be the source of social stigma if it is associated with deviant behaviour, immorality, lack of faith in God or divine punishment for sex-related sins.
“The most vulnerable to HIV are people who need our care, and our support, and people infected with HIV continue to need our support now more than ever,” said Karen Plater, the Presbyterian Church’s representative to the HIV/AIDS committee of the Ecumenical Advocacy Alliance. “Continuing to care for people infected and affected by HIV is a testament to the love of Christ, who cared for people who were outcast, marginalized and vulnerable.” – C.P.
