Saddleback Church, World Vision, Catholic Relief Services and Food for the Hungry
Joined by Government, Health and NGO Leaders in Webcasted Event
– At the mid-point of AIDS 2012, the XIX bi-annual International AIDS Conference held in D.C., several hundred global church leaders, pastors, government representatives and heath officials gathered today on the campus of Georgetown University for “The Summit on the Role of the Christian Faith Community in Global Health and HIV/AIDS,” presented by Rick and Kay Warren of Saddleback Church, World Vision, Catholic Relief Services and Food for the Hungry.
“At a breakfast on the Hill at which both Sir Elton John and I spoke yesterday, I told him, ‘You and I are worlds apart on many issues, but if you want to end AIDS, I’m on your side,'” said Warren, pastor of Saddleback Church and best-selling author of “The Purpose Driven Life.” “To stop AIDS and take healthcare to every village in the world you must go through the local church…the Church is the largest organization in the world; nothing comes close.”
Larry Ross
Kristin Cole
Most participants echoed the importance of the faith community in providing care and compassion for individuals infected and families affected by HIV/AIDS.
“We are called to engage in this work, guided by our convictions as we strengthen our partnership efforts to address the AIDS pandemic, one of the most significant challenges of our time,” said Dr. John J. DeGioia, Georgetown University president. “Faith-based organizations are called to consider the whole person, understanding that those who suffer represent more than just a disease.”
Lord Paul Boateng of Food for the Hungry added, “The mission of faith organizations in the battle against the HIV virus must involve an inclusive strategy that encompasses all people, regardless of age, ethnicity or orientation, based on the transformative power of God’s love.”
The program featured video presentations by Presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama as well as Governor Mitt Romney. “Pursuing the dream of an AIDS-free generation has always been a goal of my administration, and the work of the Church is essential to this effort,” President Obama said.
President Bush expressed similar support. “The faith community is critical to healthcare delivery in Africa and the developing world. Thank you for answering the call and offering hope to the hopeless and saving lives,” he said, to which Governor Romney added, “Fidelity to faith should never prevent any group from doing their work, and our government should stand by you as you do it.”
In addition to keynote presentations, the event featured two panel discussions. The first focused on the role of the faith community in creating an AIDS-free generation and the second addressed the role of the faith community in leveraging HIV work for the health of the whole person.
“As a faith community, we need to remain relevant and maintain our authenticity,” said Bruce Wilkinson, Catholic Medical Mission Board. “I once asked a Ugandan Bishop how AIDS has changed the church, and he replied, ‘We have learned to love more.‘”
Lois Quam, executive director of the U.S. Department of State Global Health Initiatives, stressed the historic significance of this summit. “Faith leaders are critical change agents in the fight against AIDS,” she said. “Churches provide critical comfort and care in support of medical treatment; and bring a prophetic voice that should not be discounted in helping people change. My hope is that, as a result of what happens here today, that voice will be strengthened.”
Before offering the final benediction to close the gathering, Kay Warren challenged attendees to continue to care for individuals in need, saying, “We need to give everything we have, so that others find hope and health in Jesus’ name.”
To see an archived video of the full event, visit http://www.georgetown.edu/webcast/faith-aids-summit.html
