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Archbishop of Canterbury's Message for World AIDS Day
It is important that we do not allow ourselves to be paralysed by this challenge; people do not have to die – drugs and treatment are available – the scandal is that access is so often limited and it is hard to see where justice lies in the way resources are sometimes distributed...
The churches have not always challenged as they should the stigma that is attached to HIV and AIDS in many countries. They have failed to say that those living with HIV/AIDS are God's beloved children, with dignity, liberty and freedom. What is owed to them is what is owed to any human being made in God's image, and the more we are trapped by thoughts and images about stigma, the less we shall be able to respond effectively.
Prayer
Almighty God,
Look in your mercy upon children and all who suffer from HIV/Aids – including those who do not know that they have become infected;
Give grace to children and relatives who look after members of their families who are too unwell to look after themselves, to the detriment of parenting, family income and schooling opportunities;
Protect those made orphans and strengthen their resilience;
Bless those who give appropriate medical treatment, sexual health education, pastoral counselling and practical support, and be close to those who, at present, are sadly beyond reach of these;
Energise your Church in its ministry of calm, care and compassion: and in its witness to the generosity of your saving love, especially to the young;
through Jesus Christ, our Lord.
Amen .
Revd John Bradford
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