Today is World AIDS Day. The Presiding Bishop has issued a letter encouraging Episcopalians 'to remember, pray, and work together to alleviate the suffering inflicted' by the HIV/AIDS pandemic. She also commends the work of National Episcopal AIDS Coalition, which has a new online quiz where you can test your knowledge about various aspects of the AIDS pandemic. Read more about the online quiz here.
More people are living with AIDS now than ever. The Centers for Disease Control reports that HIV prevalence increased by approximately 112,000 (or 11%) from 2003 to 2006 (from 994,000 to 1,106,400 total persons). This is in part due to the fact that individuals are living with HIV longer now. The CDC also reports one in five people infected with HIV are unaware they have the virus.
Today is an excellent time to think about what we as individuals and as a church are doing to address AIDS awareness and minister to those afflicted with HIV/AIDS. In the coming year, you'll see NEHM working closely with NEAC to bring renewed focus to this critically important issue. Please read the Presiding Bishop's letter. Visit NEAC's website (www.neac.org) and take the quiz there. Share what you learn with others. Develop a plan to address HIV/AIDS in your parish or community. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of those dealing with HIV/AIDS.
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