Christians Play Vital Role in Effort to Defeat AIDS Pandemic

MNN Staff/AH : Jan 2, 2007
Mission Network News

"Our faithfulness in Christ calls us to both comfort the sick and demand justice for the oppressed. AIDS is a health and social issue. But it is also an ethical and human rights issue."

The Church—once silent on the issue of AIDS—is now beginning to be seen as taking an active and important role in helping to defeat the spread, and the effects of the deadly virus. Some examples of several Christian organizations' efforts are shared in an article by MNN, and include the recent Urbana '06 student missions conference held last month.

Princess Kasune Zulu, of World Vision, remarked on the "stirring" she saw in the future leaders at Urbana: "There is an awakening to say, 'We want to do something.' They are ready; they're saying 'Lord, what is my call?'"

Steve Haas, Vice-President of World Vision, said, "As leaders of the church have spoken-up, a lot of other leaders who are listening for that kind of music to act are hearing it and realizing that they can harmonize in their own specific ways."

The Christian humanitarian relief organization reportedly teamed-up with Rick Warren's Purpose Driven Ministries in working toward, not justslowing the pandemic, but stopping it.

Warren's STOP acronym sums up the strategy: "S"—Save sex for marriage "T"—Teach men to respect women and children "O"—Offer treatment through the churches "P"—Pledge yourself to one partner for life.

World Vision International's President, Dean Hirsch, added, "Our faithfulness in Christ calls us to both comfort the sick and demand justice for the oppressed. AIDS is a health and social issue. But it is also an ethical and human rights issue."