April 2001

NEAC and our Interfaith Partners

C. William Frampton, III, NEAC Co-Chair

February 9 and 10 saw the gathering of the Council of Religious AIDS Networks in Daytona Beach, FL. NEAC has been part of the council since its inception and fully supports its mission: “to be an open and respectful forum that empowers and mobilizes prophetic witness and ministries by faith communities in the response to the global HIV/AIDS pandemic.”

Through our work with the council NEAC has been able to receive Centers for Disease Control funds to support both the TAP and Sunday School Curriculum projects. Working with other faith-based organizations we share ideas and resources and work collaboratively to lobby Congress for funding of research and care.

Other faith organizations represented in the council include the Disciples of Christ, Dignity USA, Seventh-Day Adventists, Lutherans, Roman Catholics, Presbyterians, The Balm in Gilead, The River Fund, United Church of Christ, Universal Fellowship of Metropolitan Community Churches, United Methodists, Unitarian Universalists and the Union of American Hebrew Congregations.

In light of our new relationship with the Lutheran church it is exciting that I have been invited to attend the Lutheran AIDS Network conference in April. Connecting Caring Communities will be held in St Louis and I am proud to represent NEAC at this event. It will give us an opportunity to explore how we can move forward working together to support all persons in their ministry.

If you would like to know more about CRAN and the work that is being done ecumenically on your behalf, visit the council’s website at www.AIDSFAITH.com.