November 2006

Presiding Bishop’s Letter on Behalf of NEAC on World AIDS Day

December 1, 2006

For the National Episcopal AIDS Coalition

Dear Friends:

I am pleased to have this opportunity to send my greetings to each of you as we commemorate World AIDS Day and stand in solidarity with our brothers and sisters living with HIV/AIDS while lifting up those advocates and caregivers who continue to dedicate their lives to the eradication of this pandemic.

Since 1988, the National Episcopal AIDS Coalition has worked collaboratively for effective HIV/AIDS ministry at all levels of the Episcopal Church. Now more than ever, the resources and strategies for preventing HIV and treating AIDS are fully within humanity’s reach. Mobilization of resources by the United States and other countries over the past four years has increased treatment rates more than eight-fold in Africa and brought new hope to millions of people. Still, HIV prevention efforts lag as infection rates continue to rise in many of the world’s hardest hit regions. At least 4.3 million new infections occurred in the past year alone, with more than six in ten coming from Sub-Saharan Africa.

It is my hope and prayer that each of you will continue your efforts to turn the tide of the scourge of HIV/AIDS. I encourage you visit the Episcopal Church’s ONE Episcopalian campaign, accessible via www.episcopalchurch.org/ONE. There you can learn how we as individuals can join a growing, grassroots community dedicated to the Millennium Development Goals as a change agent in our broken world.

Today we remember the millions of people who have lost their lives to HIV/AIDS, and I am grateful for the good hard work of the National Episcopal AIDS Coalition as its members look to the future with enthusiasm in order to invigorate education and ministry opportunities. Please know that this comes with my prayers and warmest wishes as you continue to work in service to the gospel for the sake of the world.

Your servant in Christ,

The Most Rev. Katharine Jefferts Schori
Presiding Bishop and Primate