[Episcopal News Service] Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams has recorded a video message for World AIDS Day in which he talks about the part sexual violence plays in the spread of HIV, calling it "one of the most shameful facts of our day."

In observance of World AIDS Day on Dec. 1, Christian leaders are calling for continued support for the nearly 34 million people living with HIV around the world and encouraging renewed education and advocacy efforts to bring an end to the global pandemic. We're glad NEAC is featured!

“World AIDS Day is an opportunity for each of us to reflect on God’s call to lift up the dignity and value of each person.” Episcopal Church Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori and Presiding Bishop Mark Hanson of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) have issued a joint letter for World AIDS Day 2011.

When many people think of AIDS or HIV, they often picture a younger person, perhaps in their twenties or thirties. But with improving medical technology and treatments that help patients live for much longer, those perceptions are becoming outdated. Often termed the “graying of AIDS,” people 50 and older are making up a larger share of the HIV/AIDS population across America. In fact, recent statistics show the seniors’ portion of the population grew from 22 percent in 2001 to 35 percent in 2007.