We have recently learned of the passing of the Rev. Richard Younge. At the national level, Father Younge served as president of the National Episcopal AIDS Coalition (NEAC), a member of the General Convention’s Commission on HIV/AIDS, and a board member of the Episcopal Society for Ministry in Higher Education (ESMHE). Quoting Fr. Young: “My ministry has been quite intentional for the diocese in all its diversity and I would want it to be presented as such.”

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.

While AIDS continues to infect and kill people -- the U.S. Centers for Disease Control report that more than 18,000 people with AIDS die annually in the United States and an estimated 56,300 Americans become infected with HIV each year -- perceptions, treatment and the demographics of the disease have changed since the 1980s. The church's awareness of and response to AIDS have changed along with them, with some Episcopal ministries growing and evolving, others dwindling. Yet the need remains, advocates say.

Province IV Network of AIDS Ministries of the Episcopal Church exists to work collaboratively among member diocese to build opportunities for people with HIV/AIDS, their families, friends, caregivers, and people involved in AIDS ministries to come together for spiritual and emotional renewal, expressed within the traditions of the Episcopal Church. This manifests itself through the annual HIV/AIDS Retreat, held at the Kanuga Conference Center annually since 1992. The Network also builds bridges so that people involved in AIDS ministries can share information and support across diocesan lines, foster dialogue and share information that impacts the Church on the issues of HIV/AIDS.

Here is the official press release from NEAC about the new website.

"Pray for a future without AIDS" Episcopal Church Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori asks in her World AIDS Day 2010 letter.