By Gloria Crowell, Allen Temple AIDS Ministry

Today, as we celebrate the global recognition of World AIDS Day,  you  should know that American faith communities have launched the single largest US response in the history of the HIV/AIDS epidemic. You should also be proud to know that Allen Temple AIDS Ministry has been cited as a model of people of faith responding to this pandemic.  Nationwide list, 1 out of 4 AIDS service organizations are operated by religious institutions. The Faithful Response to HIV The AIDS epidemic cannot be defeated without the intentional commitment and engagement and participation of African American congregations and more importantly, the renewed commitment of Allen Temple Baptist Church.

Seventy percent of the world’s people identify themselves as members of a religious community – and a majority of those living with HIV are people of faith. Their faith helps to shape how they perceive themselves and impacts our community to respond to others in need both locally and globally.

People of faith and faith-based organizations have been essential to HIV and AIDS, by engaging in practical health care, social and emotional support, pastoral care and advocacy and promoting access to treatment for all those living with or affected by HIV. It is faith-based groups that are present and serving the poorest and most vulnerable communities around the world.
 
Probably more than any other type of institution, faith-based organizations are found in every community and touch the daily lives of billions of people around the world. Religious leaders at local, national and international levels are looked to for spiritual, emotional, and practical guidance, support, and hope.
This is a heavy responsibility, which requires conviction and commitment with a vision of harmony and justice for all the world’s people.
 
ALLEN TEMPLE YOU SHOULD BE PROUD! Many religious organizations are strong advocates to end discrimination, provide access to treatment and care for all, encourage sustainable and sufficient funding for the global response, promote prevention, and address the root causes of this disease, particularly for women and children.
 
As a committed body of Christ, Allen Temple Baptist Church and its membership are challenged today to further their commitment to End AIDS in our lifetime.  Think about your desire and ability to help us achieve the following:

• Ending stigma and discrimination, and promoting the dignity and rights of people living with and affected by HIV or AIDS.
• Promoting HIV and AIDS prevention activities that address root causes, with particular attention to women and children.
• Putting words into action, and holding each other accountable in our efforts to stop the spread of HIV and eradicate AIDS from our world.

On this World AIDS Day, more than 30 years after the first cases of this tragic illness were reported, we join the global community once more in standing with the millions of people who live with HIV/AIDS worldwide. We also recommit to preventing the spread of this disease, fighting the stigma associated with infection, and ending this pandemic once and for all.

If you are interested in learning more about the Allen Temple AIDS Ministry, supporting the Ministry or donating your time, talents or treasures to help meet our goals,

please contact Gloria Crowell at gcrowell@allen-temple.org.