Yet, Black churches can be the main avenue for eliminating these fears and rebuilding communities.

On March 4, more than ten thousand Black Churches across the nation will use their pulpits to educate and provide support around the HIV/AIDS epidemic.

A Balm in Gilead-sponsored event, the Black Church Week of Prayer for the Healing of HIV/AIDS is addressing an epidemic that is still considered taboo to many. Of the estimated 40,000 new HIV infections each year, more than 50 percent occur among African Americans.

The disease is a global problem among Black people. It is the number one leading cause of death in Africa as thirteen million children there have lost one parent to AIDS.

With support from the United Methodist Women’s Division, the Balm in Gilead program is working with Black churches across the nation to provide leadership around the prevention of HIV/AIDS, treatment information, supportive services, government advocacy, and education to Black communities.

"United Methodist Women have supported this program because we know that there are different levels of education that need to take place," says Lois M. Dauway, assistant general secretary for Christian Social Responsibility of the Division.

"Culturally appropriate educational materials around this epidemic are being developed and disseminated in the African American community," she says.

Ms. Dauway also applauds the efforts of the Balm in Gilead program to provide Black churches and church groups with information and support they need to help prevent the epidemic and care for those with HIV/AIDS.

"Balm in Gilead works with the churches to provide congregations and communities with prevention information, treatment information, and support services," she says. "Then, they look at the root causes of the issue, advocating with the government around HIV/AIDS issues in the Black community."

Ms. Dauway contends that the Black Church Week of Prayer for the Healing of HIV/AIDS is the beginning point in breaking the silence about this epidemic.

"Mission begins with prayer then heeds God’s call. Our call has been to work within all communities, to help people overcome the fear, to help heal the church and community, and to bring hope," she says. "That’s why United Methodist Women support this program."

The Women’s Division represents United Methodist Women, a one-million member organization whose purpose is to foster spiritual growth, develop leaders and advocate for justice. Members raise more than $20 million a year for programs and projects related to women, children and youth in the United States and in more than 100 countries around the world.

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