World AIDS Day 2002-2003: Live and Let Live

Along with others throughout the world, United Methodists observe World AIDS Day on December 1 or a Sunday close to this date. This year's theme, chosen by the World AIDS Campaign, is "Live and Let Live." This two-year campaign (2002-2003) will focus on eliminating stigma and discrimination. UNAIDS says, "Help us fight fear, shame, ignorance and injustice worldwide."

Because stigma and discrimination are major obstacles to effective HIV/AIDS prevention and care, one way churches can help overcome these problems is to welcome everyone. Christian hospitality is a key aspect of congregational ministry with people living with HIV/AIDS and their loved ones. When congregations reach out and embrace all people, including those affected by HIV/AIDS, healing happens, not only among individuals but the church community as a whole.

AIDS is a global pandemic. Another way to help is to contribute to AIDS-Related United Methodist Advance programs. The AIDS epidemic has hit the hardest in Africa.

What's New

Bringing Hope to People Affected By HIV/AIDS, GBGM, November 3, 2003.
Leadership of the Methodist Church of South Africa Discuss AIDS, interviews by Radio Africa International, August-September 2003.
AIDS Ministry and Hospitality Bible Study for World AIDS Day 2003 by Nancy A. Carter.
In the World Where Jesus Walked and Talked, World AIDS Day Meditation by Nancy A. Carter.
Inspiring Stories and More Worship Resources.
AIDS Pandemic Hits Hardest in Africa by Lesley Crosson, UMNS, October 29, 2002.

UNAIDS Resources

About the Theme: "Live and Let Live" is a two-year World AIDS Campaign (2002-2003).

Facts and Figures

AIDS Information by Country, UNAIDS.
AIDS epidemic update, December 2003.
Epidemiological Graphics (December 2002 statistics), UNAIDS. Complete set of 11 slides in PowerPoint format in English, French, Russian, and Spanish.
Number of Children Orphaned By AIDS Will Rise Dramatically, UNAIDS, July 10, 2002.
Sub-Saharan Africa: AIDS Profile, AIDS Policy Research Center, University of California San Francisco.
U.S. HIV and AIDS cases reported through December 2002, CDC.

Spiritual Resources

| Focus Papers | Inspiring Stories | Worship Resources |

Focus Papers

The Covenant to Care Program, United Methodist Church.
Planning Retreats for/with PLWAs by E. Marie Wright-Self, 1989.
Healing Ministry of the Church by Cathie Lyons, 1993.
Pastoral Care for Those Affected by HIV, 1993.

Inspiring Stories

AIDS Pandemic Hits Hardest in Africa, UMNS, October 29, 2002.
AIDS, Family, Faith: A Force for Change by Richard B. Cory.
"It was an easy thing to say that I was going to promote change, but not such an easy thing to do. How could I change the attitudes of people? How could any of us end hatred and bigotry towards others?" .
AIDS Retreats Offer Strength for Living by Tricia Schug.
"Since that first Strength for the Journey retreat, United Methodists in the Pacific Northwest have sponsored two gatherings a year for nearly 500 people living with HIV and AIDS. The retreats offer an opportunity for many who have been ostracized by the church to find peace and spiritual healing by reconnecting with God and loving Christians." .
Doctor, Theologian Team Up to Address AIDS in India, UMNS, March 19, 2001.
I Wear a Red Ribbon by Debbi Hood Johnson.
People often ask me why I wear a Red Ribbon. Some people ask the question simply to find out what the ribbon means, but other people are really asking a hidden question: they wonder what experiences in life has moved me so that I would want to wear a Red Ribbon, a visible reminder to all who see me of the continuing battle against HIV and AIDS.
Imagine Loving Your Child by Carol Blocksom.
We live here, we worship here, we are your neighbors. And there are others, men, women and children who live here and who are in hiding. At Christmastime, with our thoughts turned to the greatest gift of all, I hoped and prayed that we could all come out of hiding and feel safe.
Simona's Story by Beverly Bartlett.
Simona lives in Bucharest, Romania. She is nine years old and HIV-positive. When Simona's mother found out about her illness five years ago, her first reaction was to tell everyone, looking for support. "That's when I found out who really was my friend, and who wasn't," she said. "Quite a few people stopped visiting me and asked their children not to play with Simona anymore.
Where Is the Promise? by Drew Cottle.
Christmases weren't always this hard. There were so many things that John Matthew didn't want to be reminded of. There was the fact that he never seemed to have enough money to be able to get the presents he wanted to give his friends.
More Inspirational Stories of People Living with AIDS.

Worship Resources

Chicken & Biscuits: Hospitality & AIDS Ministry Bible Study by Nancy A. Carter.
In the World Where Jesus Walked and Talked, World AIDS Day 2002 Meditation by Nancy A. Carter.
Order for Ecumenical Worship, Ecumenical Advocacy Alliance (Word doc format), World AIDS Day 2002 (on UNAIDS web).
Ecumenical Advocacy Alliance Sermon Ideas (Word doc format) World AIDS Day 2002 (on UNAIDS web).
Who Will Break The Silence? Liturgical Resources for The Healing of AIDS excerpted from Who Will Break The Silence, Liturgical Resources for The Healing of AIDS published by the Balm in Gilead.
World AIDS Day United Methodist official statement.
World AIDS Day 2001 Worship Resources: God Cares, I Care, Do You?
Worship Resources for World AIDS Day 2000: AIDS, Men Make a Difference.
Worship Resources for World AIDS Day 1999: Listen, Learn, Live!
Worship Resources For World AIDS Day. Even more materials.

How to Help

Note: UMCOR encourages you to give through your local United Methodist Church. Gifts may also be sent to: UMCOR, 475 Riverside Dr., Room 330, New York, NY 10115. To make a credit card donation, call 1-800-554-8583.

AIDS Orphan Trust: Advance #982842.
Unlike a traditional orphanage, children in Africa whose parents have died of AIDS are allowed to remain in their homes and assigned caregivers regularly visit them and attend to their needs. .
Enabling AIDS Ministries in the U.S.A.: Advance #982215.
This program facilitates development and strengthening of HIV/AIDS ministries by providing grants for education, compassion, and advocacy for persons living with HIV/AIDS.
Global HIV/AIDS Program Development: Advance #982345.
Responds to the needs of people living with HIV/AIDS within the context of their communities and assists organizations in Latin America/Caribbean, Africa, Europe and Asia/Pacific to address the prevention of the spread of HIV.
Healthy Homes, Healthy Families Kit Program: Advance #982315.
Prepare an infection control and basic care kit that contains 22 essential supplies needed to take care of an ailing loved one and prevent the spread of infection. .
The Mutti AIDS Fund.
Proceeds from this fund have gone to HIV/AIDS ministries in the United States to assist in the development of new programs of education, outreach, and direct support.