FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
African American & African Catholics
Encouraged to Observe
WORLD AIDS DAY
December 1, 2009
Sisters and Brothers let
us as African American and African Catholics remember our brothers
and sisters throughout the world who are affected by HIV and AID on
this World AIDS Day 2009, stated Franciscan Father James E. Goode,
OFM, President of the National Black Catholic Apostolate for Life.
December 1, 2009 World
AIDS Day
is a day when we remember those who have died from AIDS. World AIDS
Day is an opportunity for individuals and group from across the
world to come together to pray, remember, and demonstrate support
to, people living with and affected by HIV and AIDS.
The National Black Catholic Apostolate for Life strongly encourages
everyone to mark World AIDS Day 2009 by engaging in some form
of worship, workshop, event, or advocacy focused on HIV and AIDS.
The global theme for 2009 and 2010 World AIDS Day is "Universal
Access and Human rights" chosen by the World AIDS Campaign, a
network of civil society groups active in the response to HIV and
AIDS, including EAA.
The theme this year encourages us to deepen our understanding,
develop partnerships and challenge discriminatory laws, and
practices that stand in the way of access for all to HIV prevention,
treatment, care and loving support.
Let us as Catholic-Christians remember that when
human rights are not respected, people living with HIV and AIDS are
vulnerable to stigma and discrimination, illness, economic
insecurity, and reduced access to treatment.
We are encouraged that over the past years there have been some
major advances in the global response to HIV and AIDS. The
National Black Catholic Apostolate for Life has seen increased
commitment around the world to respond to HIV and AIDS in national
and local initiatives, in churches and religious organizations and
in civil society.
On this World AIDS Day 2009 let us join the world in
solidarity as we help to promote universal access, human dignity and
respect and protect the human rights of every person living with or
affected by HIV.