Keep the AIDS Candle Burning
By Ethan Vesely-Flad
Saturday, March 27, 2004
This past week a new organization called Episcopalians for Global Reconciliation launched with kickoff events in three east coast cities. This international collaborative effort is one of several examples of new partnerships emerging across church and national boundaries to address the huge challenges of poverty, health, and social inequity around the world. Its primary focus
Across sub-Saharan Africa, and in a growing number of countries around the rest of the world, the HIV/AIDS pandemic has added a massive challenge to communities whose resources were already miniscule. This deadly disease is killing our sisters and brothers every minute, and we must devote everything we can to stopping these senseless deaths, now. (Please see this week's article by John Chane, "New Partnership Models Give Hope to a Divided Communion," for one example of the church's efforts in this context.)
In a few weeks, people from around the world will participate in the 21st International AIDS Candlelight Memorial, scheduled for Sunday, May 16, 2004. According to Nema Aluku of the Council of Anglican Provinces in Africa (CAPA), the Candlelight Memorial, sponsored by the Global Health Council, is the world's largest annual grassroots AIDS event. This year, it will be observed in more than 3,000 cities in 85 nations.
Writing from Kenya, Aluku indicates, "This event honors the memory of people who have died from AIDS and demonstrates support for people living with HIV and AIDS. The candlelight Coalition uses the event to raise awareness and to attract volunteers. Your participation in this event will greatly enhance our vision and hope as a church in Africa."
We strongly encourage our international readership to join forces with people from all faiths and walks of life in this symbolic effort to bring our attention back to the AIDS crisis. Please visit the CAPA website to learn more about the Anglican church's efforts in this arena, and lend your voice, time, and money to help out at this critical time.
Ethan Vesely-Flad is editor of The Witness, and is based in New York City. He may be reached by email at ethan@thewitness.org.