Archbishop Lawrence J. Harms, D. D.

Presiding Archbishop  -  ACCUS

WORLD AIDS DAY

DECEMBER 1, 2009

from the

American Catholic Church

 in the

United States

Peace be with you.

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

On December 1, 2009 the entire world will observe World AIDS Day.  This day is  to remind the entire world that this deadly and consuming disease has affected every human being in the world.  We may have AIDS ourselves, or know of

someone in our personal life who has AIDS.  I am sure that each of us know or have known some person who has died of AIDS.  Let us also keep in mind all those who have HIV-AIDS who are hidden away in fear, and distress over being found out.  These individuals are in fear that they will be discriminated in their employment, housing, medical attention, harsh treatment from their

religious institutions, school, families, and friends.  This type of discrimination continues to this very day. 

Medical science has made great strides in research to find either a cure or to be able to lengthen the life and comfort of, an individual with HIV-AIDS.  There are individuals, such as President Clinton, Microsoft Founder Bill Gates , and the late Lady Diana, and others who have established programs, and given great sums of

Financial aid to research, programs, and to help make HIV-AIDS  awareness throughout the world.  To all these named and not named we give great thanks.

As a Church leader, and a shepherd of peace and love, I call on ALL Church leaders, bishops, priests, ministers, and leaders of other faith traditions, to open your hearts and your minds to welcome all people with HIV-AIDS into your lives of faith.  Encourage individuals to be tested, to use protection, and encourage safe sex.  Make it very clear to all, that individuals with both HIV and HIV-AIDS are God’s People, and have the same right to love, comfort, compassion, the Word and Sacraments, as every other individual that has a right to receive.  The Christ that I know is a Christ of inclusion, a healer, one who brings peace, love, and understanding to all who open their hearts and minds.   The hand of Christ is always extended for us all to reach out to, and hold on to in any need.  All we have to do is reach out and hold on.

In closing, my dear brothers and sisters, and those who have HIV and HIV-AIDS; as well as families, partners, and friends of those who have HIV-AIDS, that we in this Church honor you and keep you in our hearts with prayer that humankind will find ever needing treatment and continue the search for a cure from this disease.  For those of you who have lost a son or daughter, a partner or family member, a friend or foe, we pray that God will comfort you and receive your loved one in His everlasting and loving care.

God Bless you and keep you.

+Lawrence J. Harms, D. D.

Presiding Archbishop  -  ACCUS