December 1, 2005

CHICAGO – In advance of Lutheran World Federation (LWF) commemorations of World AIDS Day, Dec. 1, Lutheran World Information, Geneva, Switzerland, issued "PositHIVe Church," a full-color 28-page document highlighting the global Lutheran communion's concerted response to the HIV/AIDS pandemic. Articles were contributed from Lutheran churches around the world, including the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA).

Josselyn Bennett, director for education and program resources, ELCA Church in Society, wrote "HIV/AIDS Ministry in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America." She raised several concerns about HIV/AIDS in North America and described two programs that address some of them.

More than 1 million people in the United States live with HIV/AIDS, Bennett wrote. "The Centers for Disease Control estimates that approximately 40,000 people become infected with HIV each year," she wrote. "The spread of HIV impacts people across all ages, races, sexual orientations and socioeconomic levels."

"Maintaining focus on HIV/AIDS remains a major challenge in the United States," Bennett said. The ELCA "remains committed to supporting prevention education and care for those infected and affected by AIDS," she wrote.

Through "Open Arms of Minnesota," more than 900 volunteers deliver meals to the homes of people living with HIV/AIDS in the Twin Cities area, Bennett said. "Eating regular, well-balanced meals is important to everyone's health, but ample and nutritious food is particularly critical for people living with HIV/AIDS," she said.

The "Manchester Area Network on AIDS" is a collaboration of services, resources and education in Connecticut, Bennett said. The network provides case management in a caring and supportive environment for 121 individuals and their families living with HIV/AIDS.

ELCA News Service