This archive contains the content of the old WACC website (ending Nov. 2008). We are no longer supporting this site. If you arrived here from Google you may want to visit the new website.
Home / Regions / North America / North American News / Christian communication rights group calls for public role for HIV+ people in churches
Christian communication rights group calls for public role for HIV+ people in churches
Friday 30 November 2007
Toronto, Canada - The World Association for Christian Communication (WACC) is calling on its members and partners to encourage their faith communities and their local media to make visible the contributions of people living with HIV and AIDS in parish and community life.
In a statement issued today, the organisation’s General Secretary, the Rev. Randy Naylor says, “Men and women living with HIV and AIDS make daily contributions to the life of their faith communities. Sadly, these contributions are not always acknowledged by leaders or made visible in what is communicated.”
Research has shown that fear of stigmatisation and exclusion from the life of their faith community are key factors preventing people from seeking testing, counselling and treatment.
“By openly supporting and encouraging HIV+ people to take visible leadership roles, faith communities present a model of inclusive community which is a true reflection of the Gospel, 'We are all part of the body of Christ, each one of us' (1 Cor. 12: 27),” says Naylor.
WACC, a communication rights organisation, supports and advances communication strategies to change discriminatory behaviour that contributes to the spread of HIV and the harm it causes. The organisation works with civil society partners in Benin, Ghana, Nigeria, Rwanda, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, India, Jamaica, Colombia and Chile.
Full statement
La version française suit
For information about WACC’s HIV&AIDS Programme:
www.waccglobal.org
For interviews contact:
Julienne Munyaneza
Programme Manager for HIV&AIDS
JM@waccglobal.org
WACC promotes communication for social change. It believes that communication is a basic human right that defines people's common humanity, strengthens cultures, enables participation, creates community and challenges tyranny and oppression.
The World Association for Christian Communication is a UK Registered Charity (number 296073) and a Company registered in England and Wales (number 2082273) with its Registered Office at 36 Causton Street, London SW1P 4ST. It is an incorporated Charitable Organisation in Canada (number 83970 9524 RR0001) with its head office at 308 Main Street, Toronto ON, M4C 4X7.