Christ's Peace for People Living with HIV

Opening Prayer: 

Jesus, Messiah, you know that HIV and AIDS constitute a major crisis in many nations. Millions are infected with HIV, including many in our churches, and millions of children are orphaned by AIDS. You call us to show your deep love and compassion to all those infected and affected and to make every effort to save lives. We believe that your teachings and example, as well as the transforming power of your cross and resurrection, are central to the holistic gospel response to HIV and AIDS that our world so urgently needs. Amen.

Reflection: 

We reject and denounce all condemnation, hostility, stigma, and discrimination against those living with HIV and AIDS. Such things are a sin and a disgrace within the body of Christ. All of us have sinned and fallen short of God's glory; we have been saved only by grace, and we should be slow to judge, quick to restore and forgive. We also recognize with grief and compassion that very many people who become infected with HIV through no fault of their own, and often through caring for others. 

We long that all pastors should set an example of sexual chastity and faithfulness, as Paul commanded, and teach clearly and often that marriage is the exclusive place for sexual union. This is needed not only because it is the clear teaching of the Bible, but also because the prevalence of concurrent sexual partnerships outside marriage is a major factor in the rapid spread of HIV in the most affected countries. 

Closing Prayer:  

Our Lord, let the church worldwide rise to this challenge in your name and in the power of your Holy Spirit. Let us stand together with our brothers and sisters in areas hardest hit by HIV and AIDS, through practical support, compassionate care (including care of widows and orphans), social and political advocacy, education programmes (particularly those that empower women), and effective prevention strategies appropriate to the local context. We commit ourselves to such urgent action as part of the integral mission of your church. Amen.

Ask God to pour out his Spirit to stir us with a vision of an evangelical church for every people.