Anglican Leader Urges Acceptance of People with HIV

Preaching Wednesday to more than 3,000 people in a stadium in the mining town of Kitwe, Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams called on Christians not to abandon people living with HIV/AIDS.

“The church should deal with HIV and AIDS. The church in Africa deals with HIV and AIDS, and we should not forget or forsake those that have the disease,” Williams said in his address, which was broadcast live on community radio stations.

“We are sent to share the suffering and joys with our neighbors; we are sent to be alongside them and listening to their needs. We should give our lives to others, as Jesus did.”

Earlier on his African trip, Williams met with Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe, whom he asked to end attacks on Anglicans carried out by followers of a breakaway bishop aligned with Mugabe.

The Friends of AIDS Foundation is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for HIV positive individuals and empowering people to make healthy choices to prevent the spread of the HIV virus. To learn more about The Friends of AIDS Foundation, please visit: http://www.friendsofaids.org.

TOGETHER WE REMAIN STRONG!