December 1: The 20th World AIDS Day

The Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams has recorded a video message to mark the 20th annual World AIDS day on December 1st 2008.

The video, available at http://www.archbishopofcanterbury.org/2049 sees the Archbishop talk about the Church's worldwide involvement in care and education surrounding HIV and AIDS, and calls for faith leaders to 'encourage and support' what is being done by listening to those who work on the front lines.

He says "Our hope and our prayer today is that the excellent work that's done, not just in developing countries but here at home too by the Churches will continue and deepen and be strengthened by our prayer and our commitment."

"Recognising that people living with HIV is us not them, whether it's leaders and congregations, congregations and 'outsiders' - it's us. It's all of our business...Church leaders and Church congregations taking responsibility for educating the wider public."

There are currently 30 million people worldwide living with HIV.

In the video Dr Williams speaks with:
Winnie Sseruma - HIV Mainstreaming Coordinator, Christian Aid
Angelina Namibia - Resource Leader, NAHIP and African HIV Policy Network
Maureen Ndawana - Zimbabwe Womens Network UK
Janet Murungi - Coordinator, Rise Community Action