Scripture re-enacted in post-genocidal Rwanda
The Rev. Donald E. Messer traveled to Rwanda July 16-22 to speak at a workshop for United Methodist pastors on HIV and AIDS counseling. He also conducted interviews and met Rwandan pastors and laity on behalf of the Office of Christian Unity and Interrreligious Relationships of The United Methodist Church.
"No one living with HIV was willing to speak at the AIDS workshop in Kigali, Rwanda, for United Methodist pastors. That’s how pervasive the stigma and discrimination is against those with the disease. But on that day last July, Katrina — a middle-aged HIV positive woman from a rural church two hours away — offered to speak privately to me..."
Scripture re-enacted in post-genocidal Rwanda
The Rev. Donald E. Messer traveled to Rwanda July 16-22 to speak at a workshop for United Methodist pastors on HIV and AIDS counseling. He also conducted interviews and met Rwandan pastors and laity on behalf of the Office of Christian Unity and Interrreligious Relationships of The United Methodist Church.
"No one living with HIV was willing to speak at the AIDS workshop in Kigali, Rwanda, for United Methodist pastors. That’s how pervasive the stigma and discrimination is against those with the disease. But on that day last July, Katrina — a middle-aged HIV positive woman from a rural church two hours away — offered to speak privately to me..."
Christians Want Church to be in Solidarity with People on Margins
Church leaders pray during a presentation on the United Methodist Global AIDS Fund April 29 during a celebration of UMC ministries at the 2012 General Conference.
Dr Donald E Messer, executive director of the Center for the Church and Global AIDS told the participants that the intolerance and difference of people of faith has fuelled the global HIV and AIDS pandemic. He felt that ending AIDS in our lifetime is not a utopian dream, but a practical possibility if Christian theological beliefs of love, compassion, human integrity and inclusion are taken seriously. - See more at: http://um-insight.net/in-the-church/christians-want-church-to-be-in-solidarity-with-people-on-ma/#sthash.FWG4vw7k.dpuf