WORLD AIDS DAY 2013 - Getting to Zero

Since World AIDS Day falls on a Sunday this year, I am reminded of all the good work that faith-based communities do with those who are HIV-positive or who have AIDS. I wanted to post this litany from the church I used to belong to, Metropolitan Community Church (I was a member of MCC-Christ the Liberator, based in central New Jersey).

Litany for World AIDS Day 2013

LEADER: As we gather to worship on this World AIDS Day, we are reminded that, as members of the Body of Christ, we are called to boldly proclaim the human rights of people living with or affected by HIV/AIDS.

PEOPLE: We take this moment to pray for a cure, even as we remember the millions who have died from this disease.

LEADER: We take this moment to lift up the millions of infected women, men and children who suffer the misguided judgments of a world that would shun them and shame them.

PEOPLE: We take this moment to give thanks for the transformative power of God’s Spirit.

LEADER: God’s Spirit empowers us to break the shackles of apathy, ignorance, and condemnation so that we are able to provide healing for the sick, comfort for the troubled, and hope for the forsaken.

ALL: God’s Spirit emboldens us to love unflinchingly, to share unconditionally, and to serve unreservedly.

 

(Developed by the Los Angeles Centers for Alcohol and Drug Abuse

and Strength for the Journey-Los Angeles)