World AIDS Day video: Archbishop of Canterbury

December 01, 2008 [Lambeth Palace] Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams has recorded a video message to mark the 20th annual World AIDS day on December 1, 2008.

The video, available here, 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.

"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," he said. "Recognizing 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, 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; and Janet Murungi, coordinator, Rise Community Action.

This video, along with all other Lambeth Palace videos, can be viewed at the Lambeth Palace YouTube channel.

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