Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2006. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
PRNewswire - December 1, 2006
"Today, as people around the world come together for World AIDS Day, I invite my fellow Hispanic faith leaders to join Esperanza USA in our national education and awareness campaign TU ERES LA RESPUESTA (You Are the Answer) because the church must play an integral role in the fight against HIV/AIDS. Our community continues to be disproportionately affected by this epidemic. According to the Centers for Disease Control, deaths among Latinos with AIDS increased by 7% while it decreased by 19% for Anglos.
As church leaders, we can make a difference in the fight against HIV/AIDS by following Christ's example of compassion toward those who suffer and educating ourselves and others about HIV/AIDS.
I ask that all Latinos take a moment today to reflect on this issue and to pledge to learn more about HIV/AIDS. Esperanza USA has made its Pacto de Esperanza (Pledge of Hope) available online at http://www.pacto.us for individuals to read current HIV/AIDS statistics and pledge their support with others to break down stereotypes and prejudice associated with the epidemic.
In the Book of Matthew, Chapter 5, Verse 16, it is written that 'in the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds...' As Latinos of faith, we can let our light shine for others and act as examples of compassion on the issue of HIV/AIDS in our communities."
TU ERES LA RESPUESTA (You Are the Answer) is Esperanza USA's education and awareness initiative designed to address HIV/AIDS, one of the leading causes of death in the Latino community. The initiative educates clergy about the epidemic, breaks down its taboos and the barriers to accessing treatment and critical social services. Outreach efforts include developing culturally and constituency appropriate literature to inform and educate the Hispanic community about HIV/AIDS and designing specific educational programs for Hispanic clergy and lay leadership.
Over 1,000 Hispanic pastors have seen the short film "No te rindas" (Don't Give Up) in Los Angeles, Chicago, Miami, Orlando, Tampa, Houston, New York and Philadelphia with several hundred committing to showing the film to their congregations. In 2007, Esperanza USA will continue screening "No te rindas" in several other cities, including abroad in Puerto Rico.
Esperanza USA is a network of Hispanic Christians, churches, and ministries committed to raising awareness and identifying resources that strengthen the Hispanic community. More information can be found at http://www.esperanza.us.
SOURCE Esperanza USA
http://www.esperanza.us
http://www.pacto.us
061201
PR061211
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