PRNewswire - December 4, 2006

LAKE FOREST, Calif., Dec. 4 /PRNewswire/ -- Dr. Rick Warren, pastor of Saddleback Community Valley Church and author of The Purpose Driven Life, and his wife, Kay, convened an unprecedented coalition of diverse individuals and organizations to examine how local churches can care for the sick and offer a new paradigm for eradicating the HIV/AIDS pandemic at the Global Summit on AIDS and the Church: Race Against Time.

The two-day summit, held at Saddleback Church, concluded on World AIDS Day. More than 2,000 pastors, lay leaders, social workers and medical professionals gathered from 165 organizations and 178 churches representing 39 states and 18 countries to discuss the role of the Church in uniting with government, business and the medical community to respond to HIV/AIDS.

According to Dr. Warren, the acronym of AIDS describes why many, including the Church, have not dealt with this issue, because of Avoidance, Intolerance, Distance and Superstition. "The heart of the issue is an issue of the heart," he said. "I have to admit that the Church was late in coming to the game. We've had to repent over that, but we are here to stay,"

The Summit featured more than 65 speakers, including two notable senators -- Dem. Barack Obama (Ill.) and Rep. Sam Brownback (Kan.). The participants set aside differences in backgrounds, vocations -- even opposing views on treatment and prevention -- to unite in a response to HIV/AIDS. Dr. Warren explained the reason for the need to unite these well-respected government leaders.

"I've got two friends here -- a Republican and a Democrat," Dr. Warren said While joining hands with both politicians before leading attendees in a prayer for unity in this effort. "Why? Because you have to have two wings to fly ... It's time for the Church to be known for what it's for, not what it's against."

Dr. Warren preceded the Senators' appearances by telling the audience that there are three words that describe both of their lives as he has known them -- integrity, civility and humility. During their remarks, both men acknowledged the need to find common ground for such an important cause.

"We've got a big mission here to do," Senator Brownback said. "To whom much is given, much is required. We've been given much, and we've got to meet that task. No single branch will do this alone."

Senator Brownback recognized the fight against HIV/AIDS not as a political issue, but one with which all Americans and the Church must deal. "We can do this, and we've got to reach across the aisle," he said. "It's basically a two step process. First, you've got to reach out and say who is going to work with me; and secondly, you've got to look at that other person and instead of judging them, you have to love them. By working together, we're going to grow and benefit ourselves and begin to understand each other better in this process."

Senator Obama affirmed the remarks of his colleague, acknowledging that what binds the two together is greater than what pulls them apart. "We are all sick because of AIDS, and we are all being challenged by this crisis," he said. "It is a challenge -- not only of our willingness to respond, but of our ability to look past the artificial divisions and debates that have shaped our response all too often."

Senator Obama also noted the power of religion to slow the spread of HIV/AIDS, saying that churches must offer a moral framework with a faith basis to make better choices. "Let me say this loud and clear," he said. "I don't think we can deny that there is a moral and spiritual component to prevention. In too many places all over the world where HIV/AIDS is prevalent -- including by the way, right here in the United States -- the relationship between men and women; between sexuality and spirituality; has broken down, and needs to be repaired."

At a press conference following their presentations, Senators Brownback and Obama and Dr. Warren publicly took an HIV/AIDS test to demonstrate the ease of the test and set an example for politicians, pastors and other leadership. All three tests returned negative for HIV/AIDS. Saddleback Church also offered free testing for summit attendees, and administered 162 screenings over the two days.

"I challenge every political leader to get tested for AIDS this year, and if you do, it will help to remove the stigma," Dr. Warren said. "I challenge not just every government leader; I challenge every pastor to be publicly tested for AIDS, so that you can encourage the people in your church to do the same. Because, until you do, you're in the dark; and when you're in the dark, you're in denial; and when you're in denial, you can't get well; and you may be causing the death of yourself or others."

Wess Stafford, president of Compassion International, an internationally recognized children's poverty organization, backed the Warrens on the need for church leadership involvement. "Awareness, education and nutrition alone are not enough," he said. "What it takes now are people who care. These miracle workers already exist in every village where AIDS exists. The miracle worker of the last mile is the Church."

Richard Stearns, president of World Vision, one of the largest non-profit organizations in the world, gave a mission to the Church. "Be the Church -- get engaged and stay engaged," he said. "AIDS will still be here in 50 years. This is marathon and not a sprint. In the future, the only question will be what has the Church done in those 50 years that lie ahead of us to contain the AIDS pandemic."

"There are not enough health professionals in world to get job done," said Dr. Warren. "It must be done by ordinary people empowered by God. I have enormous confidence in God. Let the size of God determine the size of your role."

On World AIDS Day, Saddleback Church led by example in reaching out to the local Orange County community through service and love. More than 100 volunteers from the church did service projects for HIV-positive neighbors, such as painting and fence building and supplied 7,000 pounds of food to local pantries, specifically designated for individuals infected with HIV/AIDS. In addition, the high school members of the church led education and awareness campaigns in 12 local high schools.

"Today is a day of sadness and remembrance," said Kay Warren in honor of World AIDS Day. "It's a day of remembrance of the death of millions; but, it's also a day of hope. That hope is Christ and his message spread through the church."

FOR INFORMATION, CONTACT:

Larry Ross 972/267-1111 | Kristin Cole 972/267-1111

SOURCE Pastor Rick Warren

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