The visibility of strong religious leadership in the response to HIV will not only galvanize the global response at a critical moment in this pandemic, but create greater awareness and more accurate information and perceptions by and about faith communities and religious leaders in relation to HIV and AIDS.
On March 22-23, 2010, five members of the Religions for Peace network will attend a global meeting in the Netherlands: Religious Leadership in Response to HIV – A Summit of High Level Religious Leaders. The summit aims to provide reflection and conversation among high level religious leaders, develop greater linkages between religious leaders and experts and leaders in HIV and AIDS, explore the comparative advantages and opportunities for religious leaders to speak out and take action, and increase engagement and visibility of religious leaders on key issues related to the response to HIV.
In attendance from Religions for Peace network will be:
· Dr. Mohammad Al-Sammak, Muslim, LEBANON, Secretary General, Islamic Christian National Dialogue Committee
· Bishop Gunnar J. Stalsett, Protestant, NORWAY, Bishop Emeritus of Oslo, Church of Norway and Moderator, European Council of Religious Leaders (ECRL)
· His Grace John Onaiyekan, Roman Catholic, NIGERIA, Archbishop, Archdiocese of Abuja
· His Holiness Abune Paulos, Orthodox, ETHIOPIA, Patriarch, Ethiopian Orthodox Church
· His Holiness Tep Vong, Buddhist, CAMBODIA, The Great Supreme Patriarch, Kingdom of Cambodia
“Religious leaders can play a vital role in the AIDS response” Michael Sidibe, UNAIDS Executive Director
