Religious release 'map' of how orders help people with HIV/AIDS

Published: 2008-05-05

ROME (CNS) -- In an effort to enhance their visibility on the world stage and provide networking support to others, two worldwide organizations of religious released a global "map" of how the church is combating HIV/AIDS. Titled "In Loving Service," the 30-page booklet documents the services religious orders offer to millions of people affected by HIV/AIDS around the world. Organizers said the mapping project will be vital for showing the churches, governments, international organizations and potential donors exactly what men and women religious are doing in the areas of prevention, care and education. A draft of the booklet was released April 30 and at a May 3-5 international forum sponsored by the International Union of Superiors General, an organization for women religious, and the Union of Superiors General, an organization for men religious. Organizers said the role religious institutes play in fighting the spread of HIV and caring for those affected by AIDS has either been overlooked or criticized for the church's opposition to the use of condoms in prevention programs.

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