Third Annual Saddleback Global Summit on AIDS & The Church Focuses on Cooperative...
Third Annual Saddleback Global Summit on AIDS & The Church Focuses onCooperative Leadership:Two African First Ladies Join Pastor Rick and Kay Warren and Other Leaders inAddressing Local Church-Based Strategy
LAKE FOREST, Calif., Nov. 29 /PRNewswire/ -- Dr. Rick and Kay Warrenopened the third annual Saddleback Global Summit on AIDS & The Church bychallenging attendees on the desperate need for leaders in the fight againstHIV/AIDS.
"People are asking, 'How many people have AIDS?' -- but that is the wrongquestion; rather, we should be asking, 'Why should anyone have AIDS?'," Dr.Warren said. "You are God's plan to bring relief to this pandemic."
"There are some things in this world that I don't have hope for, but Ibelieve in the depth of my heart that HIV/AIDS can be stopped, because it willonly take one thing -- real leaders," Dr. Warren added.
Together, the Warrens outlined five traits of real leaders that parallelthe objectives of the conference, to develop leadership that is aware;accumulates knowledge; are advocates and activists; and are available. Usingthe model of a three-legged stool, they reiterated that to end AIDS,leadership is needed in all three sectors -- public, profit and parish -- atthe international, national, church, city, business and individual levels.
"When it comes to AIDS, it is not enough to just have tender feelings inyour heart -- caring for people with HIV isn't enough," Kay Warren added. "Wemust also be activists, which involves an intentional plan in your heart forgood and for change. We have a call from God to raise our voices -- do notwait for perfect conditions."
Joining the Warrens for the opening session were two wives of Africanheads of state, including the First Lady of Rwanda, Her Excellency Mrs.Jeannette Kagame, and the First Lady of Zambia, Madame Maureen Mwanawasa.Both women are actively involved in the Organization of African First LadiesFight against HIV/AIDS (OAFLA), working with their counterparts from 50 otherAfrican nations to find solutions to this pandemic on the Continent.
"We have entered an important stage in the struggle against AIDS, and arebeginning to see the fruits of the many efforts over the years," said FirstLady Kagame. "But we have to remain steadfast. Now, more than ever, we haveall the tools we need to turn despair into hope."
First Lady Mwanawasa reminded the audience that AIDS transcends allsocieties. "I am not saying to fight AIDS, but to conquer it," she said."Today we call on leaders from all sectors of society to join hands with theChurch and double efforts to fight AIDS, especially encouraging abstinenceamong young people. At home, we teach, 'Abstinence is cool.'"
Other speakers throughout the day echoed the importance of individualcompassion, the various sectors working together and the vital role that theChurch is playing in this effort.
In speaking about the seven reasons the local church must lead, SouthAfrican Pastor John Thomas explained that AIDS is 95 percent a moral problemrequiring a spiritual/moral resolution. "The Church is God's solution," hesaid. "It is the only organization that can combat AIDS, as it is everywhereand is the most grassroots organization imaginable."
According to Lynne Hybels, wife of Bill Hybels, founding pastor of WillowCreek Church in suburban Chicago, AIDS is not about the statistics, it's aboutthe people. "Good intentions are not enough. We must carefully plan, butmust do with a sense of urgency," because while we are planning, people aredying.
"The antidote to feeling overwhelmed is not to think about the bigsolution, but to think about the small solution that can make a difference.The big solution is too big to handle, but we can all make a difference insome small way," Mrs. Hybels added.
"The war on AIDS is a giant-sized battle we must win, but we can't ignorethose with no voice -- children orphaned by AIDS," said Dennis Raineypresident, CEO and co-founder of FamilyLife. "I believe today is the time forthe Christian community to determine what it believes about outreach ofcompassion to the world -- and specifically what we will do to address theneeds of orphans."
Long-time AIDS activist David Miller, a founding member of ACT UP NewYork, shared his journey from hate to love, as well as a passionate plea onbehalf of all who are infected and affected by HIV/AIDS.
"Give us a Manhattan project on AIDS, bringing the scientists and doctorswho have so much intelligence and creativity together to bring an end to thishorror around the world -- to really start working for a cure," Mr. Millersaid. "Help your followers in the churches of this country make each church ashelter, each kitchen a blessing, and for my brothers and sisters with HIV whoare cold and hungry -- a sanctuary."
"Let the men and women in elected office hear our voices and understandour meaning," he added. "Give us the medications we need, the hope we craveand the faith we depend on to steal another day from HIV."
FOR INFORMATION CONTACT:
A. Larry Ross (469) 274-6229
Whitney Kelley (214) 457-1398SOURCE Saddleback Global Summit on AIDS & The ChurchA. Larry Ross, +1-469-274-6229; or Whitney Kelley, +1-214-457-1398
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