November 8, 1998

To the participants of the AIDS & Religion in America Convocation:

On behalf of the Board of Directors, members and staff of the AIDS National Interfaith Network and our co-sponsors, The American Academy of Religion, The Interdenominational Theological Center, and The Interfaith Health Program of the Carter Presidential Center, please accept our most sincere appreciation for your attendance and participation in this historic event.

The HIV/AIDS epidemic is far from over. As people of faith, people of compassion and leaders in our society, we have an ever growing faith imperative to minister to the sick, seek justice in all things, and look to the power of light amidst the darkness of disease, discrimination and fear.

You will find at this gathering a very unique cross section of people involved in the life of the religious response to HIV/AIDS. Your colleagues during these four days of education, discovery, debate and contemplation include editors of dozens of major religious publications, reporters who have expertise in covering religion in the U.S., persons of faith who have chosen to work on the front lines of this epidemic by working in AIDS ministry, denominational professionals who work to carry out the missions of their religious bodies, and scholars from many backgrounds who will challenge us to think and re-think some of the most difficult issues in the life of this pandemic.

We hope that you will use this Convocation to not only learn more about this epidemic, but to allow yourself to be open to new ideas and new ways of seeing the many facets of this phenomenon called HIV/AIDS. We are an extraordinary diverse group of people gathered in this place. We hope you will be willing to open your heart and mind to trust that we can all learn from the other regardless of our theological backgrounds, firmly held beliefs or cultural bias.

We are deeply grateful to all the people who have worked so hard and long to make this event possible, the program and academic committees, our own colleagues on the ANIN Board of Directors and staff and especially our primary sponsor, the Ford Foundation. We especially want to offer a word of thanks and best wishes to Dr. Marjorie Muecke, our project officer at the Ford Foundation. Her faith in our vision and her commitment to seeing a vibrant religious response to the epidemic, is a wonderful gift to all of us and to all whom we serve.

We trust you will come away from this experience enlightened, empowered and energized to continue to meet the spiritual needs of people infected and affected by this epidemic.

Sincerely,

Rabbi Marc Blumenthal Chair, ANIN Board of Directors

Rev. Kenneth T. South Executive Director