Not long ago, a theologian from South Africa sat in the library of the Presbyterian United Nations Office in New York City and shared the story of an African woman who had recently lost her daughter and two grandchildren to AIDS. Abandoned by her husband and deserted by her friends, this woman’s daughter faced the disease without the support of those around her because so many communities and churches view AIDS as a shameful condition. Many churches in Africa and elsewhere around the world are struggling to find ways to minister to the nearly 40 million people living with a diagnosis of HIV/AIDS.

October 23–25, the Presbyterian United Nations Office will host a seminar titled “The Global AIDS Pandemic: Women and Men Partner for Change.” Sponsored by the Presbyterian United Nations Office and the Worldwide Ministries Division AIDS Task Team, this seminar will educate participants about the global AIDS pandemic and enable them to find ways to build partnerships between churches in the United States and churches in other parts of the world that are struggling against this disease.

According to the Kampala Declaration, adopted by the All Africa Council of Churches in January 2001, “the Church is uniquely placed to combat HIV/AIDS at all levels from the individual to the global and to protect the marginalized and most vulnerable in society.” Join us as we learn, grow, and find a way to make a difference.

For more information, visit the Presbyterian United Nations Office Web site at www.pcusa.org/peacemaking/un.