HIV Cure Research Day Message for Faith Communities
Dear Esteemed Faith Leaders and Nonprofit Organizations,
Greetings of peace and blessings to you all! I am Dr. Allison Mathews, co-founder of HIV Cure Research Day, reaching out to share the significance of this day and to inspire collective action across our diverse faith communities.
Purpose of HIV Cure Research Day:
HIV Cure Research Day, observed on December 14th, was co-founded by two Black women, Dr. Allison Mathews and Ms. Kimberly Knight. The purpose of HIV Cure Research Day is to highlight the ongoing research efforts to find a cure for HIV, promote community involvement, particularly African American involvement, in the research process, and foster dialogue and collaboration between researchers, advocates, and people living with HIV. The day serves as an opportunity to educate the public about the importance of HIV cure research and to acknowledge the contributions of those working in this field.
HIV Cure Research Day is a day of reflection, awareness, and advocacy dedicated to advancing the global efforts towards finding a cure for HIV. It serves as a platform to celebrate the progress made in HIV cure research, to honor the resilience of those living with HIV, and to foster community engagement and support for ongoing research initiatives. Faith communities hold a significant influence in many societies and can play a vital role in raising awareness about HIV Cure Research Day and promoting education and understanding about HIV cure research.
In the video below, Dr. Mathews speaks to St. Paul United Methodist Church in Winston-Salem, NC about how God has a history of using unlikely characters to fulfill his will and perform miracles. That divine plan is so intentional that God used the least among us, the most stigmatized and cast out — those living with HIV — to create miracles in this world:
Here are some ways faith communities can commemorate HIV Cure Research Day:
Celebrating in Your Communities:
We invite you to join hands in raising awareness and fostering a spirit of compassion and unity on this day. Here are some ways your communities can celebrate and contribute:
Host Awareness Events:
Organize informational sessions, workshops, or seminars to educate community members about HIV cure research and the significance of this day.
Prayer and Reflection:
Hold special prayer meetings, reflections, or vigils dedicated to those affected by HIV and for the success of HIV cure research.
Community Outreach:
Engage in outreach activities, volunteering at local HIV/AIDS organizations, hosting support groups, or providing services to people living with HIV.
Promote Inclusivity:
Foster an inclusive and supportive environment, addressing and challenging stigma and misinformation about HIV.
Sacred Text References: Bible:
● Jeremiah 17:14 (NIV) - "Heal me, Lord, and I will be healed; save me and I will be saved, for you are the one I praise."
● Reflection: Let us pray for healing and salvation, placing our trust in the Lord and seeking His guidance in our efforts towards an HIV cure.
Quran:
● Surah Al-Isra (17:82) - "And We send down of the Quran that which is healing and mercy for the believers..."
● Reflection: Embrace the healing and mercy bestowed upon believers, and let this inspire our collective efforts for healing and compassion in HIV cure research.
Buddhist Teachings:
● "Just as a mother would protect her only child with her life, even so, let one cultivate a boundless love towards all beings." – Buddha (Metta Sutta)
● Reflection: Cultivate boundless love and compassion for all beings, alleviating suffering and supporting those affected by HIV.
Together, let us unite across faiths, embracing the values of compassion, healing, and community engagement. We are grateful for your commitment and look forward to witnessing the positive impact of our collective efforts on HIV Cure Research Day and beyond.
Wishing you peace, blessings, and unity in our shared mission,
Dr. Allison Mathews
Co-Founder, HIV Cure Research Day
Dr. Allison Mathews is the CEO of Community Expert Solutions, Inc. and former executive director of the Gilead COMPASS Faith Coordinating Center in the School of Divinity at Wake Forest University, and she serves as the national representative for the Martin Delaney CARE Collaboratory’s Community Advisory Board at UNC Chapel Hill to advance community engagement for HIV cure research. Kimberly Knight is a social worker who specializes in sexual health and a fierce HIV advocate who has supported over 100 Black men by connecting them into HIV care.
For more information, you can visit the following links:
● HIV Cure Research Day Proclaimed - UNC Center for AIDS Research
● Dr. Allison Mathews on HIV Cure Research Day - AIDSVu
● HIV Cure Research Day 2021 - POZ Magazine
