"A Letter to be read in Our Houses of Worship"

Our dear children impacted by HIV/AIDS,

You are persons of incalculable worth and dignity. You are beautiful to us and we love you.

You have suffered too much because of HIV/AIDS. Some of you have lost your beloved parents or other members of your family. Some of you are sick. Some of you have felt forgotten, alone and frightened in a world where no one seems to care. Worse, all of you have been made to feel ashamed of your suffering if it was caused by HIV/AIDS.

This is not right!

Our religions teach us that you should not suffer alone and that you should not be made to feel ashamed.

We are asking all religious people in Africa to be your family. You are to be known, helped, and loved as part of this family. Our churches, mosques and temples are also your homes. Let them become places of refuge, rest and help for you.

We will work to make sure that people treat you fairly and that you have the chance to go to school, make friends, and be healthy.

We ask that you hold on to hope. Never give up on yourself or on life. Take our hands and we will help you to walk with courage into the future.

A future with the joy and love you deserve.

You are ours, we love you,

The Assembly of African Religious Leaders