Join the NAACP in a national “Day of Unity” on Sunday, July 8, 2012 to announce the release of the pastoral brief and training manual entitled The Black Church and HIV: The Social Justice Imperative.
The NAACP National Health Department, has worked closely with African-American church leaders across the country conducting focus groups and roundtable discussions to identify challenges and barriers in addressing HIV/AIDS in the Black community. These conversations were a part of the 11-City “Let It Rise” faith tour. This tour featured a research component which helped to reconnect church in their roles as leaders in social justice and advocates in the fight against HIV/AIDS in the Black community.
The NAACP has been cultivating current and creating new partnerships with senior leaders of the mainline denominations, seminary leaders and national pastors. We encourage all faith leaders to join this movement and experience what God is beginning to do. Using the NAACP’s HIV Faith & Social Manual the NAACP Health Department and Black church leaders from across the country are coming together to reframe the way we talk about HIV and address the social injustices that are disproportionately impacting Black people.
Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. said, “Of all the forms of inequality, injustice in healthcare is the most shocking and inhumane.” We ask while reading this manual that you keep in mind that it is no longer just an HIV conversation; but rather a “social justice conversation” centered around Health Equity and HIV in the Black community.
On Sunday, July 8, 2012, our mission continues further. We humbly and prayerfully ask you to join the NAACP in a national “Day of Unity” to announce the release of the pastoral brief and training manual entitled The Black Church and HIV: The Social Justice Imperative.
We need all faith leaders to join us in this movement and experience the powerful work that is taking place. In your partnership with the NAACP Health Department, we ask that you consider any or all of the following:
- Announce the partnership with the NAACP’s national Health Department in support of the launch of the HIV Faith and Social Justice Manual at the 103rd NAACP Convention in Houston, TX on Monday, July 9, 2012;
- Preach a sermon about HIV as a social justice issue in your community or the disproportionate way it is impacting the Black community.
o Film your sermon and upload it to YouTube to share with others; - Include HIV educational materials in your Church bulletin to demonstrate the impact of HIV;
- Provide HIV screenings at your church in partnership with a local health agency; and/or
- Collaboration/Partnership
o We also encourage you to partner with other churches in the city who may be interested in participating on this Day of Unity.
Attached you will find these tools to assist in organizing the activities for this Day of Unity:
- Talking Points
o Used to highlight HIV as a social justice issue
o Used to draft an HIV sermon or other congregation communications opportunities - Sermon suggestions which includes Scripture themes and inspirations for HIV as a social justice issue
- The AIDSVu link (www.AIDSVu.org ) – to assist in identifying local agencies to provide onsite HIV testing, technical support and any other future needs.
o These agencies can also help you in hosting a health-fair that includes HIV and health screenings.
Other ministry suggestions:
- Develop a Health ministry that includes HIV or include HIV in your current Health ministry;
- Add HIV to an existing ministry; and/or
- Promote the Day of Unity on your social media channels.
We understand that pastors have many commitments, so please advise if there is a designee that we may need to work with once we have your official commitment to participate in our national “Day of Unity.” It is crucial to the success of this partnership that we have your blessings and public support.
Please advise the NAACP of your intent no later than Thursday, May 24, 2012. See contact information below.
This will be an exciting spiritual journey to not only highlight Health and HIV as a social justice issue but also as we create systemic change in this fight for health equality.
We appreciate your time AND support! Please do not hesitate to reach out if you should have any questions or concerns.
“But let justice roll down like waters, and righteousness
like an ever-flowing stream.”
- Amos 5:24
For more information, contact:
Rev. Keron R. Sadler
Manager of Health Programs
NAACP National Headquarters
4805 Mt. Hope Drive
Baltimore, MD 21215
(410) 580-5619 Direct
(410) 375-2105 Mobile
(410) 358-3385 Fax
ksadler@naacpnet.org
