September 22, 2008

Messer wrote legislation that established fund with $8 million goal.

Dr. Donald E. Messer, executive director of the Center for the Church and Global AIDS, Centennial, Colorado, has been elected by the United Methodist Global AIDS Fund Committee to serve as chairperson.

Donald Messer

Messer succeeds Bishop Fritz Mutti and wife, Etta Mae, who have served as co-chairs of the committee since its inception in 2005.

Under the Muttis’ leadership, more than $1.8 million has been raised to help fight the global HIV and AIDS pandemic. The Global AIDS Fund has provided grants to nearly 70 HIV/AIDS projects in more than 20 countries around the world.

The Global AIDS Fund Committee is charged with overseeing the promotion, use, supervision and distribution of the fund.

Messer wrote the original legislation adopted by the 2004 General Conference that established the United Methodist Global AIDS Fund. Monies are to be used to support programs offering HIV and AIDS education, prevention, treatment and care services in the United States and around the world.

The goal is to raise at least $8 million for HIV/AIDS.

“Those who are infected with HIV/AIDS experience not only the effects of this devastating disease, but also extreme stigmatization and discrimination,” Messer said. “As disciples of Jesus Christ, United Methodists are called to continue his healing ministry to the most marginalized in the world.”

According to the UNAIDS 2008 Report on the Global AIDS Epidemic, there were 2.7 million new HIV infections and 2 million HIV-related deaths last year. Two-thirds of the estimated 33 million people living with HIV are in Sub-Saharan Africa. An estimated 370,000 children under age 15 became infected with HIV in 2007.

To support the Global AIDS Fund, you can donate online, contribute through any local United Methodist Church, or send gifts to: UMCOR Advance #982345 Global AIDS Fund, P.O. Box 9068, New York, NY 10087-9068. You may also call 1-800-554-8583 to make a credit card donation.

For more information, visit the Global AIDS Fund Web site or UMCOR United Methodist Global AIDS Fund.

World AIDS Day

World AIDS Day is observed on Dec. 1 each year to provide a time for programs on HIV/AIDS education and religious worship services that focus on intercessory and healing prayer, hope in God, and love and compassion in the midst of the HIV/AIDS pandemic.

United Methodists are encouraged to observe World AIDS Day on or around Dec. 1. Voluntary offerings should go to "Global HIV/AIDS Program Development" (UMCOR Advance #982345).

Materials for World AIDS Day are available each year from UNAIDS, and the United Methodist General Boards of Church & Society and Global Ministries.