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 Rick Warren in Rwanda in 2008. My Take: Church is world’s most powerful weapon against AIDS
By Rick Warren, Special to CNN On June 5, 1981, my wife Kay was late into her second pregnancy, just weeks away from giving birth. Absorbed in caring for our 2-year-old and preparing for a newborn, the farthest thing on our minds was news that day of a cluster of men in Los Angeles with a mysterious, devastating disease. But what began in Africa and was first observed in this small California group became an epidemic, then swelled to a pandemic - touching lives in every country on every continent Though late to the fight, in 2003 Kay and I heard God calling us to care for those infected and affected, to raise our voices on their behalf, and to figure out practical ways for local churches to serve them. Timeline: 30 years of AIDS moments We traveled to Africa, ground zero for this pandemic, and were brokenhearted by the pain and thrilled by the compassion we observed. Out of the bubble that is American life, we sat with dying men and women, held newly orphaned babies in our arms, and cried with shattered family members. In America, we’d heard public leaders, including pastors, make pronouncements about AIDS that implied that those infected were enemies, or at least deserved their illness. But at the grassroots level we witnessed Christ-followers by the thousands opening their hearts, their homes, their wallets and their churches to fellow human beings in their suffering. Clearly, local churches were at the forefront of this battle in Africa.  Kay Warren folding bandages in Rwanda in 2007. We returned home determined to model our church’s response to HIV and AIDS after the African church’s response. We began by inviting a member of our church – Saddleback, in Southern California - who was HIV positive to tell his story publicly for the first time. Our members responded with overwhelming love. And once people realized our church was a safe place, other HIV positive people began attending and opening up about their status. To help remove the stigma, I was publicly tested for HIV with network TV cameras rolling. We began support groups for anyone infected or affected; trained church members to be part of personalized teams for an infected individual; brought in experts in the field to educate our congregation; and hosted three “Global Summits on AIDS and the Church” to showcase the latest scientific, behavioral and psycho-social aspects of the disease. We reached out to local, regional, national and international organizations, offering our manpower and networks in the fight against AIDS. One of the great lessons of this fight is that the single fastest way to mobilize at the grassroots level around the world is through local congregations. Nothing comes close to the size and scope of this pool of compassionate volunteers. The church has the largest distribution network on the planet. There are more churches in the world than all the Wal-Marts, McDonald’s and Starbucks combined. The church was global 200 years before anyone else thought of globalization. We could take you to thousands of villages around the world where the only institution to speak of is a church. Plus, the Christian church is the only organization growing faster than the new infection rate: while 7,000 people are newly infected globally every day, and church growth experts estimate that the church is adding 35,000 converts daily in China alone. These church members have a non-profit motivation to serve. We are commanded by Jesus Christ to “love your neighbor as yourself.” Our church sent 14,869 of our members to all 195 nations in the world to beta-test a local church humanitarian program based on the model of Jesus. Called the P.E.A.C.E. Plan, volunteers Plant churches that promote reconciliation, Equip servant leaders, Assist the poor, Care for the sick and Educate the next generation. We’ve learned that any church can provide six essential services in the fight against HIV/AIDS, easily remembered by the acronym CHURCH: –Care for and support the sick. Caring requires no money, just a willingness to offer compassion and kindness. –Handle HIV testing. At the least, churches can encourage members to get tested, with the pastor leading the way. Everyone should know their HIV status. –Unleash volunteers. There will never be enough professionals to fix all that is wrong in our world. The Christian church claims 2.3 billion followers worldwide. If only half could be mobilized to care for those with HIV and AIDS, the fight would look very different –Remove the stigma. It is not a sin to be sick. Jesus never asked a sick person, “How did you get sick?” He asked, “How can I help you?” –Champion healthy behavior. HIV is almost completely preventable. While new reports suggest that accessing HIV treatment at an earlier stage of the illness is a vital way to prevent transmission, the cost may be an impediment. Behavior change will continue to be the most effective way to cut down on new infections. –Help with antiretroviral drugs for HIV patients. The simplest way to cut down on new infections, to help infected individuals live longer, and to prevent children from becoming orphans, is to create accountability with medication compliance. Church volunteers can make daily visits or phone calls, reminding individuals to take their medication. This strategy has been enormously successful in the Karongi District of the Western Province of Rwanda, where Saddleback Church, the government of Rwanda and local churches established a pilot program to train community health workers. Started in 2008, more than 2,800 community volunteers have been trained through the churches to take on a caseload of 26,000 homes in the rural district where there is one hospital for 300,000 residents. These volunteers provide access to basic healthcare information and are addressing preventable and opportunistic diseases – the big killers of those living with the virus. The lives of 120,000 children and 50,000 adults are being positively impacted. Thirty years have passed since HIV was first recognized. In that time, millions have lost their lives and millions of children have been orphaned. Millions more are living with the virus today. But if the church and other faith communities will step up to the table, and as governments and other health organizations welcome their assistance, the future can be brighter. The opinions expressed in this commentary are solely those of Rick Warren. soundoff (1,335 Responses)« Previous 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 Next »Post a comment
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Editor's Note: Rick Warren is the founder and pastor at 
@Laura You're right. Though I heard there were two(?) places on Earth where they keep the pox confined in high security research facilities...I forget where, though I know one (or both) is here in the states.
Look, this is completely understandable, and to be honest, the organizations that go out and do what they do to try and prevent it however way they try hardest are full of the world's most gracious people. But let us be serious, the real weapon against AIDS is medicine, and we can't turn a blind eye on that. Sure, prevention can significantly decrease numbers of the infected, but unless AIDS is tackled by the world of medicine–and it is–the disease will never be destroyed. Medicine will destroy AIDS (eventually) as it has done so for Small Pox (by example)...This is a great article, really, but I only hope the chruches, or any preventative organization, does not run to take most of the credit for when that day comes. I'm Roman Catholic, but no matter, I know enough to realize my religion is not, or for others, should not be, the answer to everything. We need these advancements for a reason. You have to make sacrifices, even though some may be the hardest to make. That said, we have to look at the long run, and if I had to choose as to where to put my money: an Organization devoted to Prevention or an Organization devoted to Research...my money would go to Research.
Science, not religion – thank you.
Just letting you know that small pox is not completely destroyed. There are still small pockets that spring up here and there in 3rd world nations. But education to know how it is transmitted followed up by medcines is still the best cure.
Exactly. It never ceases to amaze me how much more advanced our species would be if only people would put their sciences before there religions. I only use my religion for guidance, not to control my every move. I'm very independent. It's quite fun! LOL
It astounds me how people can read something in an article and twist it to defend their convictions. People, please...this article showed people who CARE and want to help. Are they Christians. Yes. So What. I ask you all...just what are YOU doing about helping those abroad with AIDS...besides shooting off hot air in this comment section?
The pope enabled the epidemic to become much larger due to his denial of promoting condom. This is what religion does, how sick. We need the US to go into the country, without the delusional religion crap, and help these people.
Right now the religious do it with our tax dollar anyways, grant money. Let's end grant funds to religions and take over as US citizens.
Because it is the US citizens who are the heroes, not religions promoting their banner with our taxes. <–wrong
@Susan Carol – How can YOU read this article and not come away appalled at how the true decades long front line workers were never even mentioned? This isn't caring. This is arrogance and co-optation. I work in animal rescue and headline hunters and donation mills are not unfamiliar to me. There are always people who will be there whenever the cameras are rolling and/or the checks are being handed out and they seldom even intersect with the people who do the bulk of the real work.
what grant money are you talking about? be specific.
The Truth said "The pope enabled the epidemic to become much larger due to his denial of promoting condom",,,, You are not telling the truth, so change your name. The epidemic spread due to people not using common sense and just wanting instant gratification regardless of the consequences. The Church cares for 1 in 4 of all AIDS patients throughout the world. What do you do? Just run your bi goted mouth and spread your own poison to others? Yeah, I thought so.
If you'd do a little bit of studying, you'll find the pope is right in discouraging condom use. It has been found that condom use encourages risky s_ex that increases the risks of catching AIDS. But to learn this would interfere with your preconceived and groundless beliefs so why bother telling you.
First of all, the pope is nothing. Just some religious cult head. Next, the catholic church will do nothing unless it's pro-fitable. Proof, just look at the churches, schools and hospitals that are closed. Last, the act-ivities of the catholic church in this country, as Catholic Charities, are done primarily with tax payer money.
If they want to do good stuff, do it with their own money and stay off my tax dollars.
And con-doms, that would have been step one with education about pre-vention. Humans are ani-mals and $-ex is a drive shared by us, just say no doesn't stop it from happening. And neither does preaching fiction about a god that will punish you <– the worst thing you could do to humans – abusive to promote this. Even 99% of catholic priests had $-ex, likely many are likely gay including the pope (dress, ruby red shoes, ruby red hat and mann-erism – the giveaway). But who cares. $-ex is natural, among adults <– tell that one to the pope and bishops please.
The truth is that it is absolutely absurd to expect a father would allow his son to be killed. For man’s sins? How even more ridiculous. Jesus did not endure cruelest punishment, please get that straight. Many men suffered greater and at the hands of Christians, just look at the inquisition. Christians, especially, get off of self-pity and at the same time the enjoyment of the destruction to others. This is what happens when we allow children into these sick and twisted brainwashing cults.
At best, jesus was psychologically damaged goods. His suicide represents that of a modern day suicidal, who points a fake gun at police, so they will get killed. Because they are scared to do it themselves.
You people need to at least keep your religion away from kids. Let kids be kids, without the brainwashing. It may be too late for you, but please spare your children
Is it impossible for any of you to applaud that people are doing what you cannot/will not because you simply disagree with them? How shallow...
How shallow of YOU to read that into what's being said.
Others did it without making money doing it. They never received anything. Let Warren stay there for 10 years living in slum, then wee might believe the intent.
Please click 'Report abuse' on the video and all videos as they appear.
Rick: Take your church and your Bible and crawl back under the rock from which you both crawled out from under. And leave AIDS and its attendant solutions to scientists and those with a genuine desire to help.
@Godfrey...The notion came from the message of hope from the church that teaches people that having s-ex a man or woman other than your spouse is a sin.
Do you really think that it made Africa as the AIDS capital of the world?
Pastor Warren., this is the best hope the church has to offer for those with AIDs? More programs, volunteers, money, stigma reduction, care, clothing? Sounds like man's solutions to man's problem. The Jesus I know laid His life down to actually overcome sin, sickness and death itself for all time–Christians just don't believe it. Oh, sure we promise that stuff will happen in the future, but we don't dare think that His death might actually apply to this world. We'd rather make our own plans and programs than actually claim that sin, sickness and death can be completely destroyed for everyone by in this world by the power of Jesus death. This is the true power of the Cross of Christ–AIDS and death destroyed forever in this realm.
Religious groups do a lot of good work, but there are two things to note.... 1) good works are not the exclusive domain of the religious (although they seem to be blind to that fact), and 2) They are doing the good works with an ulterior motive , to indoctrinate more followers. Take a good look at what the religious are doing in Uganda and you'll understand that humanitarianism is not their goal or intent.
I'm glad you can pat yourself on the back Rick, but I am saddened that CNN gives him the forum to perpetuate his brand of garbage. For me, I'll take heed to the Atheist Bus Campaign messages and just "Be good for goodness sake".
Are you so dense to believe that there is any group out there that does good merely for goodness sake? Whether it be for personal fulfillment or from religious conviction, ulterior motives are commonplace. If doing good does not satisfy an ulterior motive, you aren't human.
I had the same thoughts. There is a lot of good mentioned in this article. Warren is probably right about the fact that the Church, due to its incredable social impact, might be the best way to mobilize the most people toward any issue. However, there was one scary paragraph in there. "God talked to him and his wife in 2003" and asked them to get involved. I bet that if Warren felt these people should be blamed rather than helped, God would conveniently have asked him to preach hate against gays.
"Behavior change will continue to be the most effective way to cut down on new infections". What exactly is meant by behavior change in this article? If they mean the use of condoms, then I agree. If they mean abstinence, then it's not going to work. Humans, like all other animals, live to produce offspring so their species can continue. This drive to reproduce is in our genes, it's natural. So the best way to combat AIDS is by providing condoms to the people of these nations, not abstinence education.
To avoid AIDs, Rick beats off!
Frankly, there are worse methods ...
Hahaha lol, Nice
They're narcissists and perverts.
More like "AIDS the best hope for church to raise money and gain new converts"
He lost me at... Kay and I heard god....
Face it... every Vatican folk beats off. Religious sheep are a bunch of obsequious egotists!
they will all rot in the septic tank.
Hmm....according to Rick Warren....'the more you eat...the faster you get to heaven'. Hope there's room, Rick cuz you're on your way.
Pastor Rick Warren should NOT be given this forum to further his dishonest, hateful, bigoted agenda. Note the following:
The government of Uganda is considering passing a law to execute gay people. Execute as in by hanging a, quote, “serial offender” or an HIV-positive person who commits same s e x act. If enacted, this law would also impose a three-year prison sentence on anyone who knows of a gay person in the country but doesn‘t report that gay person to the government within 24 hours.
Who is supporting and promoting this legislation? Well, one of the proponents is a minister named Pastor Martin Ssempa. He was a familiar face to American conservative Evangelicals, because Mr. Ssempa has been a frequent guest of PASTOR RICK WARREN at One Saddleback Church in California.
Mr. Warren responded (to questions about his involvement) by distancing himself from Martin Ssempa, but also by refusing to condemn the proposal saying, quote, “It is not my personal calling as a pastor in America to comment or interfere in the political process of other nations.” (MSNBC Dec 2, 2009)
Thanks for the heads up! This guy is looking worse and worse by the minute!
I'm by no means a religious person, but I can certainly appreciate this church's efforts to help people. If some churches would get away from the hate and bigotry and take a page out of this guy's playbook, maybe we wouldn't have some of the polarization of our country today.
With our tax dollar. It is the US folks, atheist included, who are the heroes. We need to stop giving grant money to religious organizations. We need to do it ourselves, without the spread of delusional religion. Let's educate folks, not brainwash them as the muslims do too.
This cultist is doing everything he can to harm people. Wise up.
I anyone out there supported the s*exule revolution or participated in it or encouraged it in any way, it is YOUR job to hand out condoms. Maybe you could have a concert. I remember an AIDS AID concert. How ironic. The very people who got he wholesale copulation movement started, were now having to sing to cover its expenses.
I am not a fallen man. I am a risen ape.
Enjoy.
WELL PUT !!!! Put me under that category too.
Yup, me, too