Welcome to The Catholic Register ’s special web site report on the Church and AIDS. We hope you find the articles, photos and information gathered here both moving testimonies to the human spirit and a useful resource.

Christians are called to share the Good News of Jesus Christ, a mission normally considered to be joyful. Yet here we present to you a picture that is anything but. AIDS is about death and dying, about the ravages to entire countries — indeed, an entire continent.

Where is the Good News here? In all of this tragedy and woe, there can hardly be a more legitimate question. It is also a question that both needs an answer and is being answered every day. The story of AIDS — a tale that is as full of human suffering and failing as any such tale can be — is also one in which Catholics are thoroughly enmeshed, working, striving and praying to live out the Christian imperative to love one another as we would be loved.

Here is a story that goes beyond political arguments. It is people moved by their faith in the Gospel to live out the call of Jesus of Nazareth to serve the least of those among us in compassion and love.

Explore these pages. You will find basic information about the global scourge of AIDS/HIV. There is a theological essay that grounds the Catholic response to the disease in Scripture and tradition. There are articles on the issues: medical, political, economic, cultural and moral. There are also stories of faith in action. Finally, there are references to the many ways you can do something.

Inspired by the XVI International Conference on AIDS held in this city in August 2006, this web site is meant as an educational resource for students and anyone interested in how the Catholic Church is responding to a global crisis. It is our contribution to finding a solution.

God bless,
Joseph Sinasac
Publisher and Editor