Ryan P. Cumming<\/p>\n
As many as 140,000 people in Colombia are living with HIV\/AIDS, according to the United Nations.\u00a0 The challenges they face are significant.\u00a0 Because of the disease’s association with sexuality, many people who are HIV-positive face prejudice, fear and discrimination.\u00a0 The stigma of HIV\/AIDS in Colombia carries legal and medical consequences, as well.\u00a0 Individuals can be denied disability benefits, scorned by employers or denied medical care for their disease.<\/p>\n
Knowing the harsh reality of stigma and the consequences it carries, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Colombia (IELCO) is committed to supporting HIV\/AIDS-positive Colombians.\u00a0 In addition to educating Lutherans about the disease, the Asivida ministry of IELCO supports Caminando Juntos<\/em> (“walking together”), a group of HIV\/AIDS-positive men and women who support each other emotionally, spiritually, mentally, and legally.\u00a0 With the help of Rosemary Rincon, a social psychologist on staff with IELCO, Caminando Juntos<\/em> has successfully advocated for the right to disability benefits and medical care for its members.<\/p>\n The ELCA accompanies its companion churches in many ways.\u00a0 One important form of accompaniment is support for vital ministries within local communities.\u00a0 Asivida \u2013 with its education, outreach, and support of Caminando Juntos<\/em> \u2013 is just a part of the many ministries of IELCO, supported in part by gifts to ELCA World Hunger.\u00a0 Together, we can be part of IELCO’s powerful witness and action in Colombia!<\/p>\n Watch the video below to hear Rosemary’s powerful story! (A transcript of the video is below for readers who do not speak Spanish.)<\/p>\n <\/p>\n