The World Association for Christian Communication (WACC) is calling on its members and partners to encourage their faith communities and their local media to make visible the contributions of people living with HIV and AIDS in parish and community life.

In a statement issued today, the organisation's General Secretary, the Rev. Randy Naylor says, "Men and women living with HIV and AIDS make daily contributions to the life of their faith communities. Sadly, these contributions are not always acknowledged by leaders or made visible in what is communicated." Research has shown that fear of stigmatisation and exclusion from the life of their faith community are key factors preventing people from seeking testing, counselling and treatment.

"By openly supporting and encouraging HIV+ people to take visible leadership roles, faith communities present a model of inclusive community which is a true reflection of the Gospel, 'We are all part of the body of Christ, each one of us' 1 Cor. 12: 27)," says Naylor.

WACC, a communication rights organisation, supports and advances communication strategies to change discriminatory behaviour that contributes to the spread of HIV and the harm it causes. The organisation works with civil society partners in Benin, Ghana, Nigeria, Rwanda, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, India, Jamaica, Colombia and Chile.

WACC believes that communication is a basic human right that defines people's common humanity, strengthens cultures, enables participation, creates community and challenges tyranny and oppression. The work of WACC dates back to 1950 and the organisation was formally established in 1968 in London (United Kingdom). The WACC Secretariat is based in Toronto, Ontario (Canada).