Vatican Ambassador to India, Archbishop Pedro Lopez Quintana (pic'd here) declared that Church in India would spare no efforts in combating and containing the spread of the deadly disease HIV/AIDS."The Church is fully committed to and actively involved in HIV/AIDS prevention, treatment, care and support by promoting a compassionate society where the true value and dignity of all is assured", the prelate said at an international consultation on "Church's concerted response to HIV/AIDS in India" on April 12.
The two-day consultation was organized by the Catholic Bishops' Conference of India (CBCI) Commission for Health in collaboration with UNAIDS and Catholic Medical Mission Board (CMMB) at the United Service Institution of India, New Delhi.
Archbishop Quintana asserted that the Church has always paid great attention to the service toward the sick and suffering as an integral part of her mission using the maximum resources for the campaign.
"The Church provides health care for all who need it irrespective of their socio-religious and economic status", he added.
Quoting late Pope John Paul II the prelate said, "Those suffering from HIV/AIDS must be provided good medical care and shown full respect, given every possible moral, spiritual assistance and be treated in a way worthy of Christ himself."
On medical advancements, Archbishop Quintana said, "The tremendous progress in medical science and skills in recent times places a supreme responsibility on us all with regard to God's gift of life and health, which remains a gift in all its stages and conditions."
He said all technological and scientific means which are not in accordance with morality and contrary to authentic values of life, love and sexuality should be avoided.
Archbishop Bernard Moras of Bangalore, said, "The Easter-octave is a 'tempus-forte' for the mandate of the Master: 'Go and heal!' This is the time for us to renew our mission to care for the sick and suffering."
Lauding the CBCI efforts to bring succor to HIV/AIDS infected and affected, Swami Agnivesh, International President of Arya Samaj said, "It is inspiring to see the participation of faith-based organizations working together to alleviate the sufferings of the sick and poor under the leadership of CBCI."
"It's unfortunate that people do so much for the gods carved out of stones and wood, while neglecting children and the sick made in God's own image and likeness," the Hindu leader said.
Swami Agnivesh said, "There is lot of inter-religious tourism going on in the name of inter-religious dialogue. What we need today is that people of different religions should work out a 'common minimum programme' to fight the scourge of poverty, sickness and HIV/AIDS."
"The CBCI's leadership to faith-based organizations in providing concerted response to HIV/AIDS is truly commendable," Jack Galbraith, president and CEO, Catholic Medical Mission Board, said.
"With over 5.7 m HIV/AIDS infected in India, the pandemic is a serious issue in the country India. With the highest number of HIV/AIDS infected in India and more contracting the same, both the government and NGOs need to do their best to stall its spread," Dr Denis Broun, India representative of UNAIDS, said.
About seventy five participants, both from India and abroad are participating in the two-day workshop, April 12-13.
The participants include Archbishop Stanislaus Fernandes, CBCI secretary general, five Bishop Chairmen of regional health commissions and Dr Rabia Mathai, senior vice president of CMMB.
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