M arch 23, 1994 • T he P ortland O bserver African American Religious Leaders Sign Declaration Of War to Fight Aids Ptt Jfoue cuuf, Peuieutfsiaucc The Black Church National Day of Prayer for the Healing of AIDS is endorsed by the following African American religious caucuses: flune 16, 1952 — Mccicfi 14, 1994 • Progressive National Baptist Convention • African Methodist Episcopal Church Harlem Churches for Community Improvement • Salvation and Deliverance Worldwide Ministries Black Roman Catholic Caucus Union of Black Episcopalians • National Baptist Convention, U.S.A. • National Baptist Convention of America Southern Christian Leadership Conference Black Methodist for Church Renewal Church of God in Christ Federation of Protestant Welfare Agencies Dedicated to educating the African American community about HIV I AIDS, The Balm In Gilead, Inc. encourages community leaders to establish programs to help eradicate HIV/AIDS and provides technical assistance and educational materials to religious and community-based organizations about HIV I AIDS related health conditions. For more information about The Balm In Gilead, Inc., contact pernessa Seele, at (212) 281-4887. Black churches across the coun­ try hold special prayers, concerts and activities today to mobilize support, awareness and compassion for Afri­ can Americans affected by the AIDS epidemic. Organized by The Balm In Gilead, Inc. this campaign invites black churches nationwide to present a message about HIV/AIDS to their congregations, including a special prayer for family, friends and col­ leagues affected by HTV/AIDS. Announcing their commitment to fight the AIDS epidemic, earlier this week African American religious leaders met at the White House with National AIDS Policy Coordinator, Kristine M. Gebbie, and signed a DecLarationofWartofightHIV/AIDS. “The response is remarkable, more than 19 different religious cau­ cuses have pledged to fight this epi­ demic and are actively reaching out to African Americans through the power of prayer,” said Pernessa Seele, founder and chief executive officer, The Balm In Gilead, Inc. “As religious leaders, we have a responsibility to responde with com­ passion, creativity and competence to the AIDS epidemic,” said Bishop John Hurst Adams, Senior Bishop of the African American Methodist Episco­ pal Church. “We have a direct rela­ tionship to our members, their fami­ lies and friends. We can make a real difference in reaching out to raise awareness about HIV/AIDS in our Sharon Church First Annual M en’s Day! Come Be Apart Of The Plan That Brings All Men Together! W here: Sharon Church, 5209 NE Sumner Street Portland, Oregon 97211 (503) 287-7649 W hen: April 16th, 1994, Beginning At 9 :15AM Theme: “Every Man My Brother” G uest Speaker: Pastor Malcolm Taylor, From Tallahassee, Florida All Are Invited! Dinner Following Service