Dr Rowan Williams' message of encouragement has been prepared for World Aids Day this Saturday. It is the first time that his message will be made available in video format on the internet.
Dr Williams praised the active engagement and dedication of churches in the global response to HIV and sharply criticised the limited access to drugs and treatment in some of the poorest parts of the world as "a scandal".
“It is important that we do not allow ourselves to be paralysed by this challenge; people do not have to die – drugs and treatment are available – the scandal is that access is so often limited and it is hard to see where justice lies in the way resources are sometimes distributed," he says in his message.
He also stressed that governments needed to be challenged to work effectively with faith-based organisations.
Dr Williams paid tribute to charities like Tearfund and Christian Aid, which are partnering with Christians and churches on the ground in Africa and other parts of the world struggling with Aids to raise awareness, break down stigma, promote education and provide care to those affected by the condition.
He also acknowledged, however, that the church had not always tried its best to care for those living with HIV.
“The churches have not always challenged as they should the stigma that is attached to HIV and Aids in many countries," he said.
