Over a decade ago, a priest attended a man dying with AIDS in his home. The man's life companion was present. The priest refused sacramental rites until the man threw away his commitment ring and vowed to be separated from his life companion. To many people in the HIV/AIDS community this sentiment seemed to represent the attitude of the religious community.

The worldwide epidemic of HIV/AIDS had its start in Central Africa. Men, women and children died in record numbers. Because Central Africa is wracked with poverty, the diseases of this region made little news in the so-called First World. As the disease crossed borders, it found an initial home in the male homosexual community as well as the hemophiliac, Haitian and intravenous drug user. Politicians gave the lead to many religious leaders who ignored the situation at first, but slowly the reality unfolded.

Churches and synagogues ministering in affirmation for and with the Gay and Lesbian community were the first to respond in pastoral affirmation and support of persons whose lives were affected by HIV/AIDS. In time interfaith as well as Roman Catholic, mainstream Protestant and Reform Jewish ministries were formed to attend to persons in the HIV/AIDS community. In Riverside/San Bernardino communities, Magnolia Presbyterian, Congregational churches, the women's religious group at St. Bernardine's Hospital, the Roman Catholic Diocese of San Bernardino and others responded to the invitation of Good Shepherd Metropolitan Community Church to attend to the pastoral and spiritual needs of people whose lives are affected by HIV/AIDS.

World AIDS Day reminds us that the epidemic is with us, albeit with changing demographics. The epidemic is more than a disease. It is a community of people whose lives are dramatically challenged. Each one of these is a special person deserving of ministration and pastoral care. Our parish and many other religious communities in the Inland Empire continue the task. We all need to be reminded.