Prophetic Ministry in the Midst of HIV/AIDS
Edwin Sanders

This presentation is designed to help participants in developing an appreciation for how spirituality is integral to any effective response which addresses persons at risk for HIV/AIDS. Using anecdotal information, there will be an examination of how belief systems are a byproduct of cultural, social, environmental and intellectual experiences, which serve to inform individuals' sense of self, and thus guide behavior.

At the end of the presentation, participants will:

1. Have a working definition of spirituality as it relates to HIV/AIDS.
2. Have an understanding of the five principal objectives of effective prophetic ministry.
3. Be able to recognize the factors that shape personal belief systems.
4. Have a framework for social justice ministries in communities disproportionately affected by HIV/AIDS.
5. Be able to understand better how to incorporate spirituality as a programmatic component when designing interventions to curb the spread of HIV/STDS.

REV. EDWIN SANDERS, II, is the Senior Servant and Founder of the Metropolitan Interdenominational Church, a congregation in Nashville, TN. Rev. Sanders is a graduate of Wesleyan University, where he received the Bachelor of Arts Degree in Anthropology. He is past Chairperson of the Ryan White Community AIDS Partnership, and is still an active member of the consortium. Rev. Sanders serves on the Boards of Directors of the Black AIDS Institute, The National Black Leadership Commission on AIDS, The AIDS Institute, and The Drug Policy Alliance. In 2002, he was appointed by President Bush to serve on the Presidential Advisory Council on HIV/AIDS.