HIV/AIDS is the modern-day leprosy. Some call it a sinner’s disease and want to wash their hands of the whole thing. But thankfully we’re called to wash feet, not hands.

Prescription for Hope was a Christian conference for HIV/AIDS held a few weeks ago, and it represents a strong move forward for the church in the fight against HIV/AIDS.

“Regardless of what they may have done,” said Franklin Graham, head of Samaritan’s Purse and the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, the two organizations behind Prescription for Hope, “each of the 40 million men, women, and children worldwide who are infected with the HIV virus are precious to God. And if they’re precious to God, then by God, they should be precious to us.”

Those are some encouraging words from the conservative end of the spectrum. Wouldn’t it be nice if the church could actually be leading the way when it comes to compassion?

“So different from his pictures / Breathing air through yellowed tubes / Jesus Christ, dying of AIDS / Can look right through you.” (‘Under Bridges’ by Brave Saint Saturn)