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The ribbon is a symbol that threads together our prayers, photo by Susie Henderson

Six hundred squares of silk-screened denim patches marked with individual prayers, concerns and memorials were sewn together to form one great ribbon to remember friends and families who have lost loved ones and those currently infected by HIV/AIDS.

The Ribbon of Hope project highlighted at General Synod, is part of the Primate's World Relief and Development Fund (PWRDF) awareness and advocacy program --For a Generation Without AIDS.

The 40-foot ribbon, "is a symbol that threads together our prayers, our remembrances, our hope for people living with HIV/AIDS and holds them deep in our heart," said Andrew Ignatieff, director of PWRDF during the HIV/AIDS plenary session at General Synod.

The blue on the denim patches is the indigo dye used in a lot of places around the world, explained Thomas Roach who designed it. It is also used for healing and spiritual purposes. "I felt it would be important to use the indigo dye to represent the countries most affected by HIV/AIDS," he said. The jean material is a North American product, hence, the project "links the northern and southern countries together in the fight against HIV/AIDS," he added.

The intention of this project was to provide a creative opportunity for Synod delegates to express their own connections to the issue of HIV/AIDS and to feel connected to the PWRDF response as well, said Susie Henderson, PWRDF coordinator for parish and diocesan partnership programs.

The ribbon will be available for dioceses and parishes to borrow if they are holding any HIV/AIDS related activities, or during prayer vigils, said Ms. Henderson. "Plans are underway to have regional workshops, where we will help individuals in creating a ribbon of hope," she said.

Internationally the red ribbon offers a symbol of hope and support for those living with HIV/AIDS, as well as a reminder that HIV/AIDS continues to grow around the world and is not going away anytime soon.

But red ribbons alone are not enough. "The red ribbon is only a public symbol that needs to be attached to words and deeds that actually make a difference in the fight against HIV and AIDS," said Stephen Lewis, United Nations special envoy on HIV/AIDS in Africa, in an interview at General Synod.

Mr. Lewis noted with dismay, the slow response by the donor community to support the fight against HIV/AIDS, which he compared to the rapid mobilisation of funds for the Iraq war.

Mr. Lewis noted with concern the increasing numbers of orphans in sub-Saharan Africa, which is about 40 million. "Child-headed households are proliferating at an escalated speed, " he said. He challenged General Synod to express its solidarity with the churches in Africa.

For Further Information on the Ribbon of Hope Project please contact:
Susie Henderson, PWRDF Parish and Diocesan Partnership Program
Tel: 416-924-9199 ext.314
Email:pwrdf@pwrdf.org Website:http://www.pwrdf.org