United Methodist Global AIDS Committee Announces 2024 Breaking Barriers AIDS Conference

For Immediate Release

February 6, 2024

United Methodist Global AIDS Committee Announces 2024 Breaking Barriers AIDS Conference

Charlotte, NC - The United Methodist Global AIDS Committee is set to host the Breaking Barriers AIDS Conference on April 22, 2024 from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. ET at the First United Methodist Church in Charlotte, North Carolina (501 North Tryon Street). The event is free and open to all individuals and organizations committed to eradicating the stigmas surrounding HIV and AIDS. Registration is required and can be completed online prior to March 31 on the committee’s website.

Breaking Barriers offers networking, education and advocacy for addressing ongoing HIV/AIDS challenges.

Dr. Ulysses W. Burley III will be the keynote speaker at the conference. He is an expert in medicine and public health and is the project director for the HIV Vaccine Trials Network (HVTN) Faith Initiative. Additionally, he is the founder of UBtheCURE LLC, a consulting company that focuses on the intersection of health and human rights. Dr. Burley is committed to advocating for social justice through faith and community-based initiatives, focusing on raising awareness about HIV and AIDS.

Key church representatives scheduled to speak include:

• United Methodist Global AIDS Committee’s chairperson, Bishop Julius C. Trimble, resident bishop for the Indiana Episcopal Area and Indiana Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church.

• Bishop Karen P. Oliveto, Episcopal Leader of the Mountain Sky Conference of The United Methodist Church.

The conference will also feature a panel of experts who will discuss The United Methodist Church’s worldwide response to AIDS.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has emphasized the importance of continuing our efforts to address HIV and AIDS, and we are eagerly anticipating the opportunity to gather experts from around the world to share their knowledge and insights," stated Bishop Trimble.

In addition to speakers, attendees will gather in breakout sessions facilitated by leaders of various HIV and AIDS initiatives. Topics to be discussed include HIV/AIDS impact on children and adolescents, geriatric care, key populations, Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PREP), and prevention awareness and education.

This conference seeks to equip advocates to make a difference for those impacted by HIV/AIDS in their communities. Programming has been developed to help attendees feel inspired, confident and well-prepared to enhance ministry outreach initiatives.

Organizers selected the date and location of The United Methodist Global AIDS Committee’s Breaking Barriers AIDS Conference to provide greater accessibility to the event for people attending the postponed General Conference of The United Methodist Church.

After completing their registration, attendees are encouraged to follow the committee’s Facebook page for updates.

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About the United Methodist Global AIDS Committee

The United Methodist Global AIDS Committee (UMGAC) provides resources and training to annual conferences and local churches, engaging them in HIV and AIDS education and advocacy. This work reduces stigma and provides greater opportunity for welcoming all people into the church. The committee is comprised of members from the Council of Bishops, Discipleship Ministries, General Board of Church and Society, General Board of Global Ministries, Rocky Mountain Annual Conference, United Methodist Communications and United Women in Faith. Find them online at umglobalaidsfund.com.