faith in action

Breaking Barriers AIDS Conference

The United Methodist Global AIDS Committee will host a conference, Breaking Barriers, Oct. 25-27, 2018, in Indianapolis, Indiana. Register now.


Saving lives, reducing stigma and increasing awareness will be the core foci of the 2018 Breaking Barriers HIV/AIDS ministry conference to be held at St. Luke’s United Methodist Church in Indianapolis, Indiana. The gathering, hosted by the United Methodist Global AIDS Committee, will bring together leaders in HIV/AIDS research, advocacy and ministry.

“This conference is a unique opportunity for the Church to unite on the journey to create an AIDS-free world,” said committee chair Bishop Julius C. Trimble of the Indiana Annual Conference. “We will join together to overcome stigma related to HIV and AIDS, offer comfort to those living with HIV and AIDS, stand alongside those working in education and prevention, as well as discover ways that we can become better in our ministry efforts.”

Keynote Speakers:

Preachers & Bible Study Leaders:

Conference attendees can expect opportunities for learning, sharing and connection. Immersive pre-conference mission experiences will offer a chance to delve deeper into HIV/AIDS challenges and meaningful stories, such as a visit to the Ryan White exhibit at the Indianapolis Children’s Museum, a listening session with local HIV/AIDS experts and a meeting with the Step-up, Inc, an AIDS resource agency in Indianapolis.

Attendees will attend their choice of diverse workshop presentations throughout the conference, each facilitated by leaders of various HIV and AIDS initiatives. Topics include global perspectives and trends, opioid epidemic and HIV, HIV and TB, pediatric AIDS, HIV retreats and healing weekends, seminary education and healing the sick, among others.

Further details and registration information are available online, including a scholarship application (the deadline September 10) for those in need of financial assistance to attend. The conference fee is $125, which includes four meals, and a discounted housing group rate is available at a nearby hotel. The registration deadline is October 1.

Participants can expect to return home from the conference feeling inspired, empowered and prepared to strengthen HIV/AIDS ministry initiatives in their communities. The conference is open to anyone with interest in reaching out to the HIV/AIDS community with a message of love. 

Co-sponsors of the conference include:

  • Center for Health and Hope
  • Christian Theological Seminary
  • Dakotas-Minnesota Episcopal Area
  • East Ohio Annual Conference
  • Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
  • Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary
  • Illinois Great Rivers Annual Conference
  • Indiana Annual Conference
  • Indiana University Health
  • Iowa Annual Conference
  • Methodist Theological School in Ohio
  • Michigan Area Annual Conference
  • Northern Illinois Annual Conference
  • RESULTS
  • UMC Abundant Health
  • United Theological Seminary
  • University of Indianapolis
  • West Ohio Annual Conference
  • Wisconsin Annual Conference.

(This article is an adaptation of a February 28 article published in the UMC News Service.)