Clinton Urges Clergy to Talk About AIDS, Drugs

WASHINGTON (Reuter) - President Clinton urged religious leaders to commemorate World AIDS Day Sunday by reminding young people in their congregations that illegal drug use puts them at risk of contracting the HIV virus.

In an appeal to thousands of religious leaders, Clinton said World AIDS Day provided an opportunity to "reflect on the tremendous impact that HIV and AIDS have had on our nation's families, our communities, our country, and our planet."

The letter, to be sent out to 300 individuals and clergy organizations Wednesday, notes that 566,000 Americans have been diagnosed with AIDS in the past 15 years and more than 330,000 have already died.

The disease is the leading cause of death among Americans aged 25 to 44, and nearly half of all new HIV infections occur among people under the age of 21.

"Every person with AIDS is someone's son or daughter, mother or father, friend or neighbor. And they are all children of God," Clinton wrote. "Discrimination against people with AIDS violates our most basic national values."

He urged religious leaders to talk with their congregations about the "twin epidemics" of AIDS and drug use, reminding young people that drugs are harmful and can also lead to HIV infection.

"We must help our young people understand they are at serious risk of becoming infected with HIV when they engage in illegal drug use. It is up to all of us to put an end to these twin epidemics," he said.

Clinton praised the efforts of religious leaders in educating their congregations about AIDS and encouraging compassion for its victims.

A copy of the letter was released in Washington Tuesday.