Christian leaders participating in the 16th International AIDS Conference (AIDS 2006) – the world’s largest HIV/AIDS conference – gathered yesterday ahead of the summit to examine how faith leaders would fulfill their promises and challenge governments and others to be accountable for their promises.

With the theme of “Faith in Action: Keeping the Promise,” the ecumenical and interfaith pre-conference will take place Aug. 10-12 at the University of Toronto.

Over 500 faith-based participants will hear and discuss central challenges to their response to HIV and AIDS, including working with the most marginalised people living with HIV, cooperating with multi-lateral and civil society organisations and networks, and fulfilling the promises faith groups have made in response to AIDS.

“Statements and promises have been made that give people hope,” said Linda Hartke, coordinator of the Ecumenical Advocacy Alliance, in a statement released on Tuesday by the World Council of Churches. “These words must be put into action.”