"In 2003 the Methodist Conference adopted a resolution, Notice of Motion 18, which read: “AIDS is the new apartheid. In the name of Christ the healer, who reached out to touch and comfort the marginalised of his day, Conference stands alongside all who are suffering from the HIV/AIDS pandemic in the world today. We are one body in Christ; when one suffers, we all suffer. To this end: 1. We urge the churches to speak openly and courageously about HIV/AIDS: *to embrace – and not reject – afflicted family members *to encourage persons to confesstheir HIV/AIDS positive status *to uphold sufferers in our worship, liturgy and songs *to speak openly about preventative measures including safe sex practices *to advocate for the free distribution of condoms, which save lives. 2. We urge all governments to fight HIV/AIDS: *to acknowledge the extent of HIV/AIDS in their countries * to fund education, health care, and nutrition programmes to combat the spread of the disease and to provide life-saving drugs to all persons regardless of their ability to pay, especially pregnant women and those marginalised by war, poverty, gender or age. * to pressurise pharmaceutical companies and multi-national corporations to release cheap generic drugs to the millions suffering from HIV/AIDS * to promote legislation and judicial practices that protect women and children from sexual violence and domestic abuse. 3. Conference resolves to learn from and work with our overseas partner churches.”"