Today in Washington, the Global AIDS Alliance hosted a teleconference for journalists to talk about the urgency of passing the Hyde-Lantos Bill (a.k.a. PEPFAR). Archbishop Desmond Tutu, a longtime supporter of the fight against poverty, was joined on the call by Annette Tilleman-Dick, eldest daughter of the late Representative Tom Lantos, for whom this legislation is named. Tomorrow Mrs. Lantos will receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom on behalf of her late husband in part for his dedicated work on AIDS and poverty.

Archbishop Tutu said, “The U.S. has a wonderful opportunity to help make God’s world a compassionate place, so the vulnerable ones will know they’re not here to be taken advantage of but to be cared for. We belong together as a human family. I plead with the leaders in Congress for the sake of the world, for the sake of the future, expedite the passing of the legislation.”

Annette Tilleman-Dick said, “Freedom and prosperity come with responsibility. We have an opportunity to see this bill, which was my father’s final work, come to conclusion.”

You can listen to a recording of Desmund Tutu and Annette Tilleman-Dick speaking on today’s call on the ONE podcast.

-Taylor Royle