Key Leaders Back Autism Sunday 2009

Main Category: Autism
Article Date: 03 Feb 2009 - 3:00 PDT

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Autism Sunday, the International Day of Prayer for Autism and Asperger's Syndrome falls on Sunday 8th February 2009. Cathedrals, churches and religious organisations around the world are to mark the international day and pray for over 60 million people with autism and Asperger's Syndrome across many nations.

Autism Sunday was founded by parents and carers Ivan and Charika Corea in 2002 Autism Awareness Year in the United Kingdom. A historic service for autism was held at St.Paul's Cathedral in London in 2002. In the UK a special service for Autism to mark Autism Sunday 2009 will be held at All Saint's Church, Inman's Row, Woodford Wells in the London Borough of Redbridge on 8th February at 11.15 a.m. Ministers, parliamentarians and dignitaries are joining parents, carers and people with autism and Asperger's Syndrome.

Pastor Rick Warren of Saddleback Church, California who was chosen by US President Barack Obama to lead the inovocation at his inauguration in Washington DC said he applauded the efforts of British autism campaigners Ivan and Charika Corea to raise efforts of both Autism and Asperger's Syndrome. Saddleback Church is one of the largest churches in the United States and they will be praying for 60 million people worldwide who have Autism or Asperger's Syndrome. Saddleback Church also hopes that Autism Sunday - the International Day of Prayer for Autism and Asperger's Syndrome will be a huge success.

His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI has invoked God's blessings of strength and peace on the Autism Community on Autism Sunday in a message from the Vatican. The Rt.Reverend Richard Chartres, the Bishop of London in the United Kingdom has extended his support for Autism Sunday. Rt.Reverend John Sentamu, Archbishop of York has also sent his blessings.

World Leaders have been urged to speak out for Autism on Autism Sunday. US Campaigners and others around the globe have been backing Autism Sunday, hundreds have been supporting an Autism Sunday Facebook Group. Campaigners are urging people to wear autism awareness ribbons on 8th February. A parent in the United States is selling autism awareness ribbons on ebay to mark Autism Sunday.

Media Eye Music in London have re-released the moving song for autism, 'Open Every Door' sung by the Asian superstar Gresha Schuilling and written by the award winning singer/songwriter Nimal Mendis. It is now online on You Tube. 'Open Every Door' is the cry of every parents and carer - the autism song is being used as a point of reflection in services by some religious organisations. It is also available on iTunes with part proceeds towards the UK Autism Foundation.

People have been asked to use Autism Sunday as a platform to lobby and campaign on the serious health and education issues connected with autism and Asperger's Syndrome.

For further information on Autism Sunday: http://autismsunday.blog.co.uk

To listen to 'Open Every Door' sung by Greshs Schuilling and written by Nimal Mendis, re-released for Autism Sunday: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lz_0a5HH3AE

AUTISM SUNDAY
C/O UKAF
Woodford Business Centre
113-115 George Lane
South Woodford
London E18 1AB
http://www.autismsunday.co.uk