Dr Williams told the General Synod that the primates of the Anglican communion had identified Aids as a “clear priority”. He said: “We share an agenda; we care about many of the same issues and acknowledge the same urgency about them.

“The fact is that in an ever-growing world of wealth and plenty, one in four people alive today lives in abject poverty. That has yet to change. But there can be no argument about the fact that that situation is intensified and made yet more tragic by the issue of Aids.”

Hilary Benn MP, Secretary of State for International Development, told the synod: “As the Church, you have often led the way, caring for people. But sadly there are still those who lead in the opposite direction.” He said that HIV-positive status led to such stigma and discrimination that many people were simply too frightened to get themselves tested.

“This is just one area where we need courageous church leaders speaking out, embracing people with HIV-Aids,” said Mr Benn. “I know many of you have done so, but it needs to happen more. We will only defeat discrimina- tion if societies, cultures and institutions change.”

The Bishop of Chelmsford, the Right Rev John Gladwin, called for the Government to put as much “energy and commitment” into the fight against poverty and disease as it had into the fight against terrorism.

Explore UK News

• Crime News

• Education News

• Health News

• Science News

• Scotland News

Times Recommends

• Brown gambles it all on rescue plan
• Motherhood boosts female brain power
• That's no old FT, that's my naked wife