A group of leading African American clergy members agreed to use their influence to promote HIV testing and prevention at the National Conclave on HIV/AIDS Policy for Black Clergy in New York City, October 8–9, 2007.
The Conclave, sponsored by the National Black Leadership Commission on AIDS, brought together more than 100 African American clergy members to discuss the continuing impact of HIV/AIDS on the African American community and how to address the disease within their respective congregations.
The clergy members agreed to pursue the following actions to help fight HIV/AIDS in the African American community:
Encourage every person within their sphere of influence to be tested for HIV.
Promote HIV/AIDS awareness to ensure that all Black clergy are equipped to address issues related to this disease in a factual and scientifically sound manner.
Utilize the “ABCD” model as a behavioral guideline for prevention initiatives:
A—Abstain from Sex B—Be Faithful C—Use Condoms D—Don't Engage in Risky Behavior
HIV/AIDS disproportionately impacts minorities in the United States, particularly African Americans. While African Americans make up 13 percent of the population in the United States, they account for 49 percent of all HIV and AIDS cases in this country. Today, of the more than 1 million Americans estimated to be living with HIV, nearly half of them are African Americans.
While being African American does not in itself put one at risk for HIV, some African Americans face unique challenges that may place them at an increased risk of contracting the disease, including socioeconomic factors, such as poverty and stigma; high rates of sexually transmitted diseases; and substance use.
“These clergy members are highly respected in their communities and have an enormous sphere of influence,” said Christopher H. Bates, Acting Director of the HHS Office of HIV/AIDS Policy, who moderated a session at the Conclave. “By agreeing to speak out on HIV and AIDS, they are helping eliminate the terrible stigma that prevents so many people from getting tested.”
HIV testing is important because unrecognized HIV infections account for more than half of all new sexually transmitted HIV infections each year. Once diagnosed, those living with HIV can fully benefit from available life-saving treatments. They can also take steps to protect their partners.
In addition to agreeing to promote HIV testing and prevention among their own communities and congregations, several of the clergy recorded public service announcements (PSAs) for the HHS National HIV Testing Mobilization Campaign. The participating members were: Bishop T.D. Jakes (Texas); Rev. Calvin O. Butts, III (New York); Rev. Edwin Saunders (Tennessee); Rev. Renee Washington-Gardner (New York); Rev. Lora Hargrove-Chapman (Maryland); Rev. Creflo Dollar (Georgia); Rev. Susan (Sujay) Johnson-Cook (New York); and Rev. Renee Washington-Gardner (New York). The PSAs will begin airing on television and radio in January 2008.
