THE VOICE OF CHICAGO'S GAY, LESBIAN, BI, TRANS AND QUEER COMMUNITY SINCE 1985

The event was the group's first step toward eliminating the stigma surrounding the test for HIV. Approximately 50 ministers agreed to be tested and talk about their experience with their congregations.

All efforts are in support of the June 27 National HIV Testing Day and the Know Your Status Get Tested campaign.

"The purpose of this HIV testing event is to end the obscurity of silence and replace it with hope," Jackson said. "As spiritual leaders, we have a duty to lead by example. The African American community and other communities are not looking to celebrities for guidance on this issue, they are looking to us."

There has been an increase of HIV/AIDS infections rates nationally among communities of color. According to a Centers for Disease Control 1999 study, African Americans and Latinos represent 67% of AIDS cases in the U.S.

The latest figures from the Cook County Dept. of Public Health AIDS Surveillance Report show that the rate of Chicago HIV infections within the African American community has increased by three percent. Over 68% of all new cases of HIV are members of the African American community.

Figures also show that since 1992, more than half the annual Chicago HIV cases are African Americans.

"The church is the cornerstone of our existence," Jackson said. "As we grapple with the devastation of HIV disease, we must also grapple with its spiritual destruction. Many individuals are looking to men and women of God for guidance, support, nurturing and understanding."

PUSH is at 930 East 50th St., ( 773 ) 373-3366, www.RainbowPush.org