Illinois: Faith Leaders Hold Conversation on HIV/AIDS at DuSable Museum

A regional AIDS symposium in Chicago recently sought to develop faith leaders' skills in tackling the epidemic among black LGBT individuals and the broader African-American community. About 50 people attended the all-day gathering, which was held on July 28 at the DuSable Museum of African-American History and was jointly hosted by the Metropolitan Interdenominational Church Technical Assistance Network, area faith leaders, and community organizations.

The city Department of Public Health's community epidemiologist, Yaa Simpson, presented an update on HIV/AIDS in the Chicago area. The keynote speech on social determinants of HIV/AIDS among African Americans was delivered by Dr. Mindy Thompson-Fullilove, professor of clinical sociomedical sciences at Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health.

An afternoon panel discussion featured four local community members who are involved in fighting AIDS.

"I was an active drug user and because of my lifestyle I stayed away from the church, since I thought they would judge me, which they did at the time and I got very angry at the church," said Melanie Paul, an activist diagnosed with HIV 14 years ago. Noticing few people of color in AIDS advocacy, Paul said she pressed the church to recognize HIV/AIDS. Paul said she is still committed to outreach with the wider faith community.

The Rev. Anthony W. Sullivan Jr., assistant pastor of Pillar of Love Fellowship United Church of Christ, said as a gay man he had felt for many years like a refugee from and ostracized by the church. That alienation ended with the inclusive community he found at UCC, he said.

The four-month series of leadership seminars, all held at the museum, will continue in the fall. For more information, telephone the Rev. Clifford A. Smith at 615-277-1762, or e-mail him at csmith@metropolitanfrc.com.

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