Ending the Stigma of HIV Testing at the General Assembly

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

We are asking you, as a leader in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), to take a bold step to reduce the stigma associated with HIV testing in the United States. We are asking you to be tested for HIV publically at the 219th General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) in Minneapolis in July 2010. We are not asking you to reveal your status, only to be open about your willingness to be tested, as an act of solidarity with those living with HIV, and as an encouragement to all people to know their HIV status.

It is estimated that over 1 million people in the United States are living with HIV,[1] and in Washington, D.C., prevalence rates have reached an alarming 3%.[2] The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) estimates that around 56,000 Americans are infected each year, and around 20% of those infected with HIV do not know their status.[3] Studies have shown that individuals who know their HIV+ status reduce their risk behaviors,[4] yet many people avoid getting tested either because they do not perceive themselves to be at risk or because of the stigma associated with testing.

Because the medical and public health community have typically targeted for HIV testing those engaging in “high risk behavior,” getting tested for HIV has become for many equivalent to admitting that one engages in such behaviors. To admit to such behaviors invites moral judgment and condemnation, particularly from the religious community. The unfortunate result has been that many people avoid being tested.

The sad reality is that, given the rates of divorce (an estimated 50% of all first marriages) and infidelity rates (11%)[5] in this country, many more people may be at risk than they think. In 2006, the CDC has shifted its recommendations to include routine HIV testing of all adults and adolescents in a healthcare setting. Sadly, many people do not have access to regular preventative health care; in rural communities stigma is especially prominent, and reports reveal reluctance of healthcare workers to implement the new guidelines.[6]

It is time for the Church to step up and counter stigma with action! That’s where you come in. You can follow the lead of the Bishops in the Evangelical Lutheran Church and the United Methodist Church, leaders in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and leadership through the Black Church Initiative, and send a message of hope.[i] The Presbyterian AIDS Network, in partnership with the Peacemaking Committee of the Twin Cities Area Presbytery and the African Health Action Corporation, is providing an opportunity for you to set an example for others by being tested this year at General Assembly. This will serve to develop your sense of empathy for others who need testing, increase your knowledge about HIV testing and prevention, and demonstrate to all that knowing one's status is of paramount importance in the fight against AIDS.

The HIV tests are completely voluntary, and the results are confidential. The testers are all state-certified by the Department of Public Health. The Clearview Rapid HIV ½ tests, generally administered by finger prick, are 99.7% accurate and FDA-approved.[ii] Chaplains, experienced testers and counselors, and members of the Presbyterian AIDS Network will be available to provide pre-test counseling and information, pastoral care, support, and referrals as needed.

Please consider being tested and letting the Presbyterian AIDS Network highlight your example, that other Christians might be inspired by your leadership in the fight against HIV/AIDS. If you are willing to have your name included in a press release, please e-mail susan.stack@pcusa.org by June 15. We have enclosed in this letter a flyer about all the HIV/AIDS related events that the Presbyterian AIDS Network is co-sponsoring. You will see there that testing will take place Saturday, July 3rd through Wednesday, July 7th, 12noon to 4:30pm, Minneapolis Convention Center 210-B. Please let us know if you have any further questions or concerns.

With the deepest hope and respect,

Rev. Emily Martin and Elder Bob Schminkey,

Co-moderators of the Presbyterian AIDS Network