Ebenezer pastor takes AIDS test during church

By Associated Press

For the AJC

The senior pastor of historic Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta took an HIV/AIDS test during Sunday's worship service.

The Rev. Raphael Warnock said silence, shame and stigma are keeping people from being tested, and that the faith community must work to change that.

Warnock took the test as part of the National Week of Prayer for Healing of AIDS.

He stepped away from the pulpit, sat down and took a rapid oral fluid test.

Twenty minutes later, he announced that the results were negative, according to WXIA-TV.

"Amen," he said.

Warnock challenged other clergy to follow his lead, and after the service Ebenezer provided free and confidential tests to church members, the station reported.