Representatives of more than 200 Tristate churches gathered Thursday on the University of Cincinnati campus to hear the Rev. Dr. Jeremiah A. Wright of Chicago urge church involvement in the AIDS crisis.

        The event unofficially kicked off Cincinnati's fourth annual Black Church Week of Prayer for the Healing of AIDS, an event that once drew representatives from fewer than 10 churches, said Cheryl Hutchins, an organizer and minority outreach and new-initiative specialist for AIDS Volunteers of Cincinnati (AVOC).

        Through March 10, participating churches will talk about the ravages of AIDS, pray for those struggling with the disease, wear red ribbons in support of the event and participate in gospel, youth and other activities.

        “If they just say something, trust me, the healing has begun. That's going to open the door,” Ms. Hutchins said. “I know that awareness is increasing. It is the movement of the spirit coupled with increased awareness” of the health crisis.

        A February study showed that one in three young gay black men is infected with HIV, the AIDS-causing virus. Almost half of new AIDS cases reported in 1999 were African-Americans, the Centers for Disease Control said.

        “This is a human issue, a human race cause,” Ms. Hutchins said. “There's strength in numbers. As long as we're working in concert ...”

        The week of prayer will include an evening of music and prayer at St. Agnes Church of Bond Hill, 1619 California Ave., on March 9, and, the following day, a youth event from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Swifton Commons Mall, and a 5 p.m. community hall meeting presentation by Alim Muhammad of Washington, D.C., at New Friendship Baptist Church, 3212 Reading Road.

        The Rev. James Cantrell of Zion Baptist Church in Avondale will participate in this week's events. He will mention them during services and urge congregation members to pray for those afflicted with AIDS.

        He believes lifestyle changes are needed.

        “There's no better place to begin than in the church,” he said. “Those who have the disease need the support. Families need the support. The church has always been at the leadership of the African-American community.”

        For more information about this week's event, call AVOC, (513) 421-2437.

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