Attitudes and beliefs related to HIV/AIDS in urban religious congregations: Barriers and opportunities for HIV-related interventions

► We observed that positive and negative attitudes about HIV and behavioral risk for HIV range across and within urban religious congregations. ► Congregations with substantial HIV-related stigma can still contribute to HIV prevention and care efforts. ► Engaging congregations in some HIV-related activities may increase affirming attitudes towards people with and at risk for HIV. ► HIV stigma should be viewed continuously rather than dichotomously.