Pastor of Baptist Church Knew He Had AIDS, and had Affairs with Parishoners

After listening to his sermons for 24 years, parishioners of the Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church probably thought they knew the Rev. Juan D. McFarland.

But from the very pulpit where he preached about God's love and service to the community, he delivered some stunning revelations: He had had affairs with women in the parish — and neglected to tell them he had AIDS.

Perhaps because McFarland was so well-regarded, the church's deacons initially had sympathy.

"It was surprise, shock, but I think the leadership team did not react wanting to get him out. We wanted to get him help," said James Long, vice chairman of the board of trustees.

McFarland refused — and in a later sermon dropped another bombshell: He had been abusing drugs.


http://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/pastor-knew-aids-affairs-church-26189525