The Star began researching AIDS in the priesthood more than four years ago. In the last 18 months, the newspaper examined scores of death certificates and church documents and interviewed hundreds of priests, church officials and AIDS experts nationwide. The newspaper also visited a sex education school for priests in Maryland and an AIDS hospice in Florida. Last fall, the newspaper conducted a random nationwide survey of 3,000 priests to learn their views on AIDS in the priesthood and how the Catholic Church has dealt with the issue.

About the staff

Judy L. Thomas, 40, is a general assignment reporter and has been at The Star for four years. To contact her, call (816) 234-4334 or send e-mail to jthomas@kcstar.com.
Rich Sugg, 39, has been a Star photographer for 14 years.

Gregory S. Reeves gathered data for the priest survey. He is database editor and has worked at the newspaper since 1976. Mark Whitaker helped design The Star's priest survey and analyzed the results. He is the newspaper's research and database manager.

The series was edited by Bill Dalton, a deputy metro editor. Sarah Smith Nessel was the copy editor.

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