intolerant Bermuda.

That grim warning was delivered this week by authors and AIDS counsellors Dr.

Gerald Jampolsky and his wife, Diane Cirincione.

The couple, who co-founded the California-based AIDS Hotline for Kids, stressed the afflicted needed a non-judgmental society.

It was particularly critical in a small, controlled environment like Bermuda.

"If it doesn't happen, AIDS will spread like wildfire underground,'' said Ms Cirincione.

And she underlined the importance of gearing laws and health care to sufferers' needs.

Ms Cirincione warned that in seven years there would be between 10 and 17 million orphans worldwide whose parents had died from AIDS.

Virtually everyone would be touched by the heartache of losing a loved one to AIDS, she said.

"If you are not already deeply involved, I can guarantee you will be.'' The couple were speaking at a public meeting on Tuesday night at the St.

Paul's AME Centennial Hall.

About 80 people turned up to hear them talk of their experiences in counselling the terminally ill.

Their message of love was based on a belief in God, and eternal life.

A key element was: people's perceptions about others reflect their own thoughts and judgments.

"Perception is a mirror, not a fact,'' said Ms Cirincione.

Dr. Jampolsky, a psychiatrist, told how his life underwent a sea-change after he achieved material success.

Despite a job and money, he was unfulfilled, and he turned to drink. His marriage soon crumbled.

It was only when he turned to God he found peace of mind and began counselling the terminally ill.

"As you learn to heal others, you begin to help yourself,'' said Dr.

Jampolsky.

Ms Cirincione stressed there was no known case of an AIDS helper contracting the disease.

Experience showed that the love and support of families and friends provided the best care for sufferers.

There was a special responsibility for those without the disease.

"We are the ones being called upon to help,'' she said.