Physical health

Holly K. Oxhandler: Caring for others' spirituality starts with cultivating your own

Caregivers must be able to recognize the image of God within themselves in order to care for it within others, says the author of a recent book.

Beyond stigma and shame to recovery and hope in addressing substance-use disorder

Faith coalitions are addressing the opioid crisis by providing resources, connections and a destigmatizing vision.

By Carla Hinton Journalist

Image link to article: Beyond stigma and shame to recovery and hope in addressing substance-use disorder

Creativity and trust are hallmarks of a robust effort by churches and their partners to provide vaccinations in communities of color

Four churches in New York City delivered more than 30,000 vaccinations to people in their neighborhoods by sponsoring clinics, listening to people’s concerns and sharing their stories.

By Genine Babakian Journalist

Image link to article: Creativity and trust are hallmarks of a robust effort by churches and their partners to provide vaccinations in communities of color

Francis Collins: Science is ‘a glimpse of God’s mind’

As a community anchored on the principle of truth, the church can play a leading role in guiding us out of the pandemic, says the director of the National Institutes of Health.

Rediscovering rest in all its forms

We live in a culture of exhaustion and sometimes don’t even know what type of rest we need.

By Kerry McLeish Spiritual director

Image link to article: Rediscovering rest in all its forms

Terri Laws: Making our health care system more equitable is a matter of faith

The coronavirus pandemic has made clear the inequities in our health care system, including Black underrepresentation in clinical trials, says a researcher of unequal access to innovative treatments.

Rest can be hard work

The calls to work for justice and to make room for rest are significant and difficult to balance, writes a pastor and denominational executive from Michigan.

By Eliza Cortés Bast Pastor and denominational executive

Image link to article: Rest can be hard work

We are physical beings -- what if our ministries reflected that?

Physical labor and activity have been a boon to teens during the pandemic, leading a youth pastor to realize that the physical matters -- to us and to God.

By Matt Overton Associate pastor, Columbia Presbyterian Church, Vancouver, Washington

Image link to article: We are physical beings -- what if our ministries reflected that?

Churches in predominantly Black communities can play a key role in vaccinating against COVID-19

Disparities in medical treatment and a history of clinical abuse have undermined trust in COVID-19 vaccines for some Black Americans. Faith leaders are helping through relationships and models for outreach.

By G. Jeffrey MacDonald Journalist and UCC minister

Image link to article: Churches in predominantly Black communities can play a key role in vaccinating against COVID-19

Churches can help stop the spread of the coronavirus by offering free COVID-19 testing

Inspired by the success of a program at Convent Avenue Baptist Church in West Harlem, a national nonprofit hopes to encourage other congregations to get involved in overcoming the logistical, emotional and financial barriers to COVID-19 testing in underserved communities.

By Genine Babakian Journalist

Image link to article: Churches can help stop the spread of the coronavirus by offering free COVID-19 testing

Driven by her faith, a religious sister set new standards in medical care

St. Marianne Cope, driven by her faith to provide medical care to the most vulnerable, also played a key role in creating hygiene standards.

By Elizabeth Yuko Bioethicist and journalist

Image link to article: Driven by her faith, a religious sister set new standards in medical care