Physical health

When friends become family

Beyond friends, more than community, they will know us by our love for one another. A writer reflects on the bonds that bring people together, whether in youth groups, hospital rooms or birthday parties.

By Shannon Hopkins Co-founder & lead cultivator, RootedGood

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Public health from the pulpit: First steps for clergy to help create healthier communities

The gap between clergy and health professionals is hard to bridge, but pastors and Christian leaders can begin with some simple steps to help their communities flourish, writes a public health professional.

By Alejandra Salemi Doctoral student, population health sciences

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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