Spiritual health

With repentance for its past, a retreat center and hub for social justice builds a new future

Almost 40 years ago, an ecumenical group of faith leaders rallied to save a historic property in Richmond, Virginia. They have continued its prayerful tradition while creating a place for refuge and education.

By Edie Gross Journalist

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A new lens can ease the strain of ministry

A bivocational pastor draws from her career as a therapist to suggest that viewing ministry through the lens of unconditional positive regard can help clergy focus on what is thriving.

By Meagan Manas Pastor and mental health therapist

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Sweeping the labyrinth and inviting others into our lonely questions

Spiritual practices may not always provide the answers we seek, but they can encourage us to keep asking questions.

By Laura M. Fabrycky Author and essayist

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Are young people still interested in religion and spirituality?

The answer is yes, but if churches want young folks to return, they must repair the harm done by the religious right, says the woman who gave the Young People’s Address to the UMC.

By Alejandra Salemi Doctoral student, population health sciences

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Could slowing down help us both recharge and build endurance?

When runners train for a race, they are told to spend most of their time preparing at a slower pace to help them speed up when needed. The strategy offers important lessons for how we approach our work and life, writes the director of communications for Leadership Education at Duke Divinity.

By Emily Lund Director of Communications, Leadership Education at Duke Divinity

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‘From Weary to Wholehearted: A Restorative Resource for Overcoming Clergy Burnout’

In this excerpt from her new book addressing clergy and lay leader burnout, a Philadelphia priest raises a “scandalous question” about choosing whether to say yes or no.

By Callie Swanlund Priest and retreat leader

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J. Dana Trent: There is always a path home

In her new memoir, the author, Baptist minister and instructor of world religions writes about hurt and resilience and the people who contributed to both in her life.

Simon Kent Fung: An award-winning podcast explores how pervasive and destructive conversion therapy can be

In “Dear Alana,” the podcaster tells the story of Alana Chen, a faithful young woman who died by suicide after experiencing conversion therapy in her teens.

What we can learn from the contemplative heart of the Civil Rights Movement

Howard Thurman and other civil rights leaders modeled how contemplation fuels action and action fuels contemplation.

By Michelle T. Sanchez Executive director, Revoice

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Holding joy and sorrow together

At a time when the world seems laden with sorrow, a writer who lives with depression finds that joy is still possible — and is a kind of resurrection.

By Jean Neely Scholar and writer

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‘Have a Beautiful, Terrible Day!’

In her upcoming book, theologian and author Kate Bowler offers meditations and reflections for a range of days – good, bad and the many in the middle.

By Kate Bowler Associate professor, author, podcast host

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