A Universal Calling

The United Church of Christ defines health as harmony with self and others, the environment, and with God—a continuum of physical, social, psychological, and spiritual well-being.  Wholeness is ascribed by God is a gift.  Illness and disability exist, but the presence of these does not define the individual in the sight of God, or limit the ability of such individuals to be in a whole relationship with God.  Health ministry (the promotion of healing, health and wholeness) is seen as a mission of a faith community to its members and the community it serves.

Health ministry is recognized as an act of many partners, paid and volunteer, laity and clergy, who are committed to sharing the compassionate love and grace of Jesus Christ.  The call to embrace Health ministries is rooted  an understanding of Shalom—of God's intent for harmony and wholeness within creation—and in the examples of Jesus Christ's ministry which expressed God's intent through acts of love and justice. 

The UCC statement asserts that we must be committed as a church to a mission of Shalom and to a lifestyle compatible with that mission.  It is noted that (from a practical standpoint) when health ministers/parish nurses integrate current medical and behavioral knowledge with the belief and lifestyle practices of a faith community, illnesses and premature deaths related to poor diet, lack of exercise, substance abuse, violence, and risk-taking behaviors can be avoided.

Paraphrased excerpts from: “Resolution: Reclaiming the Church's Ministry of Health and Healing”
See www.ucc.org/justice/health/resolution.htm  Barbara T. Baylor, UCC Cleveland, OH