POSTCARDS: ANGLICAN PRIEST IN RURAL KENYA WORKS TO CHANGE PERCEPTIONS ABOUT HIV/AIDS

From Kenya-

In a community where AIDS is still viewed as a death sentence, an Anglican priest is working to build an HIV-aware church.

Rev Rahab Wanjiru, 46, has the credibility to help dispel the dangerous silence that surrounds the virus and combines with stigma, discrimination and denial in Lamuria, a remote region about 193 kilomtres from Nairobi.

That’s because Rev Wanjiru has the virus herself.

“Every time I preach in church or speak to the community, I make sure that I teach something about the HIV/AIDS,” she said. “Most people here are ignorant about the virus, but I tell the congregations that there is much hope, even when one has HIV.”

About 1.6 million Kenyans are living with HIV in a population of about 42 million. About 900,000 are on anti-retroviral drugs, according to the National AIDS Control Council. Despite major progress, HIV/AIDS remains one of Kenya's most significant public health challenges.

More here-

https://www.sightmagazine.com.au/columns/postcards/6766-postcards-anglican-priest-in-rural-kenya-works-to-change-perceptions-about-hiv-aids

How prayer and meditation can make you healthier

From Houston-

In 1975, Herbert Benson, M.D., a professor of medicine at The Harvard Medical School, published a national best-seller, "The Relaxation Response." In his book Benson described the effects of chronic stress on the human body and shared the many health benefits of taking 20 minutes a day to meditate and pray.

More than 3,000 articles have appeared in the medical literature on the subject, and these studies show a long list of health benefits. They include an improved sense of well-being, lowering of stress in the body, lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels, lower frequency of hospitalization, shorter hospital stays, lower incidence of suicide, and one's longevity is increase by an average of seven years.

How can spiritual practices make us healthier?

Extensive research reveals there is a complex connection between the mind, brain and body. What we think and the attitudes of our heart, our emotions, our beliefs, our doubts and fears — all have an impact on our body through the immune system which can be shut down by stress, anger or fear. Also, the release of certain neurotransmitters in the brain adversely affects organ and tissue function.

More here-

http://www.houstonchronicle.com/local/gray-matters/article/How-prayer-and-meditation-can-make-you-healthier-8329972.php

Could religion help you live longer?

From CBS-

Women who frequently attend religious services have a lower risk of death from all causes, including heart disease and cancer, than those who do not, new research suggests.

The study, published online by JAMA Internal Medicine, does not prove a cause and effect relationship, but the researchers say the association appears to be strong.

"The results suggest that there is perhaps something about the communal religious experience that is very powerful," study author Tyler J. VanderWeele, Ph.D., of the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public, told CBS News.

For the analysis, VanderWeele and colleagues pulled data from a long-running national health study of female nurses to examine attendance at religious services and subsequent death in women.

More here-

http://www.cbsnews.com/news/attending-religious-services-may-help-you-live-longer-study-says/

Faith groups spread word on health care

From Pittsburgh-

The Rev. Jeff Tindall of Carnegie Presbyterian Church said he has agonized with parishioners who have needed health care and couldn't get it.

Some couldn't afford it, others lost a job that included health care benefits, still others were denied coverage due to the now-banned practice of insurers refusing to cover pre-existing medical conditions.

So on a recent snowy Sunday morning, Rev. Tindall yielded his pulpit for a couple of minutes to Shannon McGee of the Allegheny Intermediate Unit -- a branch of the Pennsylvania Department of Education -- which has been helping educate local residents about how to enroll for coverage under the Affordable Care Act.

"It breaks my heart to see people who need health care and cannot get it and know that there is virtually nothing I can do for them but pray," said Rev. Tindall. But, he said, "Simply praying for someone is not enough. When opportunities are present where we can help people obtain the help they need, we should bring it to them."

Read more:

http://www.post-gazette.com/news/health/2014/01/05/Faith-groups-spread-word-on-health-care/stories/2014010501470000000#ixzz2pWatEItQ

Can You Catch a Cold at Communion?

From The Daily Beast-

Nothing is sacred to thy neighbor’s germs, but millions take part in the cup-sharing religious rite. Why passing on the sacrament may be forgivable during cold and flu season.
Christmas is second only to Easter as the holiday most likely to attract churchgoers. In the coming weeks, more people than usual will be filing into churches big and small, and many of those parishioners will be taking Communion.

The overlap of the religious rite with cold and flu season raises an uncomfortable question: Is receiving Communion sanitary?

Many Communion practices fly in the face of the day-to-day precautions most educated adults ordinarily take to prevent illness. A recent New Yorker article chronicled how hand sanitizer has become one of the fastest growing industries in America, thanks to increased awareness and concern about the spread of germs.

More here-

http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2013/12/13/can-you-catch-a-cold-at-communion.html

The Secret Pain of Pastors

From American Preacher-

Peter Drucker, the late leadership guru, said that the four hardest jobs in America (and not necessarily in order, he added) are:

The President of the United States
A university president

A CEO of a hospital and

A pastor

Is that true? Pastors love God and love people. They get to pray for people, lead people to a faith in Jesus Christ, and teach the Word about God.

That’s the dream job. You can read the Bible all day, pray, play a little golf, and preach. I want to do that!

Here is the secret. Being a pastor is hard work. It’s not for wimps.

More here-

http://www.americapreachers.com/effective-ministry/effective-preaching/secret-pain-pastors/

Episcopal church officials speak on health care

From Ohio-

Dear Editor,

Every day more than 1.5 million Ohioans, nearly 14 percent of our population, wake up without health insurance coverage. As a result, many of them go without treatment until their condition becomes more severe and more costly to address. Often when they do seek treatment, it is in the most expensive way possible: through emergency rooms and hospitals. The cost of caring for the uninsured falls to everyone. Those with health coverage pay more in treatment costs, and we all pay more in taxes to support local and state public health programs. This budget cycle the Governor and legislature have an opportunity to control health care costs for the benefit of all Ohioans by expanding our Medicaid program, as provided for in the federal Affordable Care Act (ACA). To do so is consistent with Gov. Kasich’s efforts over the last two years to transform Medicaid in Ohio — reducing costs and improving the program’s efficiency. As Christian leaders, we hear the call of Jesus to reach out to the poor and those on the margins of society. We believe that Medicaid Expansion will help stabilize health care to the poor and marginalized among us. We are leaders of a faith community that believes all are equal in the sight of God.

More here-

http://www.mydailytribune.com/view/full_story/21523654/article-Episcopal-church-officials-speak-on-health-care

As flu outbreak spreads, faith leaders preach caution

From The Washington Post-

As the flu outbreak spreads across 48 states, some religious leaders are advising their flocks to take precautions, but others say avoiding infection is just a matter of common sense.

Several Catholic dioceses, including Manchester, N.H., Boston and New York, are advising priests to consider not offering the shared chalice of consecrated wine at Holy Communion at Masses. Communicants would only receive the consecrated wafer.

In addition, Manchester Bishop Peter Libasci had other suggestions, reported The Eagle Tribune of North Andover, Mass.

“The faithful should be encouraged to share the Sign of Peace without touching hands or kissing,” he said. “This may be done with smiles and a bow of the head in reverence to one another.”

In Boston this month Mayor Thomas Menino declared a public health emergency as hospital emergency rooms were overwhelmed with flu patients. The Episcopal Diocese of Massachusetts has recommended “reasonable precautions,” such as avoiding “self-intinction” during Communion, during which congregants at the altar rail dip the wafer into the wine.

More here-

Flu season has Dallas-area churches, others shaking off handshakes

From Dallas-

Fear of the flu has two of North Texas’ largest churches rethinking their traditional hugs and handshakes.

Love your brother, they advise, just don’t touch him.

The Catholic and Episcopal dioceses of Dallas sent guidelines to clergy late last week designed to slow the spread of sickness through their congregations.

“This is just a matter of reminding people to use their common sense,” said Dr. Patricia Hughes, director of the office of worship for the 1.5 million-member Dallas Catholic Diocese.
“We’re saying, ‘Be gentle with yourself and be sensible and don’t ever feel compelled to do one thing or another.’”

During a ritual called the “Sign of Peace” — in which parishioners clasp hands and occasionally exchange kisses on the cheek — church leaders suggest less physical contact would be better.
“Perhaps people should be a little more discreet until the flu epidemic is over,” said Hughes. “A smile, head bow and eye contact will generally work for wishing someone peace.”
Bishop James M. Stanton, head of the Episcopal Diocese of Dallas, took the precautions a step further.


More here-


http://www.dallasnews.com/health/diseases-cures/headlines/20130115-flu-season-has-dallas-area-churches-others-shaking-off-handshakes.ece

Pastors learn to heal themselves

From Columbus OH-

Pastor Rickey Baker was wrapping up a Sunday sermon at New Palestine Church in North Linden when he suddenly felt exhausted and weak, so much so that he eventually left the sanctuary and found a seat in the foyer.

Chest pains prompted him to call for emergency medical service, and he was taken to a hospital, where the father of four learned he had had a massive heart attack.

More than two years later, the 50-year-old Baker has changed his eating habits and slimmed down. He says God was trying to wake him up and set him on a path to ensure he’d be able to keep doing the work he was meant to do.

Baker is not alone in his struggle to stay healthy as the leader of a church congregation. Recent studies indicate that clergy members might sometimes be so focused on taking care of their flock that they neglect their own health.

For example, researchers at Duke University in Durham, N.C., found in 2008 that United Methodist pastors in North Carolina had an obesity rate of about 41 percent, versus the state average of about 29 percent. The pastors also had higher rates of high blood pressure, angina, diabetes, asthma and arthritis.

More here-

http://www.dispatch.com/content/stories/faith_and_values/2013/01/04/pastors-learn-to-heal-themselves.html

Episcopal, Lutheran presiding bishops’ statement on AIDS Conference

From ENS-

Episcopal Church Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori joined Presiding Bishop Mark Hanson of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) in presenting the following joint statement on the 2012 International AIDS Conference meeting in Washington DC July 22-27.

We join together as Presiding Bishops of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and The Episcopal Church to welcome the 20,000 people traveling from 200 countries to the United States for the 2012 International AIDS Conference.

The body of Christ is global. It is impoverished and wealthy; it is diverse in gender and in sexual orientation; it is African, Caucasian, Asian, Hispanic, and Indigenous; it is old and young; it has large families and orphaned youth. And it is HIV-positive.

We commend the Obama Administration for lifting the travel constraints that for more than two decades prevented HIV-positive persons, including Lutherans and Anglicans, and all others living with HIV or AIDS, from traveling to the United States. Faith-based advocates played a key role facilitating this change, which enabled this year’s “AIDS 2012” conference to be housed in our nation’s capital—a city itself deeply affected by the virus.

http://episcopaldigitalnetwork.com/ens/2012/07/20/episcopal-lutheran-presiding-bishops-statement-on-aids-conference/

Clergy issue statement on contraception

From Pittsburgh-

A wide-ranging group of bishops and denominational executives from southwestern Pennsylvania has declared universal health care a moral imperative, but says a mandate for religious agencies to enable access to contraceptives violates the constitutional right to religious liberty.

"Our deep concern over this mandate does not arise from the varying convictions we have on the moral content of this mandate," the statement said. "The Constitution of the United States guarantees every religious institution and its affiliated bodies the inalienable right to define its own identity and ministries and to practice its own beliefs."

Forcing religious agencies to cooperate in providing services they consider sinful could cause their social services to close, the statement said. Most of the religious leaders who signed the statement have no religious objection to contraception.

More here-

http://www.post-gazette.com/stories/news/us/clergy-issue-statement-on-contraception-631275/

San Diego Interfaith Community to Wash Feet of Janitors to Highlight Health Inequality – April 5th

From San Diego-

On Thursday, April 5, 2012, over 200 union janitors, religious leaders and community members will be gathering at Good Samaritan Episcopal Church, where members of San Diego’s religious community will be washing the feet of our hardworking janitors to draw attention to the impact of inequality of health for both working class and middle class families.

The janitors’ union, SEIU United Service Workers West (USWW), as part of their statewide campaign for a new contract expiring in 2012, released a study that demonstrates that with a better health care system people in middle-class families could live four years longer, and people would live five years longer.

Income inequality has taken center stage in the national discussion since the rise of the Occupy Movement. This second study in the “How Much is The 1% Holding Back Your Family?” series argues that the longer life expectancy of the extreme rich suggests that we can create a healthier California where everyone lives longer and more prosperous lives.

More here-

http://obrag.org/?p=57628

Hair sacrificed to help cancer patients

From New York-

Jason Lango ran his fingers over his not-hair again and again, getting accustomed to the fuzz like an astronaut taking his first hesitant steps in outer space.

It had been there 30 minutes before — long brown locks, the kind that take a while to grow.

He lost them in an instant Sunday at St. James’ Episcopal Church in Skaneateles, one of 70 people taking part in a St. Baldrick’s head-shaving fundraiser for children with cancer.
“It feels weird not having it in my face,” mused Lango, an assistant coach for the Morrisville men’s lacrosse team. “I think everyone, including my co-workers, will laugh at me.”
He paused.

“Laugh WITH me,” he corrected himself. “Well, they probably won’t recognize me.”
St. Baldrick’s is a national foundation that helps shave thousands of heads each spring, creating solidarity with children who have undergone chemotherapy and raising money to help find a cure for common juvenile cancers.

Read more:

http://auburnpub.com/news/local/hair-sacrificed-to-help-cancer-patients/article_d34e5be6-716a-11e1-b46e-001871e3ce6c.html#ixzz1pYmGyPTQ

Pig Motivates Congregation to Lose Weight

From Texas-

A church in Flower Mound has adopted a pig as its weight-loss mascot.

The St. Nicholas Episcopal Church congregation is losing weight, inspired by its pet pig.

Avery may not be a picture-perfect model, but the potbelly pig is breaking the mold.

"Most of the time, if you think about a pig. You think, 'to market, to market, to buy a fat pig,'" church member Laurel Wright said.

But not when thinking about Avery, who is motivating church members with her weight loss.

"God spoke to us through Avery the pig," said the Rev. Mark Wright, St. Nicholas pastor. "[It's] just a unique way God always speaks to us."

Wright said Avery was put on a diet because she was unhealthy.

"She was so large that the fat was rolling over her eyes ... and her belly was dropping to the ground, and she couldn't get up on a sidewalk," Wright said.

The four-legged friend is now 100 pounds lighter, and church members have followed in her footsteps. So far, the congregation as a whole has lost nearly 600 pounds.

More here-

http://www.nbcdfw.com/news/health/Pig-Motivates-Congregation-to-Lose-Weight--141503563.html

Till death (or illness or dementia) us do part?

From The Washington Post-

Her paintings still hang in their home in Lynchburg, Va., but almost everything else has changed for the couple after she was diagnosed with possible Alzheimer’s and then an abrupt form of dementia.

In one moment, the retired Charismatic Episcopal bishop said, she would lean over to kiss him. “An hour later, she looked at me and said, ‘Who are you?’” he recalled.

When the person you married goes through a dramatic change, what’s a spouse to do? As Valentine’s Day approaches, clergy, ethicists and brain injury experts agree: There are no easy answers.

When a couple is faced with the sudden or gradual change in the person who now may no longer be able to give flowers or go out to the movies, it often means a new definition of love.

“I made a vow,” said an emotional Weeks. “For better or for worse, in sickness and health. She has stood by me in mission work, in the pastorate. Why can’t I stand by her now?”

More here-

http://www.washingtonpost.com/national/on-faith/till-death-or-illness-or-dementia-us-do-part/2012/02/08/gIQAJ2AXzQ_story.html

Event to urge clergy to care for themselves

From Central PA-

The very characteristics that endear clergy to their congregations — constant availability, patient listening, wise counsel and heartfelt praying — sometimes can wear them out.

The Rt. Rev. Nathan D. Baxter, bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Central Pennsylvania, has called Episcopal clergy together to address those issues Feb. 6-8 at its 2012 Winter Clergy Conference at Holiday Inn Harrisburg East, Swatara Township.

Using the theme “Caring For Ourselves So That We May Care For Others,” the conference for Episcopal clergy will focus on the clergy’s duty to take care of themselves so they can minister to others.

Baxter said the diocese has received a grant from the Pennsylvania Episcopal Widows Corp. to design and host a two-year pilot project on clergy wellness.

More here-

http://blog.pennlive.com/life/2012/01/event_to_urge_clergy_to_care_f.html

Utah churches tackle a weighty issue: Obesity

From Utah-

It’s time to cut the fat out of funeral potatoes and shrink the slices of cake — all in the name of God.

Church pews are Utah’s newest battleground to push back against potbellies, starting with the Episcopal Diocese of Utah.

With 5,000 members in 25 congregations, it is the first religious organization to formally agree to work with the state and others to prevent obesity among its members.

To Episcopal Bishop Scott Hayashi, emphasizing health is a natural fit for a diocese that established Utah’s first hospital (St. Mark’s) and for a faith that considers the human body a "temple of the Holy Spirit."

"From the beginning of the diocese of Utah, we have been a people who have worked together with God and with each other to save lives," he said recently, noting that the church also supports food pantries, domestic-violence shelters and 12-step programs. "Obesity is one of the ways in which human lives are put in jeopardy."

Hayashi said he will ask members to be healthy — to make healthy food for potlucks, choose smaller plates at coffee hours, offer apple slices and other fruit instead of cookies, grow gardens. And to be active.

More here-

http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/lifestyle/52706027-80/health-church-utah-god.html.cspv

Archbishop to help flush toilet saga

From South Africa (Oh the things seminary doesn't prepare you for)

The Anglican Archbishop of Cape Town, Thabo Makgoba, has offered to mediate in the Makhaza toilet saga, which has pitted the ANC Youth League against the Democratic Alliance-led provincial government.

“The important issue is the provision of humane living conditions for the people of Makhaza who are directly affected. It should not be a political battle — it’s about the health and safety of our fellow citizens,” he said in a statement on Thursday.

“Anything I can do to resolve this conflict I will do gladly.” He said “attempts to improve consultation” should be made first before a recent court order on the matter be implemented.

“Such a meeting would need to include representatives from the City, community leaders, the ANCYL, and the broader community.

“It is hoped that consensus can be reached before the festive season, to allow for residents to enjoy this holy period with their family and community.”

A Cape judge last month ordered the City of Cape Town to provide wood-and-iron enclosures for toilets at Makhaza settlement, for any of the 1316 beneficiaries who asked for them.

More here-

http://www.timeslive.co.za/local/article806731.ece/Archbishop-to-help-flush-toilet-saga

Prescription Assistance Program Opens in Bay County

From The Central Gulf Coast-

The Bay County Health Department and St. Andrew Episcopal Church announce the opening of the Prescription Assistance Program (PAP) – an exciting new community service for the citizens of Bay County. The PAP will officially open on November 1, 2010 at 2pm at 1608 Baker Court, Panama City (behind St. Andrew Episcopal Church).

The purpose of the PAP is to assist low-income individuals obtain necessary prescription medications through the various compassionate care programs offered by the pharmaceutical companies. “It is an honor and a privilege to partner with the Bay County Health Department, and to offer space to help those in our area who might go without their medication due to finances. This helps us as a parish to reach out to those beyond our doors, which is what the Gospel calls us to do,” said Rev. Dr. Margaret Shepherd, pastor of the St. Andrew Episcopal Church.

To use the PAP, clients will need to obtain a prescription from their medical provider and then make an appointment with the PAP. The PAP staff and volunteers will help the client navigate through the requirements of the compassionate care programs to assist eligible clients obtain their medications. Clients will be charged a small administrative fee of $6 per prescription up to a maximum of $20 per visit to help offset the administrative costs of the program.

Read more:

http://www.panhandleparade.com/index.php/mbb/article/prescription_assistance_program_opens_in_bay_county/mbb7726387/#ixzz13YmjHmtM