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        <title>Christian Daily International | Health</title>
        <link>https://www.christiandaily.com/health</link>
        <description><![CDATA[Explore how faith intersects with health worldwide, from medical missions and Christian hospitals to mental health and spiritual care. Stay updated on global health challenges and the church’s role in healing and hope.]]></description>
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        <copyright>Christian Daily International © 2026</copyright>
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                <title><![CDATA[Day of the Unborn Child: Argentine churches highlight support for pregnant women]]></title>
                <link>https://www.christiandaily.com/news/day-of-the-unborn-child-argentine-churches-highlight-support-for-pregnant-women</link>
                <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.christiandaily.com/news/day-of-the-unborn-child-argentine-churches-highlight-support-for-pregnant-women</guid>
                                                            <dc:creator><![CDATA[Lizzie Sotola]]></dc:creator>
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                            <media:title><![CDATA[ACIERA took part in events at the National Congress]]></media:title>
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                                    <![CDATA[ Photo: ACIERA ]]>
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                                    <![CDATA[ ACIERA took part in events at the National Congress, as well as in Buenos Aires Province and the city of Buenos Aires, where support for women facing vulnerable pregnancies was emphasized and the call to defend life from conception was reiterated. ]]>
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                            <media:title><![CDATA[Dr. Jael Ojuel and Pastor Gabriel Ballerini]]></media:title>
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                                    <![CDATA[ Photo: Social media ]]>
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                                    <![CDATA[ Dr. Jael Ojuel and Pastor Gabriel Ballerini at the March for Life, calling for the repeal of the country’s current abortion law. Several provinces across the country also participated. ]]>
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                                                                            <pubDate>Mon, 30 Mar 2026 11:15:00 -0400</pubDate>
                <description><![CDATA[As part of the Day of the Unborn Child, observed each year on March 25, the Christian Alliance of Evangelical Churches of the Argentine Republic (ACIERA) took part in several public events to reaffirm its commitment to defending life and supporting women facing vulnerable pregnancies.]]></description>
                <content:encoded><![CDATA[
As part of the Day of the Unborn Child, observed each year on March 25, the Christian Alliance of Evangelical Churches of the Argentine Republic (ACIERA) took part in several public events to reaffirm its commitment to defending life and supporting women facing vulnerable pregnancies.
One of the main events took place at the National Chamber of Deputies during a meeting organized by legislator Santiago de Pauli and hosted by Evelyn Rodríguez, president of the National Network for Supporting Women with Vulnerable Pregnancies. The event served as a space for dialogue and reflection on defending life from conception.
ACIERA president Christian Hooft addressed attendees, calling for prayer “for the tragedy of the 79,186 abortions carried out in the country in 2024,” according to official figures, framing it as a moment of reflection and renewed commitment to defending life. In that context, Gabriel Ballerini, who holds a master’s degree in biomedical ethics and is an active pro-life advocate, emphasized that “putting life back at the center of the debate is not just a slogan, but an ethical and political responsibility that challenges all of society.”
At the close of the event, national deputies signed a pledge to repeal the country’s abortion law and work toward defending life by promoting various initiatives in that direction. According to Infobae, the document was signed by Santiago Santurio, Rubén Torres, Gladys Humenuk, Mónica Becerra, Santiago de Pauli, Andrea Fernanda Vera, Bárbara Andreussi, Miguel Rodríguez, Carlos Zapata, María Luisa González Estevarena, Jairo Guzmán, and Gabriela Muñoz.
The meeting at the Chamber of Deputies also included the participation of pro-life leaders such as Fátima Silva, Patricia Soprano, Lorena Aguilar (La Merced Vida), Ayelén Alancay and Raúl Magnasco (+Vida), and Vicente Teruggi (Participar en Libertad), among others.
Leaders from other civil society organizations were also present, including Casa de la Mujer, Proyecto Vidas, Fundación Argentina, Coalición de Mujeres Argentinas, Mujeres de Fe Argentina, AMEV, and Abrazo de Vida. These groups work to provide care and assistance to women facing vulnerable pregnancies.
In Buenos Aires Province, the event “Commitment to Defending Life” was held, organized by the same network led by Evelyn Rodríguez. Representing ACIERA, Pastor Graciela Giménez participated and highlighted the collaborative work among organizations to support women in vulnerable situations.

The activities concluded at Lezama Palace in Buenos Aires with a gathering of the Program for Supporting Vulnerable Pregnancies (PAEV), marking the close of the Week of the Unborn Child. Participants included grassroots leaders, and ACIERA was represented by Dr. Jael Ojuel, who joined in a moment of testimony, recognition, and commitment to every mother and unborn child. “When support is real and timely, it can change the course of a story,” said the obstetrician. “When life is valued, there is always a way to defend it,” she added.
Pro-life voices also reinforced their stance. Gabriel Ballerini stated that “Argentina will be great again when it repeals the abortion law and respects human life from conception to natural death,” while sharing photos from the March for Life held in Buenos Aires.
The 11th March for Life 2026 took place in the city on Saturday, March 28, starting at Plaza Italia and proceeding to the Faculty of Law under the slogan #PorLaVidaSiempre. The demonstration promoted life from conception and called for the repeal of the abortion law.
This year’s event had a strong political component following the pledge signed earlier in the week at the Chamber of Deputies. Lawmakers and civil society organizations reaffirmed their intention in public demonstrations to repeal the abortion law, according to Noticias Argentinas. Organizers said “the ultimate goal is for the pledge signed by the deputies to translate into concrete legislative proposals.”
The event included pro-life leaders such as Ballerini and Raúl Magnasco. During the main gathering, speakers emphasized the “ethical responsibility” to defend life from conception and the need to strengthen support networks for vulnerable women.
During the demonstration, representatives from religious and civil institutions warned about declining birth rates in the country. Hooft described the current situation as a “tragedy” and called for meaningful policies to support pregnant women.
Similar marches were held in other cities across the country, including San Luis and Santiago del Estero, on the same day.
Developments across the country
The province of San Luis joined the March for Life with a demonstration in the city center, where families and Catholic and evangelical organizations participated as part of the Day of the Unborn Child. The main message was a call to repeal the current abortion law, expressed through signs, chants, and personal testimonies.
During the event, messages in favor of “life from conception” were repeated, along with criticism of current legislation. Symbolic activities such as live ultrasound demonstrations were also held, according to El Chorrillero.
These events come amid growing public debate over current legislation and the role of civil and religious organizations in providing social support. ACIERA emphasized that these efforts are part of a long-term mission to promote a culture of life and strengthen support networks. In that regard, the organization has been promoting initiatives aimed at highlighting the need for comprehensive support for pregnant women, especially those in vulnerable situations, according to Valores Religiosos.
Current abortion data
According to Milagros Calvi of Frente Joven—an organization that works to reduce maternal and infant mortality by supporting women with high-risk pregnancies and their unborn children in low-income communities—“at least 215 people are missing every day in Argentina. This is not a metaphor; it is the average number of abortions recorded in the public health system between 2021 and 2024, following the passage of Law No. 27,610. During that period, approximately 314,000 abortions were recorded, representing about 22% of pregnancies—one in five.”
“These figures, which reflect only part of the reality—the public system—should prompt serious reflection. Every March 25, for several years now, different civil society organizations have brought this issue back into focus—not as a symbolic gesture, but as a reminder of an ongoing challenge: defending the lives of the most vulnerable and providing real support to their families,” she wrote in an article published on the MDZ news site in Mendoza.
Originally published by Diario Cristiano, Christian Daily International's Spanish edition.]]></content:encoded>
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                <title><![CDATA[Evangelical Alliance of Costa Rica warns 'dignified death' bill opens the door to euthanasia]]></title>
                <link>https://www.christiandaily.com/news/evangelical-alliance-of-costa-rica-warns-dignified-death-bill-opens-the-door-to-euthanasia</link>
                <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.christiandaily.com/news/evangelical-alliance-of-costa-rica-warns-dignified-death-bill-opens-the-door-to-euthanasia</guid>
                                                            <dc:creator><![CDATA[Javier Bolaños]]></dc:creator>
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                            <media:title><![CDATA[euthanasia]]></media:title>
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                                    <![CDATA[ Photo by Freepik ]]>
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                                                                            <pubDate>Wed, 25 Mar 2026 02:05:00 -0400</pubDate>
                <description><![CDATA[Evangelical leaders in Costa Rica are raising concerns that a proposed “dignified death” bill could expose vulnerable patients to increased risk, as lawmakers continue debating the measure in the country’s Legislative Assembly.]]></description>
                <content:encoded><![CDATA[
Evangelical leaders in Costa Rica are raising concerns that a proposed “dignified death” bill could expose vulnerable patients to increased risk, as lawmakers continue debating the measure in the country’s Legislative Assembly.
In a technical report, the Evangelical Alliance Federation of Costa Rica (FAEC) said the proposal contains legal and ethical gaps that could permit third parties to influence end-of-life decisions, including the withdrawal of life-sustaining care beyond clearly defined palliative circumstances. The group is urging lawmakers to revise or reject the bill and instead strengthen safeguards for patients and medical professionals while expanding access to palliative care.
FAEC, which represents evangelical churches nationwide, detailed its concerns in an analysis of the legislation, highlighting both structural legal issues and broader ethical implications.
The report argues that the proposal introduces what it describes as an ethical risk by allowing others to assume responsibility in determining when a patient’s life should end, potentially increasing vulnerability for those in terminal stages of illness.
The federation also maintains that ambiguities in the current wording could enable practices akin to euthanasia or assisted suicide. While acknowledging the bill’s stated aim of alleviating suffering, FAEC contends that the framework does not provide sufficient protections to ensure that patients are not exposed to undue pressure or premature end-of-life decisions.
One of the main concerns for evangelical leaders is a clause that would exempt physicians from criminal liability if they act out of “compassion.”
The FAEC argues that this terminology is subjective and could lead to legal impunity in cases where life-sustaining treatments are withdrawn outside of a strictly palliative care framework.
The group also highlights that the bill allows for what it calls “refusal of treatment” without clearly distinguishing between excessive or burdensome medical interventions and the basic care necessary to sustain life. According to the federation, the law should focus on protecting life at all stages—from conception to natural death—while avoiding “quality of life” criteria that could be used to justify hastening death.
From a theological and social perspective, the Alliance reaffirmed its commitment to biblical principles regarding God’s sovereignty. Its official statement emphasizes that life is a gift from God and that its value is inherent, regardless of a person’s health condition or age.
The organization also questioned the foundations of the bill, asking: “Who defines when a life is no longer worth living?” For the FAEC, human suffering should be addressed with compassion and comprehensive care, but never used as a legal justification for ending the life of the person who is suffering.
Rather than advancing the current legislation, the Alliance called on Costa Rican authorities to strengthen the national palliative care system. It urged the government to ensure universal access to pain management medications without compromising life, to implement psychological and spiritual support programs for terminally ill patients and their families, and to respect the right of healthcare professionals to conscientious objection if they refuse to participate in actions that conflict with pro-life medical ethics.]]></content:encoded>
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                <title><![CDATA[Canadian evangelicals call for halt to assisted dying expansion for mental illness]]></title>
                <link>https://www.christiandaily.com/news/canadian-evangelicals-call-for-halt-to-assisted-dying-expansion-for-mental-illness</link>
                <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.christiandaily.com/news/canadian-evangelicals-call-for-halt-to-assisted-dying-expansion-for-mental-illness</guid>
                                                            <dc:creator><![CDATA[Chris Eyte]]></dc:creator>
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                            <media:title><![CDATA[mental health]]></media:title>
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                                    <![CDATA[ Photo by Nik Shuliahin / Unsplash ]]>
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                                    <![CDATA[ The EFC called on evangelicals to pray for those struggling with mental health. ]]>
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                                                                            <pubDate>Mon, 23 Mar 2026 11:25:00 -0400</pubDate>
                <description><![CDATA[Canadians could become eligible for assisted dying solely for mental illness in March 2027, unless legislation is changed, the Evangelical Fellowship of Canada warns.]]></description>
                <content:encoded><![CDATA[
Canadians could become eligible for assisted dying solely for mental illness in March 2027, unless legislation is changed, the Evangelical Fellowship of Canada warns.
Legislation passed in 2021 paved the way for allowing euthanasia on the basis of mental illness, as previously reported by Christian Daily International. According to the EFC, this marked a significant expansion of MAiD eligibility to include individuals whose natural death is not reasonably foreseeable, including those with a serious illness, disease, or disability.
Currently, individuals with mental illness as their sole condition are not eligible for MAiD. However, this is set to change in one year unless Canadian lawmakers delay or repeal the legislation.
The EFC has previously submitted arguments to the Special Joint Committee on Medical Assistance in Dying, arguing that Canada should not allow MAiD for mental illness.
The evangelical organization cited Canadian Institute for Health data showing that one in 10 Canadians wait more than five months for counselling services and highlighted additional data it says is not widely known.
Under current law, individuals eligible for “Track 2” MAiD—those who are not nearing natural death—are subject to a minimum 90-day assessment period between the initial request and the procedure. The EFC has also expressed concerns about the potential effect of the planned law on mature minors with mental health issues.
“The law allowing MAiD for mental illness doesn’t come with any additional safeguards, protections or special requirements related to mental illness,” said the EFC in an update on the issue.
“The EFC is opposed to MAiD, believing that it fundamentally devalues human life and normalizes suicide. We’re also very concerned MAiD for mental illness will disproportionately impact marginalized Canadians and undermine suicide prevention in Canada.”
Efforts to halt the expansion are also underway in Parliament. Canadian Member of Parliament Tama Jansen introduced a private member’s bill last June (2025), known as Bill C-218, to stop MAiD for mental illness alone. A debate and vote is due in mid-April for the bill, which aims to exclude a mental disorder from being considered a “grievous and irremediable medical condition” for the purposes of MAiD.
“It will need widespread public support to pass,” said the EFC. “But we believe it can — and should — be passed.”
On social media, Jansen pointed out that the province of Alberta recently announced legislation that includes measures to stop the expansion of MAiD for mental illness alone.
“That should be a wake-up call for Ottawa,” Jansen wrote. “Canadians know that those struggling with mental illness need care, support, and hope, not an assisted death. With less than a year before this expansion is set to take effect, Parliament must act now by passing Bill C-218 to permanently stop it and protect vulnerable Canadians.”
The EFC also called on evangelicals to pray for those struggling with mental health, for the passage of Bill C-218, and for a society that affirms the value of every life. It further encouraged prayer for medical professionals as they care for vulnerable patients.]]></content:encoded>
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                <title><![CDATA[UK House of Lords passes abortion measure; evangelical leader calls it 'a tragic failure']]></title>
                <link>https://www.christiandaily.com/news/uk-house-of-lords-passes-abortion-measure-evangelical-leader-calls-it-a-tragic-failure</link>
                <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.christiandaily.com/news/uk-house-of-lords-passes-abortion-measure-evangelical-leader-calls-it-a-tragic-failure</guid>
                                                            <dc:creator><![CDATA[Chris Eyte]]></dc:creator>
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                            <media:title><![CDATA[pregnant woman]]></media:title>
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                                    <![CDATA[ freestocks | Unsplash ]]>
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                                                                            <pubDate>Fri, 20 Mar 2026 13:50:00 -0400</pubDate>
                <description><![CDATA[Mothers in England and Wales may be less likely to face criminal charges for ending their own pregnancies up to birth after the House of Lords approved a controversial legal measure on Wednesday (March 18), prompting strong concern from evangelical leaders who say the change weakens protections for women and unborn children.]]></description>
                <content:encoded><![CDATA[
Mothers in England and Wales may be less likely to face criminal charges for ending their own pregnancies up to birth after the House of Lords approved a controversial legal measure on Wednesday (March 18), prompting strong concern from evangelical leaders who say the change weakens protections for women and unborn children.
The upper chamber of the U.K. Parliament voted 185–148 to retain Clause 208 of the Crime and Policing Bill, which would decriminalize women who end or attempt to end their pregnancies at any stage. The provision had previously been approved by the House of Commons in June 2025.
Peers rejected all proposed amendments except one, introduced by Baroness Glenys Thornton, which would pardon women previously convicted or cautioned under the Offences Against the Person Act 1861 for ending their own pregnancies. Because of that amendment, the bill will return to the House of Commons for further consideration.
Speaking during the debate, Dame Sarah Mullally, Archbishop of Canterbury, outlined the Church of England’s position, describing it as one of principled opposition to abortion while acknowledging “limited conditions under which abortion may be preferable to any available alternatives.”
“This is based on the belief in the infinite value of every human life, however old or young, including life not yet born,” she said.“The infinite value of human life underpins much of our legal system and has shaped existing laws on abortion. All life is precious. Women facing the complex decision to terminate a pregnancy deserve our utmost understanding, care, and practical support as they navigate what is often a heart-wrenching choice.”
Mullally opposed Clause 208, warning it could weaken existing legal safeguards.
“I am reminded of the call of the prophet Micah to do justice and to love mercy,” she added. “Balancing justice and mercy is the challenge we are debating today. I do not think women should be prosecuted for actions relating to their own pregnancies, but I also do not wish to see any increase in late-term abortions.”
Baroness Kishwer Falkner of Margravine also opposed full decriminalization, arguing for a system in which the law remains but prosecutions are tightly controlled.
“The question for society is whether policy and law resolve both sides of a problem,” Falkner said. “Do we pass a law that entirely removes criminal sanctions for rare but potentially criminal acts?”
She noted that police may still need to investigate cases in which a lifeless infant or late-stage fetus is found, even if women themselves are no longer criminally liable.
Douglas Hogg, 3rd Viscount Hailsham, questioned how the law could distinguish between a child just born and one about to be born, saying the ending of near-term life could only be justified “in the most compelling circumstances.”
“This is not merely personal morality,” Hogg said. “It reflects the value society and Parliament place on human life.”
He also criticized the clause as a departure from existing law passed without full scrutiny.
Baroness Rosa Monckton of Dallington Forest similarly argued the measure lacked adequate evidence, consultation and impact assessment.
“It is a radical proposal with implications for women’s mental and physical health and lethal consequences for viable unborn children,” she said.
Supporters of the clause emphasized access to care and medical safety.
Baroness Tessa Blackstone, chair of the Board of Trustees for the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, said telemedical abortion — “pills by post” — has proven safe and effective.
“Waiting times fell, gestational age at treatment declined, and 98.8% of abortions were successfully completed with medication,” she said. “Safety is not just clinical outcomes. Women accessing early medical abortion through licensed providers receive consultations that follow established safeguarding protocols.”
About half of patients still receive in-person care, she said, arguing that telemedicine expands choice without removing clinic access.
Baroness Frances D’Souza expressed support for abortion access but raised concerns about late-term cases, emphasizing the importance of in-person consultations to maintain safeguards.
Baroness Sheila Lawlor warned the measure could increase risks for both mothers and babies, particularly in cases involving home-administered abortions.
Outside Parliament, evangelical leaders voiced strong opposition.
Dawn McAvoy, advocate with the Evangelical Alliance UK and head of the Both Lives initiative, said the vote weakens protections for women and unborn children.
“By approving this measure, parliamentarians are allowing women to self-administer abortions at home at any stage of pregnancy,” she said. “This is not a victory for women — it is a tragic failure. Parliament has voted to facilitate dangerous, backstreet-style abortions.”
McAvoy compared the move to Northern Ireland’s 2019 decriminalization, noting that abortion rates there have tripled in six years. She also cited a case of a teenage girl who traveled to England for an abortion, which her mother described as traumatic.
“We do not know the full circumstances leading her to end her pregnancy at around five months,” McAvoy said.“However, it appears she may have been inadequately informed about the physical and psychological implications of a second-trimester abortion.”
She warned that combining decriminalization with telemedicine could further increase access to late-term abortions. “The lack of clinical oversight leaves women more vulnerable than ever. This is not healthcare — this is abandonment.”
Calling for renewed safeguards, McAvoy urged lawmakers to restore in-person consultations and expand support for women facing crisis pregnancies.
“As Christians, we are called to uphold the dignity of every human life and care for those in need,” she said. “Parliament must now provide life-affirming support for women in crisis pregnancies, ensuring both mother and child are treated with dignity before and after birth.”]]></content:encoded>
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                <title><![CDATA[Faith-based hospitals in Kenya warn unpaid Social Health Authority bills threaten care for most vulnerable patients]]></title>
                <link>https://www.christiandaily.com/news/faith-based-hospitals-in-kenya-warn-unpaid-social-health-authority-bills-threaten-care-for-most-vulnerable-patients</link>
                <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.christiandaily.com/news/faith-based-hospitals-in-kenya-warn-unpaid-social-health-authority-bills-threaten-care-for-most-vulnerable-patients</guid>
                                                            <dc:creator><![CDATA[Vincent Matinde]]></dc:creator>
                                                                                                                            <media:content  url="https://www.christiandaily.com/media/original/img/0/43/4319.png">
                            <media:title><![CDATA[Tenwek Mission Hospital]]></media:title>
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                                    <![CDATA[ Friends of Tenwek ]]>
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                                    <![CDATA[ Faith-based and mission hospitals in Kenya are owed over $30 million by the Social Health Authority ]]>
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                                                                            <pubDate>Thu, 19 Mar 2026 09:30:00 -0400</pubDate>
                <description><![CDATA[Faith-based hospitals in Kenya say delayed reimbursements from the new Social Health Authority (SHA) are crippling operations and threatening patient care, officials with the Christian Health Association of Kenya told Christian Daily International.]]></description>
                <content:encoded><![CDATA[
Faith-based hospitals in Kenya say delayed reimbursements from the new Social Health Authority (SHA) are crippling operations and threatening patient care, officials with the Christian Health Association of Kenya told Christian Daily International.
“We are owed about 4 billion Kenya shillings ($30m) within the faith-based fraternity,” said Dr. Chris Wekesa Barasa, general secretary and chief executive officer of Christian Health Association of Kenya. “Some facilities rely on (SHA for) 90 percent of their income.” 
Barasa says the problem has historic roots dating to the transition from the National Hospital Insurance Fund to the Social Health Authority (SHA), and that payment delays have worsened since the new body began operations. The Social Health Insurance Act and accompanying regulations created SHA to consolidate Kenya’s path to universal health coverage, but the rollout has been rocky. 
“The transition from NHIF to SHA is complete, but the new system faces early operational and financial challenges,” a recent report noted, pointing to slow claim payments and system failures. 
Multiple news reports and provider statements show the scale of unpaid claims has been large and growing. Industry groups and private hospitals have reported tens of billions of shillings in outstanding claims, and some estimates put aggregated unpaid SHA claims far higher than what individual faith facilities report. 
The Ministry of Health and the cabinet secretary have publicly acknowledged payment problems and pledged corrective action. In a ministry statement, Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale defended the SHA reform as part of a drive to reach universal health coverage while promising steps to stabilize finances. 
In late 2025 the government moved to clear some legacy NHIF arrears and to allocate supplementary funds for facilities with smaller outstanding claims, a sign of political pressure to address liquidity problems among providers. 
Barasa described immediate operational impacts at CHAK member hospitals: delayed supplier payments, strained payrolls, and cash-flow shortages that limit the ability to buy medicines and keep essential services running. “We are on the verge of crippling some functions because some facilities rely on 90 percent of their revenue on SHA,” he said. 
CHAK, which represents hundreds of mission hospitals, medical training colleges and clinics across Kenya, has pressed for a predictable claims timetable and faster reimbursements so facilities can plan and keep patients from facing out-of-pocket fees. The association has joined other faith and private sector groups in urging the government to clear arrears and ensure SHA payment schedules are reliable. 
Observers say that the SHA troubles are both administrative and fiscal. Early reporting and analyst shortfall at SHA and teething problems with claims processing, digital systems and provider contracting. One analysis warned that rapid enrollment under SHA masked deeper issues: high provider distress and low rates of claims paid. 
That shortfall has prompted parliamentary scrutiny and calls for SHA to clear specific pending NHIF-era bills. Members of Parliament and religious leaders have pushed the ministry to settle legacy debts, warning that prolonged delays could force some hospitals to scale down operations or, in the worst case, close. 
While demanding faster payments, CHAK is also pursuing resilience measures. Barasa stressed the need for efficiency and diversified revenue streams as a buffer against payment uncertainty. 
“We are engaging our facilities to come up with solutions that are home-grown,” he said, pointing to procurement efficiencies, solar financing and county-led service models aimed at reducing operating costs and improving sustainability. 
CHAK has recommended clearer contracting terms, predictable reimbursement timetables, and phased payments to prevent service interruptions while SHA stabilizes. 
The group also urged that any punitive quality control measures in new regulations be balanced with financial support for facilities that need to upgrade to meet standards. 
Barasa was alluding to the Quality Healthcare and Patient Safety Bill, 2025, which was introduced to bring tighter controls to the healthcare sector. This proposed law would introduce national quality standards and stricter enforcement mechanisms for health facilities.
Kenya’s SHA reform was designed as a pillar for universal health coverage, but a series of systematic mishaps including unpaid claims, budgeting and provider engagement has left many providers and patients in a limbo. 
If unpaid claims persist, providers warn of reduced access to care, increased out-of-pocket payments for patients, and financial distress in hospitals that have traditionally served the poorest and most remote communities. 
“We have a social contract with the people of Kenya to deliver universal health coverage,” Barasa said, while also acknowledging the need to “cleanse the system and build a transparent, accountable, and equitable healthcare system.” 
For CHAK members, the immediate demand is simple and urgent: timely payment of claims owed under the old and new schemes so hospitals can continue to operate. The association urges system fixes that match the scale of the reform, from reliable funding flows and better digital claims processing to realistic timelines and support for quality improvements.
“If you’re not giving us money to be able to improve our quality of care, but then you impose punitive measures, some facilities will not manage,” Barasa warned. “We need predictable payments, and we need partners to recognize the role faith facilities play in keeping health services accessible.” ]]></content:encoded>
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                <title><![CDATA[Evangelical leaders welcome Scotland’s rejection of assisted dying bill]]></title>
                <link>https://www.christiandaily.com/news/evangelical-leaders-welcome-scotlands-rejection-of-assisted-dying-bill</link>
                <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.christiandaily.com/news/evangelical-leaders-welcome-scotlands-rejection-of-assisted-dying-bill</guid>
                                                            <dc:creator><![CDATA[Chris Eyte]]></dc:creator>
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                            <media:title><![CDATA[Members of the Scottish Family Party demonstrate against the assisted dying bill, as Scottish Parliament holds the final vote on the Assisted Dying Bill on March 17, 2026 in Edinburgh, Scotland.]]></media:title>
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                                    <![CDATA[ Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images ]]>
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                                    <![CDATA[ EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND - MARCH 17: Members of the Scottish Family Party demonstrate against the assisted dying bill, as Scottish Parliament holds the final vote on the Assisted Dying Bill on March 17, 2026 in Edinburgh, Scotland. The Scottish Parliament holds its final Stage 3 vote on the Assisted Dying for Terminally Ill Adults (Scotland) Bill, targeting mentally competent adults aged 18 and over with a prognosis of six months or less. The legislation is on a "knife edge" after passing its first stage in 2025, with several MSPs withdrawing support over concerns about safeguards and medical professional neutrality. ]]>
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                                                                            <pubDate>Wed, 18 Mar 2026 09:03:00 -0400</pubDate>
                <description><![CDATA[Scotland’s Parliament voted on March 17 to reject a bill that would have legalized assisted dying for terminally ill adults, prompting a strong response from leaders of the UK Evangelical Alliance, who said the outcome protects vulnerable people and upholds the value of life.]]></description>
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Scotland’s Parliament voted on March 17 to reject a bill that would have legalized assisted dying for terminally ill adults, prompting a strong response from leaders of the UK Evangelical Alliance, who said the outcome protects vulnerable people and upholds the value of life.
Lawmakers voted 69 against the Assisted Dying for Terminally Ill Adults (Scotland) Bill and 57 in favor. One member abstained, while two did not vote. The result reversed earlier support for the measure at its first stage in May 2025, when it passed by 70 votes to 56.
The proposed legislation would have allowed terminally ill adults aged 16 and over, with a prognosis of six months or less and deemed to have decision-making capacity, to request medical assistance to end their lives. Under the bill, two doctors would have been required to approve the request, and a health professional would have provided a substance that the patient could choose to self-administer.
Evangelical Alliance leaders welcomed the outcome, emphasizing concerns about coercion, safeguarding and the broader societal impact of assisted dying laws.
Danny Webster, director of advocacy for the UK Evangelical Alliance, said the proposed law “did little” to ensure that vulnerable individuals would not be pressured into ending their lives and failed to fully protect medical professionals unwilling to participate.
“While pressure groups advocating for a change in the law bought adverts on the front of all major Scottish newspapers, the campaign resisting the change spanned every sector of society,” Webster said. “From medical groups to disability campaigners, from legal experts to Christian leaders, the coalition of opposition urging caution and eventually successfully persuading politicians to reject the change was powerful and diverse.”
Peter Lynas, the Evangelical Alliance’s UK director, described the decision as a reaffirmation of the need to prioritize care and protection for those nearing the end of life.
“The proposed legislation was unsafe, unworkable, and risked undermining the value of those who are elderly, disabled or nearing the end of life,” Lynas said. “Scotland must be a place where everyone can live with dignity and thrive.”
He added that the vote should prompt renewed investment in palliative and end-of-life care across health and social services.
The Scottish government maintained a neutral stance on the legislation throughout the debate, allowing members of Parliament to vote according to their conscience.
The bill was introduced by Liam McArthur, a member of the Scottish Parliament representing Orkney. Following the vote, he said he was “devastated” by the outcome and argued that the decision would delay what he described as an inevitable legal change.
The rejection marks the third time since the Scottish Parliament was established in 1999 that lawmakers have voted down proposals to legalize assisted dying.
The decision also highlights ongoing divisions across the United Kingdom on the issue. In England and Wales, the House of Commons approved similar legislation in December 2024, though it remains under consideration in the House of Lords and has not yet become law.]]></content:encoded>
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                <title><![CDATA[Confusion over abortion rights in Northern Ireland highlighted by reported case]]></title>
                <link>https://www.christiandaily.com/news/confusion-over-abortion-rights-in-northern-ireland-highlighted-by-reported-case</link>
                <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.christiandaily.com/news/confusion-over-abortion-rights-in-northern-ireland-highlighted-by-reported-case</guid>
                                                            <dc:creator><![CDATA[Chris Eyte]]></dc:creator>
                                                                                                        <pubDate>Tue, 17 Mar 2026 11:54:00 -0400</pubDate>
                <description><![CDATA[The case of a schoolgirl reportedly sent from Northern Ireland to England for an abortion, and reportedly left traumatized by the experience, shows how confusion remains about abortion rights, an evangelical advocate for mothers and children has told Christian Daily International.]]></description>
                <content:encoded><![CDATA[The case of a schoolgirl reportedly sent from Northern Ireland to England for an abortion, and reportedly left traumatized by the experience, shows how confusion remains about abortion rights, an evangelical advocate for mothers and children has told Christian Daily International.
The BBC reported (March 16) that the 18-year-old had been &ldquo;forced to wait for a flight home&rdquo; after the abortion last year (2025), at the same time as suffering bleeding and cramping.
The college student had been 18 weeks pregnant and could have accessed an abortion in Northern Ireland but was redirected to London due to confusion by the booking provider over the services available, the BBC reported. Abortion is allowed up to 24 weeks of pregnancy in Northern Ireland.
Pro-abortion charity Alliance for Choice was quoted by the BBC as warning that other women and girls in Northern Ireland may have traveled unnecessarily to obtain abortions.
Dawn McAvoy, an advocate with the Evangelical Alliance UK, also leads Both Lives, a UK-wide initiative advocating for both lives in every pregnancy.
McAvoy told Christian Daily International that the story showed an element of confusion about abortion rights.
&ldquo;I was reflecting on the story from yesterday and, in conversation with family, realized many people remain confused as to what the system is and how we got here,&rdquo; said McAvoy.
&ldquo;There was also ignorance as to how the current system is working, and news reports did not help.
&ldquo;I reminded those I spoke with that in 2019, Westminster [in London] voted to decriminalize abortion in Northern Ireland and introduce a new, regulated system of care. However, the abortion delivery framework was left insufficiently defined.&rdquo;
Since then, providers in Great Britain have been funded to offer telephone advice and information to women in Northern Ireland considering their options, said McAvoy.
By one measure, the system is functioning, she added, referencing the fact that more than 11,000 abortions have taken place in the past five years.
However, this case raised &ldquo;serious concerns,&rdquo; according to McAvoy.
&ldquo;A young woman reportedly received inaccurate information that led to unnecessary travel,&rdquo; she said.
&ldquo;While questions about these failures must be addressed, the deeper issue is the decision-making process itself, the quality of information provided and the support pathways available to women considering their pregnancy choices.
&ldquo;We do not know the full circumstances that led her to feel unable to continue her pregnancy and decide to have an abortion at around five months&rsquo; gestation. However, it appears she may also have been inadequately informed by the abortion advice service about the physical and psychological implications of a second-trimester abortion.&rdquo;
The lasting impact on the young woman, her partner and their family underscores the need for greater scrutiny, said McAvoy.
&ldquo;This case highlights the importance of ensuring that women receive accurate, comprehensive information and also truly informed, life-affirming support within a taxpayer-funded system,&rdquo; she added.]]></content:encoded>
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                <title><![CDATA[Spanish evangelical leader welcomes expanded migrant health care but warns of ‘call effect’]]></title>
                <link>https://www.christiandaily.com/news/spanish-evangelical-leader-welcomes-expanded-migrant-health-care-but-warns-of-call-effect</link>
                <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.christiandaily.com/news/spanish-evangelical-leader-welcomes-expanded-migrant-health-care-but-warns-of-call-effect</guid>
                                                            <dc:creator><![CDATA[Chris Eyte]]></dc:creator>
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                            <media:title><![CDATA[hospital, care]]></media:title>
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                                    <![CDATA[ Unsplash / Stephen Andrews ]]>
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                                    <![CDATA[ Spain has expanded access to public health care for migrants without legal residency under a new government decree, a move welcomed by some church leaders for its humanitarian intent while raising debate about the sustainability of universal health coverage. ]]>
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                                                                            <pubDate>Fri, 13 Mar 2026 11:41:00 -0400</pubDate>
                <description><![CDATA[A senior evangelical leader in Spain has cautiously welcomed a government decision to expand access to public health care for migrants without legal residency, while warning that poorly controlled policies could unintentionally encourage “health tourism.”]]></description>
                <content:encoded><![CDATA[
A senior evangelical leader in Spain has cautiously welcomed a government decision to expand access to public health care for migrants without legal residency, while warning that poorly controlled policies could unintentionally encourage health tourism.
Spain’s Ministry of Health announced March 10 that administrative barriers preventing undocumented migrants from accessing the country’s public health system will be removed under a new Royal Decree approved by the Council of Ministers at the Moncloa Palace. The measure takes immediate effect.
The decree updates a 2018 regulation that restored access to health protection and medical care for people without legal residency but left significant administrative hurdles in place.
One such obstacle was the requirement to provide proof of municipal registration — known as a padrón — a document that many undocumented migrants struggle to obtain because landlords often refuse to register tenants without legal status.
According to the government’s official summary of the decision, the reform seeks to create “a uniform and effective procedure throughout the country for recognizing the right to health of unregistered and unauthorized foreign nationals.”
“This regulation aims to guarantee equity and prevent inequalities within this group, enabling better disease control through primary care and a more efficient use of public resources,” the summary said.
Under the updated rules, migrants can now demonstrate residency through alternative documentation such as utility bills or reports from social services. Health care applications will also be automatically approved if authorities do not issue a rejection within three months. Provisional access to care will be granted while paperwork is being processed.
The reform applies across Spain’s 17 autonomous regions.
Dr. Xesús-Manuel Suárez-García, secretary general of the Spanish Evangelical Alliance and a member of the executive committee of GBU España (IFES), told Christian Daily International that the policy raises complex ethical and practical questions.
He said Christian teaching clearly supports equal treatment of foreigners who legally reside in a country, citing Leviticus 24:22: “You are to have the same law for the foreigner and the native-born. I am the Lord your God.”
However, Suárez-García said debates around universal health access for undocumented migrants often fall into two opposing extremes — both of which he believes are problematic.
“I experienced the first one directly in a Latin American country,” he said. “My family helps support a shelter home there, and one day a girl became very ill.”
When caregivers took the child to a nearby hospital, staff told them the girl needed immediate treatment but would not be admitted unless they paid $500.
“Letting a child die, whether a national or a foreigner, because the family cannot pay is inhumane,” he said.
Yet the opposite extreme — offering completely free hospital treatment to anyone who arrives in Spain — can also create difficult consequences, he said, including what he described as “health tourism.”
Suárez-García recounted a case in which a Venezuelan mother traveled to Spain with her daughter, who needed treatment for a serious kidney condition, after neighbors advised her that medical care could be obtained upon arrival.
“I knew about the case myself and spoke to colleagues at one hospital so that the girl was admitted and cured,” he said.
The situation illustrated both the humanitarian impulse to provide care and the broader policy challenges governments face.
Suárez-García said he fully understood the mother’s decision — and even helped facilitate treatment — but acknowledged the political concerns about what he calls the “call effect,” a pull factor that could encourage people to travel to Spain specifically for medical care.
“Hospital treatment certainly has a cost; the only difference is who pays for it,” he said.
“In this case it should not be the Spanish state — the Spanish people through their taxes — but the Venezuelan state, which should ensure that there is a budget to provide proper care for its nationals.”
He suggested that governments could explore mechanisms allowing Spain to recover the costs of treatment from a patient’s home country.
“In a political debate where I presented this case, I said that the girl had to be treated, but the bill should be charged to the Venezuelan government — for example by deducting it from the bill for oil sold to Spain,” he said.
For poorer countries that lack such resources, he said medical costs could potentially be incorporated into development aid budgets.
“But we should never assume that these treatments are free,” he said. “They are not.”
To prevent the “call effect,” Suárez-García argued that policies should avoid relying solely on self-declared residency.
“I believe a mechanism should be put in place to offer hospital care to specific cases in a controlled way,” he said, suggesting bilateral agreements with sending countries and clear treatment protocols.
At the same time, he acknowledged concerns among Spanish citizens about the capacity of the public health system.
“It is true that budgetary resources for health care are not unlimited, and it is also true that public health care in Spain is saturated,” he said.
“That is why this type of collaboration cannot be unlimited, but must be controlled with as much rationality as sensitivity and humanity.”]]></content:encoded>
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                <title><![CDATA[Evangelical body pledges to help eliminate drugs in St. Kitts and Nevis]]></title>
                <link>https://www.christiandaily.com/news/evangelical-body-pledges-to-help-eliminate-drugs-in-st-kitts-and-nevis</link>
                <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.christiandaily.com/news/evangelical-body-pledges-to-help-eliminate-drugs-in-st-kitts-and-nevis</guid>
                                                            <dc:creator><![CDATA[Chris Eyte]]></dc:creator>
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                            <media:title><![CDATA[The Nevis Evangelical Association (NEA)]]></media:title>
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                                    <![CDATA[ Photo by NEA ]]>
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                                    <![CDATA[ The Nevis Evangelical Association (NEA) met with the St Kitts Nevis Drug Council ]]>
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                                                                            <pubDate>Wed, 11 Mar 2026 14:20:00 -0400</pubDate>
                <description><![CDATA[Evangelical leaders on the Caribbean island of Nevis met to discuss drug concerns in the wider community and pledged to support efforts to combat illegal substances.]]></description>
                <content:encoded><![CDATA[
Evangelical leaders on the Caribbean island of Nevis met to discuss drug concerns in the wider community and pledged to support efforts to combat illegal substances. The Nevis Evangelical Association (NEA) met with the St. Kitts and Nevis Drug Council in early February to address the issue.
Discussions focused on the theme “The Church and Drugs,” the Rev. Ron Daniel, chairman of the NEA, said on social media. Daniel, who also serves as a member of the council, described the meeting as “an amazing and informative time.”
“Here we were exposed to recent surveys and information related to drug use among our population,” Daniel said. “We saw firsthand the prevalence of this and sought as a church body to see where we can intervene to help our country.
“We are the salt of the earth, and so we as a church community have committed to do our part to ensure that we reduce or eliminate the use of harmful drugs in St. Kitts and Nevis.”
Karimu Byron-Caines, director of the National Council on Drug Abuse Prevention (NCDAP) Secretariat for St. Kitts and Nevis, led the presentation and briefed the NEA on drug use patterns and intervention strategies. Nadine Carty-Caines co-presented the meeting. She is program coordinator of the Nevis HIV/AIDS Coordinating Unit and a senior official within the Nevis Health Promotion Unit.
Daniel expressed special thanks to both presenters for educating the NEA about drug issues on Nevis.
“They presented in a way that was relatable and allowed for interaction,” he said. “The Nevis Evangelical Association continues to be grateful for the collaboration of all churches as we try our best to bring awareness to critical issues that we as a church must confront.”
Daniel said the meeting also examined the underlying causes of drug use and why people do not always understand the consequences of substance misuse. He said the presentation looked at stages of development related to the issue, particularly among the island’s young people.
Meanwhile, Daniel was appointed district superintendent of the Wesleyan Holiness Church for the St. Kitts District on Feb. 22. The district includes all Wesleyan Holiness churches in St. Kitts, Nevis, Anguilla, Saba and St. Martin.
On social media, he described the new role as a “hugely humbling honor” and thanked his family and his home church, Brown Hill Wesleyan Holiness Church, for their support.
“As I take up this new position, I do so conscious of the fact that I cannot do it in my own strength,” Daniel said. “The work begins now, and I am conscious of the fact that it is a huge task, but it is a huge task for a huge God. We have come far as a church, but there is still so much more we can do as a church. I do not intend to rest on my laurels as we seek to connect the church to the community and the country so that more people can become connected to Jesus Christ.”
“I crave your prayers and support as we seek to expand the kingdom of God for the glory of God.”]]></content:encoded>
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                <title><![CDATA[Singer-songwriter Edilberto Cruz to hold 'Solo busco amor' recital for autism awareness]]></title>
                <link>https://www.christiandaily.com/news/singer-songwriter-edilberto-cruz-to-hold-solo-busco-amor-recital-for-autism-awareness</link>
                <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.christiandaily.com/news/singer-songwriter-edilberto-cruz-to-hold-solo-busco-amor-recital-for-autism-awareness</guid>
                                                            <dc:creator><![CDATA[Diario Cristiano]]></dc:creator>
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                            <media:title><![CDATA[Solo busco amor]]></media:title>
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                                    <![CDATA[ 'Solo busco amor' - concert to raise awareness about autism, a condition that affects about 1% of the global population. ]]>
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                                                                            <pubDate>Wed, 11 Mar 2026 11:15:00 -0400</pubDate>
                <description><![CDATA[Singer-songwriter and poet Edilberto Cruz will present a recital titled “Solo busco amor” on Sunday, March 15, at Parque del Norte in Hatillo, Puerto Rico. The performance aims to raise awareness about autism.]]></description>
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Singer-songwriter and poet Edilberto Cruz will present a recital titled “Solo busco amor” (I'm just looking for love) on Sunday, March 15, at Parque del Norte in Hatillo, Puerto Rico. The performance aims to raise awareness about autism and encourage understanding of those living with the condition.
The event will feature songs from his new album, including the title track, dedicated to a child with autism and others on the spectrum.
The Puerto Rican news outlet Buenas Nuevas says the performance is intended as a space for reflection, where music helps the public understand and support people with autism and their families. The project seeks to promote love, respect, and acceptance—key elements for a more inclusive society.
Autism affects millions worldwide. The World Health Organization estimates about 1 in 127 people globally is on the autism spectrum, roughly 62 million people. Other studies indicate about 1% of the global population lives with Autism Spectrum Disorder, with childhood prevalence reaching 1 in 160 children, according to international estimates.
Autism is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by differences in social communication and patterns of behavior or interests. While it manifests differently in each individual, experts say early diagnosis, family support, and therapy can significantly improve quality of life.
Cultural initiatives like “Solo busco amor” aim to increase awareness and understanding. Through music, the recital reminds audiences that behind every diagnosis are families and individuals who need support and opportunities to thrive.
Originally published by Diario Cristiano, Christian Daily International's Spanish edition.]]></content:encoded>
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                <title><![CDATA[Papua New Guinea prime minister visits YWAM medical ship ahead of 2026 outreach]]></title>
                <link>https://www.christiandaily.com/news/papua-new-guinea-prime-minister-visits-ywam-medical-ship-ahead-of-2026-outreach</link>
                <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.christiandaily.com/news/papua-new-guinea-prime-minister-visits-ywam-medical-ship-ahead-of-2026-outreach</guid>
                                                            <dc:creator><![CDATA[Chris Eyte]]></dc:creator>
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                            <media:title><![CDATA[James Marape MP, Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea]]></media:title>
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                                    <![CDATA[ Photo by YWAM Ships ]]>
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                                    <![CDATA[ James Marape MP, Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea, visiting the MV YWAM PNG ]]>
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                                                                            <pubDate>Mon, 09 Mar 2026 08:20:00 -0400</pubDate>
                <description><![CDATA[Papua New Guinea Prime Minister James Marape visited the MV YWAM PNG ship ahead of its first voyage of 2026 to Western Province, expressing support for its health and education initiatives serving local communities.]]></description>
                <content:encoded><![CDATA[
Papua New Guinea Prime Minister James Marape visited the MV YWAM PNG ship ahead of its first voyage of 2026 to Western Province, expressing support for its health and education initiatives serving local communities.
Marape visited at the end of January accompanied by a delegation of government ministers: Miki Kaeok, Minister for Transport; Billy Joseph, Minister for Defence; and Kinoka Feo, Minister for Higher Education.
The ship underwent a refit in the Philippines at the end of 2025.
“The Prime Minister met with volunteers from Papua New Guinea and around the world, including a team from YWAM Norway,” according to YWAM Medical Ships News.
“Conversations during the visit focused not only on the upcoming outreach, but also on the future — particularly the potential for additional ships serving the people of PNG.
“Prime Minister Marape expressed strong enthusiasm for this vision, reaffirming his long-standing support for ship-based services that bring healthcare, training, and development directly to coastal and riverine communities.”
Built in 1999 as a small catamaran cruise liner, the 60-meter vessel—capable of accommodating 130 volunteers—was purchased by YWAM Medical Ships (Australia & PNG) in 2014 and refitted as a specialized medical and training “floating hospital.”
It is officially registered as a health facility in Papua New Guinea and tasked with reaching remote coastal and river communities in notoriously difficult terrain, with more than 5,000 kilometers of coastline and hundreds of inhabited islands.
The prime minister’s wife, Rachael Marape, is the Co-Patron of YWAM Medical Ships PNG and advocates for maternal and child health.
At the time of the visit, about 100 volunteers from 14 nations were on board the MV YWAM PNG. They were preparing to deliver critical health services in partnership with local healthcare workers. Their work includes promoting health and education while strengthening local services and supporting a long-term vision for community wellbeing.
“The Prime Minister’s visit is a powerful affirmation of the partnership between the Government of Papua New Guinea and YWAM Medical Ships – Australia & PNG, united by a shared commitment to improving access to healthcare and investing in the future of PNG’s people, especially in some of the nation’s most hard-to-reach regions,” YWAM Medical Ships News added.
Ken Mulligan, managing director of YWAM Medical Ships, has previously described the story of the MV YWAM PNG as one of “genuine collaboration.”
“Health professionals, leaders, and communities in PNG are driving real change, working alongside Australian and international teams in a spirit of shared learning and respect,” Mulligan said.
“Together, we’re building healthier futures by combining local knowledge, skills, and commitment with broad support, training, and resources.”
YWAM Medical Ships – Australia & PNG has partnered with the National Department of Health and provincial health authorities since 2010. This partnership has resulted in more than 2.3 million healthcare and training services delivered, while also providing hands-on training opportunities for Papua New Guinean health workers.]]></content:encoded>
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                <title><![CDATA[Faith-based health providers in Kenya and Zambia adapt to shifting U.S. funding landscape]]></title>
                <link>https://www.christiandaily.com/news/faith-based-health-providers-in-kenya-and-zambia-adapt-to-shifting-us-funding-landscape</link>
                <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.christiandaily.com/news/faith-based-health-providers-in-kenya-and-zambia-adapt-to-shifting-us-funding-landscape</guid>
                                                            <dc:creator><![CDATA[Vincent Matinde]]></dc:creator>
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                            <media:title><![CDATA[A man walks past a USAID road signage in Moroto town, on July 22, 2025 in Moroto, Uganda.]]></media:title>
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                                    <![CDATA[ Hajarah Nalwadda/Getty Images ]]>
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                                    <![CDATA[ A man walks past a USAID road signage in Moroto town, on July 22, 2025 in Moroto, Uganda. ]]>
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                                                                            <pubDate>Thu, 05 Mar 2026 06:15:00 -0500</pubDate>
                <description><![CDATA[Faith-based health providers in Africa are restructuring their funding strategies as global aid patterns shift, with leaders in Kenya and Zambia saying the changes are forcing innovation while exposing structural differences in national health systems.]]></description>
                <content:encoded><![CDATA[
Faith-based health providers in Africa are restructuring their funding strategies as global aid patterns shift, with leaders in Kenya and Zambia saying the changes are forcing innovation while exposing structural differences in national health systems.
Officials from the Christian Health Association of Kenya (CHAK) and the Churches Health Association of Zambia (CHAZ) told Christian Daily International that recent policy shifts tied to U.S. foreign assistance under Donald Trump have accelerated a transition many experts had long predicted: a gradual move away from donor dependence toward locally driven financing.
In early 2025, President Donald Trump signed policies that dramatically reduced U.S. foreign assistance, including deep cuts to the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), the U.S. government’s main global development and health agency. 
Many aid programs were canceled or frozen, and thousands of USAID staff were laid off. Critics said about 80% of foreign aid projects worldwide were shelved as the agency was dismantled and responsibilities shifted to other government offices.
In July 2025, the U.S. Congress passed the Rescissions Act of 2025, which rescinded about $7.9 billion in international assistance funding, much of it from USAID budgets. This included cuts to health programs, humanitarian aid, and development initiatives globally.
USAID had previously been a backbone for health programs in Africa, from HIV/AIDS treatment to malaria prevention and maternal-child health services. Studies estimate that cuts and the dismantling of USAID threatened millions of lives by reversing progress in disease control. 
Research suggests that health funding could drop up to 60% from its peak in recent years and that losing USAID support - particularly for HIV/AIDS programs - could increase new infections and deaths.
Dr. Chris Wekesa Barasa, the General Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of CHAK said the warning signs had been visible for years but were largely ignored across the continent.
“For the last 20 years… we started talking about transition of HIV funding and global aid to developing countries. But I think we never took it seriously,” he said. “The telltale signs were there.”
When funding disruptions came, he said, organizations were forced into rapid reassessment. “It made us go back to the drawing board and start thinking, oh, it’s actually possible that we don’t have money.”
He described the shift as both a shock and an opportunity. While some programs struggled, he said the pressure pushed faith-based providers to rethink sustainability, efficiency and data use.
The impact has varied sharply between countries
Kenya’s faith health network historically depended heavily on donors. CHAK says its member facilities account for about 11 percent of health institutions but serve roughly 40 percent of the population, giving them outsized influence in care delivery.
Zambia operates under a different model shaped by decades of government partnership. Karen Sichali-Sichinga, the Executive Director at CHAZ said that from independence, the state integrated mission hospitals into the national system.
“For us, right from the beginning… the policy was that health centers were free,” she said, explaining that the government pays salaries for health workers in mission hospitals and supplies essential medicines.
That arrangement means Zambia’s faith facilities face fewer operational shocks when donor funding shifts. Sichinga described government support as a major stabilizer. “If they’re going to deploy health workers and pay their salary to mission hospital, really, I mean, that is commendable,” she said.
She cautioned, however, that directing foreign aid only through governments risks overlooking key service providers.
“The health system in Zambia consists of the government, the private sector, the faith sector and traditional healers,” she said. “When a partner just focuses on one… then they start to lose a lot of critical services that are provided by these others.”
In Kenya, funding uncertainty has accelerated efforts to redesign programs around local ownership.
Barasa pointed to CHAK’s county mentorship and transition model, which trains county governments to run health programs independently. Pilots in four counties showed major savings and efficiency gains.
“We actually realized that we were having cost efficiencies,” he said, estimating savings of about 40 percent and workforce efficiency improvements near 50 percent.
The model integrates services instead of separating them by disease. “You’re looking at them holistically… not just as HIV infected mother,” he said.
The approach has drawn international attention. Barasa said global partners have asked other implementing organizations to adopt similar frameworks as donor funding declines.
Sichinga said Zambia’s experience highlights another lesson: funding flows matter as much as funding levels.
She said past aid programs sometimes sent large sums to foreign intermediaries instead of local providers. “You’d see an influx of U.S.-based NGOs… most of the money was going to them,” she said. “Very little money was trickling down.”
If new funding strategies aim to reduce intermediaries, she said, they could improve efficiency,  but only if they recognize existing local networks.
“These (local networks) have been there and they have proven that they can deliver,” she said of faith health systems across Africa. “If you’re looking for people who are experienced in rural communities, it’s the mission hospitals.”
Both leaders agreed that Africa must prepare for a future with less foreign aid regardless of political cycles in donor nations.
In place of the old USAID model, the Trump administration introduced what it called the “America First Global Health Strategy,” emphasizing direct government-to-government (G2G) health agreements with countries like Uganda, Kenya and Zambia. These deals commit the U.S. to multi-year health support tied to promises from partner countries to increase their own health spending. 
Even with the new US funding model, Sichinga urged stronger regional health institutions and locally led research. “We need home-grown solutions,” she said. “We cannot continue looking up to the north.”
Barasa echoed that message, saying CHAK is investing in digitization, predictive data systems and new financing models to strengthen resilience. The shift, he said, ultimately benefits patients if handled well.
“At the end of the day, the patient benefits by getting access to cost effective and quality health care services,” he said.]]></content:encoded>
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                <title><![CDATA[Yale academics explore link between faith and psychiatry]]></title>
                <link>https://www.christiandaily.com/news/yale-academics-explore-link-between-faith-and-psychiatry</link>
                <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.christiandaily.com/news/yale-academics-explore-link-between-faith-and-psychiatry</guid>
                                                            <dc:creator><![CDATA[Chris Eyte]]></dc:creator>
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                            <media:title><![CDATA[prayer]]></media:title>
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                                    <![CDATA[ Photo by Ben White / Unsplash ]]>
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                                                                            <pubDate>Thu, 26 Feb 2026 08:05:00 -0500</pubDate>
                <description><![CDATA[A working group established by Yale Divinity School for an 18-month project examined how to bridge the gap between faith and psychiatry. Bruce Gordon, the Titus Street Professor of Ecclesiastical History at the university, has led the group, fostering collaboration between theologians and medical professionals.]]></description>
                <content:encoded><![CDATA[
A working group established by Yale Divinity School for an 18-month project examined how to bridge the gap between faith and psychiatry.
Bruce Gordon, the Titus Street Professor of Ecclesiastical History at the university, has led the group, fostering collaboration between theologians and medical professionals.
The initiative seeks to address the “longstanding mistrust” between the two fields, particularly within Christian communities.
In a press release for Yale Divinity School on Feb. 11, correspondent Kim Lawton recalled how the idea came from a faculty meeting two years ago when representatives from the Yale medical school’s Department of Psychiatry gave a presentation about their field’s growing interest in spirituality.
“They were increasingly seeing patients who were speaking about spiritual experiences or religious convictions and commitments, and to put a fine point on it, they didn’t know what to do with this,” Gordon told Lawton. “They were realizing that spirituality, however you want to define it, is something that exists and has to be taken seriously.”
Topics explored by the working group include brain function, medication, psychedelics, end-of-life issues, and the nature of religious experiences. Discussions have addressed questions such as the difference between visions and hallucinations, the meaning of spiritual experience, and the role of transcendence in psychological health. The group has also examined the boundaries between medicine and religion, including how depression and other conditions are defined.
Key goals for the group, co-led by psychiatry professors Christopher Pittenger and Anna Yusim, with a focus on “person-centered medicine,” include developing shared language. This means helping psychiatrists understand spiritual experiences not as symptoms of illness but as core aspects of a patient’s identity.
Another goal is equipping ministry leaders by addressing the reality that many clergy feel ill-equipped to handle mental health crises such as depression, burnout, or suicidal ideation within their congregations.
The final goal is to destigmatize mental health in the church, challenging the misconception that spiritual faith exempts a person from clinical depression or bipolar disorder.
Gordon said he has personal experience of the longstanding mistrust between religion and psychiatry.
“There have been negative perceptions on both sides,” he said, citing a widespread “general hostility within psychiatry” toward many organized forms of religion.
“And equally within many churches, certainly in my own upbringing, psychiatry was seen as something that was for seriously damaged people,” he added.
Looking ahead, the group’s leaders want to “widen the conversation” by including more students, faculty members, and the general public. A public forum, conferences, and possibly a podcast are also planned.
The purpose is not primarily academic research but rather people from their respective fields describing what they do and finding how best to talk together, Gordon said.
“People just do not get a lot of exposure to these kinds of conversations,” he added.]]></content:encoded>
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                <title><![CDATA[Christian counselors say churches must address anxiety and trauma: ‘Silence has deepened the crisis’]]></title>
                <link>https://www.christiandaily.com/news/christian-counselors-say-churches-must-address-anxiety-and-trauma</link>
                <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.christiandaily.com/news/christian-counselors-say-churches-must-address-anxiety-and-trauma</guid>
                                                            <dc:creator><![CDATA[CDI Staff]]></dc:creator>
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                            <media:title><![CDATA[Panelists discuss the church’s role in addressing anxiety, trauma and rising suicide rates during a forum on biblical responses to the mental health crisis and human flourishing in the digital age.]]></media:title>
                                                            <media:credit role="author" scheme="urn:ebu">
                                    <![CDATA[ Christian Daily International ]]>
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                                    <![CDATA[ From left to right: Dr. Pamela Pyle, Dr. Tim Clinton, Reina Olmeda, Carrie Sheffield and Billy Hallowell participate in a forum at the NRB Convention on the church’s response to the mental health crisis, addressing trauma-informed care, digital culture and the integration of spiritual and clinical support. ]]>
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                            <media:title><![CDATA[Carrie Sheffield, founder of Healthy Faith, speaks about trauma-informed ministry and the role of faith communities in addressing rising suicide rates and stigma surrounding mental health.]]></media:title>
                                                            <media:credit role="author" scheme="urn:ebu">
                                    <![CDATA[ Christian Daily International ]]>
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                                                                                        <media:description type="plain">
                                    <![CDATA[ Carrie Sheffield, founder of Healthy Faith, speaks about trauma-informed ministry and the role of faith communities in addressing rising suicide rates and stigma surrounding mental health. ]]>
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                            <media:title><![CDATA[Dr. Pamela Pyle, an internal medicine physician, speaks about the integration of spiritual and clinical care and the importance of hope in addressing suicidal ideation and emotional suffering.]]></media:title>
                                                            <media:credit role="author" scheme="urn:ebu">
                                    <![CDATA[ Christian Daily International ]]>
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                                                                                        <media:description type="plain">
                                    <![CDATA[ Dr. Pamela Pyle, an internal medicine physician, speaks about the integration of spiritual and clinical care and the importance of hope in addressing suicidal ideation and emotional suffering. ]]>
                                </media:description>
                                                    </media:content>
                                                                                                <media:content  url="https://www.christiandaily.com/media/original/img/0/41/4178.jpg">
                            <media:title><![CDATA[Dr. Tim Clinton, president of the American Association of Christian Counselors, calls on churches to confront stigma, expand trauma-informed training and anchor mental health care in biblical discipleship.]]></media:title>
                                                            <media:credit role="author" scheme="urn:ebu">
                                    <![CDATA[ Christian Daily International ]]>
                                </media:credit>
                                                                                        <media:description type="plain">
                                    <![CDATA[ Dr. Tim Clinton, president of the American Association of Christian Counselors, calls on churches to confront stigma, expand trauma-informed training and anchor mental health care in biblical discipleship. ]]>
                                </media:description>
                                                    </media:content>
                                                                            <pubDate>Tue, 24 Feb 2026 06:25:00 -0500</pubDate>
                <description><![CDATA[Christian leaders, physicians and licensed counselors called on churches to confront what they described as a deepening mental health crisis with theological clarity, practical training and renewed compassion during a panel discussion at the recent National Religious Broadcasters International Christian Media Convention.]]></description>
                <content:encoded><![CDATA[
Christian leaders, physicians and licensed counselors called on churches to confront what they described as a deepening mental health crisis with theological clarity, practical training and renewed compassion during a panel discussion at the recent National Religious Broadcasters International Christian Media Convention.
The forum, titled “A Bible Response to the Mental Health Crisis: Human Flourishing and Better Wellbeing in the Digital Age,” examined record suicide rates, the psychological effects of social media, trauma-informed ministry, pastoral burnout and the integration of spiritual and clinical care. Panelists argued that churches must reject both stigma and simplistic solutions, instead offering a biblically grounded, whole-person response to anxiety, depression and despair.
“The church without the broken is a broken church,” said Dr. Tim Clinton, president of the American Association of Christian Counselors. “God loves to move into those places and bring light into the darkness.”
Moderated by Billy Hallowell, digital TV host and producer at CBN News, the discussion reflected growing concern among Christian communicators and ministry leaders that mental health challenges are reshaping congregational life across the United States.
Record levels of suicide and despair
Panelists cited recent federal data showing nearly 50,000 suicide deaths in 2024 — the highest annual number ever recorded in the United States. Suicide remains among the leading causes of death for teenagers and young adults, with rising rates among middle-aged and elderly populations as well.
Carrie Sheffield, founder and program manager of Healthy Faith, described the numbers as a national emergency.
“We have the highest suicide rate ever recorded,” she said. “We are in a crisis.”

Sheffield said research consistently shows that religious participation and strong faith communities correlate with lower suicide rates, reduced substance abuse and increased resilience. Yet many congregations remain uncertain how to address mental illness theologically.
Clinton said the crisis is compounded by a shortage of Christ-centered providers.
“There’s a big gap between those who need help and those who provide help,” he said. “We need an army of people trained to understand trauma and mental health.”
Fear, uncertainty and cultural pressure
Clinton traced part of the current emotional strain to the long shadow of the COVID-19 pandemic and broader cultural instability.
“The world changed,” he said. “Everything was turned upside down and people began to get afraid.”
He pointed to geopolitical tensions, school shootings, economic uncertainty and nonstop exposure to alarming headlines through smartphones.
“You get overloaded,” Clinton said. “That toxic insanity coming at you every day — it’s overwhelming.”
He added that loneliness has become pervasive despite unprecedented digital connectivity.
“We’re so disconnected anymore,” he said. “I don’t care how wired we are — we’re isolated and alone.”
Reina Olmeda, director of the Mental Health Initiative at the National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference, said Scripture shows that emotional anguish is not new. She referenced King David’s lament, Elijah’s despair and Hannah’s sorrow as biblical examples of deep emotional suffering.
“What is not new is anxiety, depression, burnout,” Olmeda said. “What is new is the climate has changed.”
She described a “speed of saturation” in modern culture — the rapid intake of news, opinions and images — that leaves little room for reflection or emotional processing.
“The speed at which we are acquiring information has rocked our faith,” she said.
Olmeda recounted speaking with more than 100 pastors who privately admitted to anger, fear and grief amid political and social turmoil.
“They were saying, ‘If we can just change our environment, these emotions will go away,’” she said. “But sometimes we have to sit in those moments. Rather than just prayer, there is presence — being present with each other.”
Social media and identity formation
Several panelists warned that digital culture is reshaping how young people experience and interpret emotional pain.
Sheffield referenced research linking heavy social media use to anxiety, eating disorders and depression, particularly among teenage girls.
“If we’re constantly barraging our eyes and neural systems with comparison, it creates neural pathways that are life-draining,” she said. “The human brain — God did not design us this way.”
She cited growing concern among scholars that platforms reward emotional exhibitionism, encouraging users to publicly frame pain as identity.
Olmeda agreed, warning that when churches fail to articulate clear, biblically grounded narratives about suffering, online culture quickly fills the void.
“If the church has a void, there is a world out there that’s going to fill that,” she said. “Social media is speaking when the church does not speak.”
Dr. Pamela Pyle, an internal medicine physician with decades of experience treating patients experiencing suicidal ideation, said modern culture often promotes external solutions to internal struggles.
“We have become a society that looks for external sources of hope,” Pyle said. “But faith is an internal, outward experience.”

She described visiting post-genocide communities in Rwanda where families living in modest conditions nevertheless reported joy rooted in faith and community bonds.
“The common denominator was hope,” she said.
Pyle warned that the spread of digital comparison culture even into remote communities could undermine that resilience.
“They will begin comparing their lives to something that looks glamorous but is often more painful,” she said.
Trauma, stigma and shame
A significant portion of the discussion focused on trauma-informed ministry — understanding how adverse experiences shape long-term emotional patterns.
Clinton said churches have historically struggled to integrate psychological insight with theology, sometimes viewing counseling as inherently secular.
“There’s been a lot of silence around mental health issues, a lot of stigmatizing and shaming,” he said. “If you’re depressed, you don’t have faith — you know that.”
He argued that counseling should be understood as a form of discipleship, helping believers grow toward maturity and freedom in Christ.
“I don’t see counseling separate from the church,” Clinton said. “I see it as part of the church.”
Sheffield shared her own experience of childhood trauma and adult hospitalization, referencing the Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) score — a framework used to assess exposure to traumatic events before age 18.
“Being in religious settings where we ignore trauma — this is where people die,” she said.
Olmeda distinguished between guilt and shame in congregational life.
“Guilt says, ‘I did something wrong.’ Shame says, ‘I am wrong,’” she said. “When you name what happened, shame begins to lose its power.”
Clinton described trauma’s neurological imprint, noting how veterans often re-experience combat memories through sensory flashbacks.
“Trauma isolates. Trauma destroys your sense of safety,” he said. “It’s not about what’s wrong with you — it’s about what happened to you.”
Pastoral health and training
The panel also addressed the emotional burden carried by pastors.
Hallowell noted that congregations often elevate church leaders to unrealistic standards, leaving little room for vulnerability.
“Mental and spiritual health is ignored because people elevate pastors as though they’re superhuman,” he said.
Clinton urged churches to develop structured responses, including training lay leaders, forming mental health teams and addressing emotional struggles from the pulpit.
“My people perish because of a lack of knowledge,” he said. “There are so many incredible resources available now.”
He pointed to expanding research on human flourishing that links religious engagement with improved mental health outcomes.
“All the research — you can’t deny it anymore — faith is central to mental health,” Clinton said.
He added that pastors themselves need safe spaces for counseling and accountability.
“If you have any value to God, all hell’s going to be against you,” he said, urging leaders not to isolate themselves.
Spiritual and clinical integration
A central theme of the forum was how to avoid false dichotomies between spiritual and clinical care.
“There’s a big debate about the spiritual versus the mental,” Hallowell said. “How do we find the balance?”
Pyle said medicine increasingly acknowledges spirituality as a factor in healing, though often in generalized terms.
“Doctors will ask, ‘Are you a spiritual person?’ but they don’t go deeper,” she said.
Olmeda pointed to the biblical account of Elijah, who collapsed in exhaustion and despair after intense ministry.
“What does God do?” she asked. “He feeds him. He lets him sleep. And then He gently restores him. That is biology and theology in one.”
Sheffield said her own recovery involved both medication and spiritual renewal.
“I needed medication at certain points,” she said. “It was all integrated. We cannot separate the flesh and the spirit.”
Clinton closed with a theological reflection on hope and spiritual warfare.

“Light dispels darkness,” he said. “If we are to bring light into darkness, we must be anchored in the Spirit of God and the Word of God as we bring hope.”
As the session concluded, panelists urged Christian communicators and church leaders not to retreat from difficult conversations.
The mental health crisis, they said, demands humility, evidence-based training and unwavering theological conviction.
“We don’t need to panic,” Olmeda said. “The church is not dead. There is still hope. God is still on the throne.”
The forum ended with a challenge to congregations nationwide: move from silence to engagement, from stigma to compassion, and from fragmented responses to integrated care rooted in Scripture and community.
In an era marked by isolation, digital saturation and rising despair, panelists said the church’s calling remains unchanged — to bring light into darkness and hope into suffering, addressing the whole person in mind, body and spirit.]]></content:encoded>
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