Welcome to the latest edition of Chrism, the academic journal of The Guild of Health and St Raphael. I hope that you find something to interest you within the pages of this publication. Once again, we are covering a wide range of topics, and I continue to be grateful to our authors for their writing and wisdom.
Over the next few issues, you will begin to spot a few changes as we move from an eclectic series of articles to themed editions. The team at The Guild of Health and St Raphael are hoping to experiment with themed issues and to use the journal as a springboard to deep dive into topics and use the articles to create resources, including podcasts, contemplative blogs, and training resources. The hope is that this streamlined approach will bring the clarity and the depth of knowledge in our organisation to a wider audience. I look forward to hearing any feedback that you might have.
I was invited into a conversation this month with the head of Health mission at the World Council of Churches, the offices of which sit in Geneva, just down the road from the World Health Organisation. It was wonderful to connect to faith leaders and medical health experts who have an international view of how churches and health might interrelate. The meeting touched on many topics, including updates on hospitals and hospices run by the church in the poorest countries in the world, some of which are facing the most difficult financial situations and in very dangerous parts of the world. Quite a contrast to the issues we are facing in the UK context.
But, what seems to be a common need globally is new theological engagement with health and new initiatives to inspire church leaders in the value of their ministry when engaged in health and healing.
I hope that this becomes a central need that the Guild can continue to address, as it works here in the UK context for now.
If you are interested in assisting with the production of this journal, please do get in contact.
The Revd Dr. Gillian Straine, Editor and CEO of the Guild of Health and St Raphael
Please note that the journal is a PDF download, not a physical product that would incur postage costs.
The Chrism Network is a place for academic and professional engagement with human health and healing from a faith perspective.
Chrism members get access to all back issues of the journal for free, plus discounts for events and courses, and access to a private members’ Facebook group.