Bringing together voices from all cultures and religions, the Charter seeks to remind the world we already share the core principles of compassion.
| SPIRITUAL
DIVERSITY AND SOCIAL WORK RESOURCE CENTER |
Spirituality and Health Links
Below is a list of sample internet sites which offer helpful materials concerning the connection between spirituality, health, and well-being.
Academic Research & Training Centers
The University of Minnesota's Center for Spirituality and
Healing
http://www.csh.umn.edu/
The Center for Spirituality and Healing seeks to promote an integrative medicine that recognizes biomedical, cross-cultural and spiritual elements to care. It provides education and research-based information to advance clinical health care. This site also features a page on Hmong Shamanism.
The Center for Spirituality, Theology and Health
http://www.dukespiritualityandhealth.org/
The Center for Spirituality, Theology and Health conducts interdisciplinary research, scholarship and education on spirituality, theology and health. It also explores the role of faith communities in forming the health of the broader community, and integrates research and scholarship into the practical disciplines of care and service with an emphasis on older adults.
National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine
http://nccam.nih.gov/
The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) is the Federal Government's lead agency for scientific research on complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). NCCAM sponsors and conducts research using scientific methods and advanced technologies to study CAM.
The George Washington Institute for Spirituality and Health
http://www.gwish.org/
The George Washington Institute for Spirituality and Health was established in May 2001 as a leading organization on education and clinical issues related to spirituality and health. The institute is changing the face of healthcare through innovative programs for physicians and other members of the multidisciplinary healthcare team, including clergy and chaplains.
The Center on Religion and the Professions, University of
Missori-Columbia
http://rpp.missouri.edu/xqsocial.shtml
The center seeks to help professionals and students become more aware and respectful of religious and cultural beliefs among co-workers, clients or patients, and to be sensitive how religion affects perspectives of ourselves and others.
The Center for Spirituality and Health, University of
Florida
http://www.ufspiritualityandhealth.org/default.asp
Center for Spirituality and Health is to pursue research and provide curriculum at the interface of spirituality and the health sciences. It is designed to promote within University of Florida the rigorous, interdisciplinary study of the human experience of faith, belief and spiritual knowledge in relation to health at the individual, community and global levels.
Rush University Department of Religion, Health and Human
Values
http://www.rushu.rush.edu/servlet/Satellite?c=RushUnivLevel2Page&cid=1144357134813&pagename=Rush/RushUnivLevel2Page/Level_2_College_GME_CME_Page
Rush is a teaching hospital in Chicago, Illinois. The Religion, Health and Human Values Department serves the needs of patients and families by offering the services of chaplains and ethicists.
The Tyson Center for Faith and Spirituality in the
Workplace
http://waltoncollege.uark.edu/news/view.asp?article=704
Through a $2 million gift from the Tyson Family Foundation and Tyson Foods Inc., the Sam M. Walton College of Business at the University of Arkansas is establishing the Tyson Center for Faith and Spirituality in the Workplace. The center will focus on curriculum development; outreach programs to business, churches and civic organizations; and research program support.
Other Spirituality & Health Websites
Advocate Health Care
http://www.advocatehealth.com
Home of the International Parish Nurse Resource
Center, offering an extensive bibliography of texts related to parish nursing,
health and values, and congregational health ministries.
Brahmavihara (Cambodia AIDS Project)
http://www.brahmavihara.cambodiaaidsproject.org/
Brahmavihara/Cambodia AIDS Project is a small Buddhist chaplaincy organization providing services to Cambodian AIDS patients too poor to access traditional resources. It began work in 2000, at a time when antiretroviral (ARVs) and other life-prolonging medicines were not available. Its work then was directed towards helping people find as much peace as possible while facing certain death. Since the introduction of free ARVs to Cambodia beginning in 2001 and with their current broad availability, its work has expanded to include extensive referrals, coordination and some material support.
Brahman Samaj of North America
http://www.bsna.org/
This site seeks to act as a networking platform to bring Brahmans together and help them to explore their cultural and social identity. It lists many projects by this organization that serve to facilitate the above goal.
Buddhanet
http://www.buddhanet.net
The Buddhist Society for Compassionate Wisdom
http://users.rcn.com/chicagobuddha/
This site contains information about Buddhism and Budhist practices and seeks to promote this understanding in the West through the concept of Dharma. It offers links to four centers located in North America.
Catholic Charities USA
http://www.catholiccharitiesusa.org
A national social service provider for individuals in need. Examples of programs include Adoption Awareness, an HIV/AIDS Outreach Project, and HUD Housing Counseling Program. This site offers information on JustFaith program--which allows parishoneers ot study and be informed by the justice tradition inherent in the Scriptures. In addition, it offers information on the National Senior Service Corps--a program that promotes seniors to volunteer their time. This site also offers networking opportunities, information on national advocacy efforts, as well as information on program development, training and technical assistance.
The Catholic Worker Movement
http://www.catholicworker.org
This site offers information on The Catholic Worker Movement, a movement founded by Dorothy Day and Peter Maurin that provides service to the homeless and hungary and asks it members to ground this service in a commitment to nonviolence, voluntary poverty and prayer.
Center for Theology and the Natural Sciences
http://www.ctns.org
Striving
to bridge the disciplines of theology and the natural sciences, the CTNS is
an international, non-profit organization dedicated to research, teaching, and
public service. Its focus is primarily upon the relationship
between contemporary physics, biology, environmental studies, and technology
and Christian theology and ethics. This
site offers a science and religion course program, a quarterly journal of scholarly
articles and book reviews, and annual research fellowships.
Bringing together voices from all cultures and religions, the Charter seeks to remind the world we already share the core principles of compassion.
Charter for Compassion
http://charterforcompassion.org/
This site seeks to promote the wisdom of Vendanta to individuals from any background. It offers a list of centers, publications, schools, and programs.
The Chinmaya Mission
http://chinmayamission.org
This site seeks to promote the wisdom of Vendanta to individuals from any background. It offers a list of centers, publications, schools, and programs.
The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) Home Missions
http://www.homelandministries.org/
Offers extensive information concerning social health and justice issues with which the church is involved.
Community Toolbox
http://ctb.ku.edu/
Confucius Publishing Company
http://www.confucius.org/
This site contains a number of online Confucian texts (in 21 languages), including the Lun Yu (499 sayings of Confucius).
Counterbalance
http://www.counterbalance.org
Dar Al Hijrah Islamic Center (Falls Church, Virginia)
http://www.hijrah.org
This site is an example of a local center serving its Muslim community. It conducts seminars, lectures, religious sermons, and organizes social activities, sports, and educational functions. In doing so, it hopes to help all in its community to cultivate lifestyles that are free of substance abuse, crime, discrimination, and other things that are a detriment to social wellness. In addition, it organizes interfaith dialogues.
Department of Veterans Affairs Grand Rounds for Chaplains
http://www.chaplain.med.va.gov/Chaplain/
Offers various resources including a detailed summary of David Larson and Susan Larson Tutorial including 6 modules with topics addressed.
DharmaNet International
http://www.dharmanet.org
This site offers national and international directories of Buddhist Associations, Monasteries, and Practice Centers, online libraries, Dharma Centers & Practice Groups, as well as service opportunites.
Ecumenical Center for Religion and Health
http://www.ecrh.org
Helps persons struggling with internal conflict,
anger, personal loss, etc. through faith based psychotherapy, offering tools
for pastoral training, counseling, and bio-ethics.
The Episcopal Church's Peace and Justice Ministries
http://www.episcopalchurch.org/peace_justice.htm?menu=menu3626
Seeks to suport local, national, and international networks regarding peace and justice issues through resource provision and political advocacy. This site contains information on issues concerning peace and justice, criminal justice, environmental stewardship, government relations, peace ministries, social justice, economic justice, social responsibilities in investments, , global poverty and other international social issues..
Episcopal Mental Illness Network
http://www.eminnews.org/
This website offers information to learn more about the nature of mental illness, and resources for facilitating the inclusion of indiviudals with metnal illness into one's congregation and the life of the church.
Fetzer Institute
http://www.fetzer.org/
A private foundation that seeks to support efforts exploring the interconnections between mind, body, and spirit. Advertise reserach/educational retreat center for professionals to exchange ideas, as well as contemplative retreat center to refresh one's spirit
First Congregational United Church of Christ in Boise, Idaho
http://www.boisefirstucc.org/public/
This site also provides an example of how a parish nurse may be integrated within a congregation.
George Washington Institute for Spirituality and Health
http://www.gwish.org
Health Ministries Association
http://www.hmassoc.org/
An interfaith membership organization committed to encouraging, supporting, and developing whole-personministries in congregations. We already possess their handbook for beginning congregational health ministries.
Hindu Resources Online
http://www.hindu.org
This is an extensive site offering serving as a network to numerous internet sites related to Hinduism. It offers resources on current events; upcoming events; teachers and organizations; temples and ashrams; publications; information of Dharma philosophy; information on art, music, and culture; yoga; and travel and pilgrimages.
Hinduism Today
http://hinduismtoday.com/
This site is a quarterly news magazine concerned with articualting Indian spirituality.
The Islamic Social Service Association
http://www.issaservices.com
The ISSA is not a social service delivery organization itself, rather it seeks to act as a partner to community-based service organizations by promoting cultural awareness of Islamic faith communities. Domestic violence, substance abuse, pre-and post-marital counseling, and hospice and palliative care, are a sample of areas with which this organization seeks to assist.
Islamic Society of North America
http://www.isna.net
ISNA is an association of Muslim organizations and individuals. This is an extensive site that offers networking of centers, outreach programs to foster good relations with other religious communities and civic service organizations, an online library, conferences, services (e.g. domestic violence, care for the aged).
Jewish Family and Children's Services in Boston
http://www.jfcsboston.org
This is an example of a Jewish-based social service agency. It provides adoption resources, relationship support, aid for people with disabilities, and an interfaith resource center.
Jewish Family Services in Milwaukee
http://jfsmilw.com
This is an example of a Jewish-based social service agency. Its initiatives include domestic abuse and family counseling, exceptional needs and older adult services, refugee resettlement, and job placement.
John Templeton Foundation
http://www.templeton.org
Home of the John Templeton
Foundation, established in 1987 to examine the importance of the moral and spiritual
dimensions of life. The Foundation funds scholarly programs that study the relationship
between science and religion, spirituality and health, character development,
and free enterprise. Amongst other things, this site serves as a repository
for research findings and articles from the popular press on the link between
prayer and health and provides sample course descriptions for classes focused
upon the connections between science and religion.
Judaism 101
http://www.jewfaq.org/index.htm
Judaism 101 serves as an online encyclopedia of Judaism. It comments upon a wide variety of topics including Jewish beliefs, people, places, things, as well as Jewish language, scripture, holidays, practices and customs.
Judaism and Jewish Resources
http://www.shamash.org/trb/judaism.html
This site serves as a gateway to Jewish resources on the internet. It contains links to numerous sites concering topics such as Yiddish, Jewish Studies, Jewish communities, and Jewish organizations to name but a few.
The Lutheran Network on Mental Illness/Brain Disorders
http://www.elca.org/dcs/epr/disability/mentalillness.html
This site contains information on a number of programs to help and engage individuals with mental illness or brain disorder. It offers information on how to start an outreach program; also, how to start a compeer program to act as a friend to those with mental illness. It offers information on how to start a support group for family, friends, and caregivers to those who are mentally ill. Additionally, it offers information on ow to become your congregation's representative to the Lutheran Network on Mental Illness/Brain Disorders, and what this involves. Finally, it offers extensive information and articles concerning mental illness and brain disorders.
Lutheran Services in America
http://www.lutheranservices.org/
This is an extensive site listing the many projects that Lutheran services is undertaking. It offers news, events, networks, job opportuinites, and a list of services in your area.
House of Menuha
http://www.menuha.org/index.html
Women want and need quiet and solitude in their busy lives. House of Menuha provides a place for women to slow down and simply BE.
Lutheran World Relief
http://www.lwr.org/
This is an extensive site that offers information concerning global health issues and projects undertaken on these issues. It provides many examples on how one can become involved in these global issues.
The Presbyterian Health, Education, and Welfare Association
http://www.pcusa.org/phewa/
This site offers many links to presbyterian websites dedicated to dealing with specific health issues (e.g. addictions). It also provides a number of ways one might contribute to helping these causes.
Presbyterian Serious Mental Illness Network
http://www.pcusa.org/health/usa/programs/seriousmentalillness.htm
This is an example of one of the links found at the site above (The Presbyterian Health, Education, and Welfare Association). It offers news, resources, a list of advocacy efforts, and online discussion groups.
The Samaritan Institute
http://www.samaritan-institute.org
The Samaritan Ministry, founded in 1972, is a partnership of the Samaritan Institute and affiliated Samaritan Centers. Each year Samaritan Centers provide about 500,000 hours of outpatient counseling, education, and consultation from almost 500 offices in 34 states and in Japan. Samaritan Centers provide outpatient counseling for individuals, couples, families, and groups; educational programs; and consultation for individuals and organizations. One of the hallmarks of this ministry is "a belief in the close relationship and balance of body, mind, spirit, and community and that optimal health involves all four." All Centers use a team approach that combines the special talents of therapists, clergy, and physicians to achieve a holistic perspective in the treatment and care of clients.
The Shamanism General Overview
http://www.deoxy.org/shaover.htm
This site provides a general overview of Shamanism as well as listing recommended books on the topic.
The UPAYA Institute
http://www.upaya.org/bwd/
The Upaya Institute organizes and host the Being With Dying professional. This professional training program in contemplative end-of-life care (Being with Dying) has long been dedicated to fostering a revolution in care of the dying. Hundreds of health care professionals have participated in this exceptional training program. It is the most comprehensive and far-reaching program of its kind in this country, with a highly trained and renowned clinical and contemplative faculty.
Social Justice Program Area of the PCUSA
http://www.pcusa.org
This site offers information on issues of child advocacy, environmental justice, criminal justice, and health ministries. It offers many resources related to these issues as well as notices of yearly conferences concerning these issues.
Spirituality and Health
http://www.spiritualityhealth.com
Reports on the people, the practices, and the ideas of the current "spiritual renaissance." Offers self-tests, guidance on spiritual practices, writings from authors in the field, reviews of latest resources.
The Social Justice Ministry of St. Jude the Apostle Episcopal
Church in Cupertino, California
http://www.saintjudes.org/index.html
This site lists many opportunities for contributing one's time to promote social health issues locally, within the general area, and globally.
Stephen Ministries
http://www.stephenministries.org/
Stephen Ministries is a transdenominational Christian education organization. This site offers an online bookstore, online resources, and information concerning workshops that are geared toward providing training to address various health issues within one's church community.
Torahnet
http://torah.net/
This is an extensive website containing numerous links to both commercial and nonprofit Jewish sites, essays on various topics and current event news items related to Jewish concerns, as well as a children's corner dedicated to educational information for children.
Tricycle: The Buddhist Review
http://tricycle.com
This is the website arm of a seasonal publication that focuses on current events as they relate to Buddhism. It also provides information on Buddhist practices and networking with centers and groups.
United Church of Christ Mental Illness Network
http://www.min-ucc.org/index.html
This site offers information and tips on how to incorporate individuals with mental illness into the life of your church.
Understanding Islam Website
http://www.understanding-islam.com
This is an extensive site that provides information about Islam: its history, beliefs, ethics, and efforts concerning political, social, and economic issues.
United Church of Christ overarching social health mission
http://www.ucc.org/justice/
United Methodist Church Congregational Health Ministries
http://gbgm-umc.org
Offers the United Methodist Church's understanding of "health," phrased in social and holistic terms. Suggests models for congregation-based health ministries, including a list or resources for building a basic health library.
United Methodist Health Ministry Fund (UMHMF)
http://www.healthfund.org/
The sponsor of this
project, this fund provides grants to those seeking to advance health issues
in Kansas. A number of current grant projects are listed as well as contact
information concerning submitting your own grant application.
Via Christi Health Systems
http://www.via-christi.org
Has developed The Center for Congregational Health Ministry in Wichita, KS. Offers a resource center with referral directories for local and regional resources, support groups, and professional parish nursing organizations. Also includes a reference library with sources related to parish nursing and wellness ministries. Has developed a form to provide church leadership with a true picture of the physical, emotional, and spiritual health of individual congregations (1.50 per instrument, which includes processing, reports, and consultation within church). First United Methodist in Lawrence is associated with their parish nursing program.
Vajrarupini Center
http://www.sddharma.com/
This site contains information on Buddhism and mediatation.
Centers for Interfaith, Interreligious Understanding
Interfaith Health Program
http://www.ihpnet.org/
Offers an archive of speeches and publications related to spirituality and health, including a searchable database of practice models and updated information on research and curricula for medical practitioners.
The Institute of Interfaith Dialog
http://www.interfaithdialog.org/
The Institute of Interfaith Dialog is a non-profit organization whose primary goal is to help bring together the communities in order to promote compassion, cooperation, partnership and community service through interfaith dialog and conversation. The institute is dedicated to encouraging the study of the global communities' spiritual traditions from the vantage point of respect, accuracy, and appreciation.
The National Council of Churches USA
http://www.ncccusa.org/
This website acts as a clearing house for many social health issues that are important to Christians. Founded in 1950, it is an organization promoting ecumenical cooperation among Christians in the United States. It is comprised of 36 Protestant, Anglican and Orthodox member denominations. This site offers many opportunities for becoming involved in political advocacy efforts to promote social health issues.
World Conference of Religions for Peace
http://www.wcrp.org/
Religions for Peace is the
largest international coalition of representatives from the world’s great
religions dedicated to promoting peace.
Respecting religious differences while celebrating common humanity,
Religions for Peace is active on every
continent and in some of the most troubled areas of the world, creating
multi-religious partnerships to confront our most dire issues: stopping war,
ending poverty, and protecting the earth.
Pathways to Promise
http://www.pathways2promise.org
Pathways to Promise is an
interfaith technical assistance and resource center which offers liturgical
and educational materials, program models, and networking information to promote
a caring ministry with people with mental illness and their families. These
resources are used by people at all levels of faith group structures from local
congregations to regional and national staff.
Courses (online syllabi)
Title: Social Work and Religion
Institution: Canyon College, Department of Social Work
Available:
http://www.canyoncollege.edu/cc/socwk2/syllabus/sw592.htm
Title: Spirituality and Social Work Practice
Institution: University of Nebraska Omaha, School of Social Work
Available:
http://www.unomaha.edu/socialwork/syllabi/8816.pdf
Title: Spirituality and Social Work Practice
Institution: Fordham University, School of Social Service
Available:
http://www.fordham.edu/images/academics/social_service/6104.pdf
Title: Religion and Spirituality in Direct Practice
Institution: Loma Linda University, Department of Social Work
Available:
http://www.llu.edu/llu/grad/socialwork/documents/656_2007_01.pdf
Title: Spirituality and Clinical Practice: Diverse Traditions and World Views
Institution: University of Sothern California, School of Social Work
Available:
http://sowkweb.usc.edu/docs/currentstudents/04courses/2007electives/682Spirituality_Clinical_Practice.pdf
Title: Spiritual Aspects of Social Work Welfare
Institution: University of Kansas School of Social Work
Available:
http://www.socwel.ku.edu/canda/SW_SYLB/SW 870
Title: SW 761 - Spirituality and Social Work Practice
Institution: University of Pennsylvania
School of Social Policy and Practice
Title: SWK6040 Social Work and Spirituality (3 semester hours)
Institution: Aurora
University School of Social Work
Title: The Role of Religion and Spirituality in Psychotherapy
Institution: Loyola University in
Chicago School of Social Work