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Faith and Health
Recent studies highlight the intersection of faith practices and health outcomes. Religious service attendance and spirituality has been linked to a lower risk of dementia among Black older adults, emphasizing the mental health benefits of communal worship.
Meditation as a spiritual practice has been shown to reduce stress. 77% of Americans suffered from workplace stress according to the American Psychological Association’s 2023 Work and Well-being Survey, leading them to turn to meditation. A molecular biologist began his mindfulness-based stress reduction program at the University of Massachusetts Medical School hoping to share the “essence of Buddhist mindfulness” in medicine.
More Muslim girls are participating in youth sports, particularly basketball, in the Chicago area. Following a 2021 Illinois law allowing student athletes to wear religious clothing like hijabs and long sleeves without needing waivers, more girls are able to embrace their faith while excelling in sports.
Immigration
Faith-based organizations and congregations in North Carolina are racing against time to resettle refugees before the anticipated changes in U.S. immigration policies under a new administration. Organizations like Judea Reform Congregation and Temple Baptist Church are mobilizing volunteers to sponsor and support refugee families, providing critical assistance such as housing, employment resources, and cultural integration. Since the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan, Judea Reform has helped resettle nine refugee families and is now pushing to welcome two more before potential policy restrictions take effect. Similarly, Temple Baptist has converted a property into temporary housing for refugees, serving nearly 175 individuals since last year.
Concerns are also mounting as reports suggest the possibility of immigration raids at churches, sparking dismay among faith leaders who view their places of worship as sanctuaries.
Faith Properties
Churches and congregations across the U.S. are navigating changes in their physical spaces.
St. John's United Church of Christ in Ohio is redefining its mission as its building goes up for auction, reflecting a shift in how some religious institutions approach their purpose. A senior pastor at the church states that by being fiscally responsible with the building, the congregation can continue to provide outreach services such as clothing closets and Alcoholics Anonymous groups.
In New Jersey, Congregation Ahavath Yisrael is unveiling an expansion plan as the congregation grows and commitment to serving its community. The plan includes a 5,572 square foot addition to the existing synagogue to build a new sanctuary and lobby.
Affordable Housing
In Columbia, South Carolina, a new initiative called the "4-Block Promise" aims to revitalize neighborhoods and increase housing availability. The initiative aims to create opportunities, connections, and engagement through faith-based partners. With 1,300 religious institutions citywide, the city plans to prioritize neighborhoods with the highest levels of violence, with partners focusing their outreach efforts within a four-block radius of their places of worship.
A nonprofit organization in West Hartford, Connecticut received a grant to redevelop a former synagogue into affordable housing. The project aims to offer 49 units with 20 units being offered to individuals making 50% of the median income or less and 13 units for those making 30% or less.
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