Faith leaders and healthcare professionals came together in St Albans to promote whole-person wellbeing through faith, service, and collaboration.
On 29 October, the St Albans Seventh-day Adventist church opened its doors to host a special community initiative – the One Vision Faith and Health Board Meeting, a forum dedicated to strengthening the connection between faith and public health to build stronger, more compassionate communities.
Hosted by One Vision charity and chaired by Enoch Kanagaraj BEM DL, and Harjit Singh DL, the meeting brought together representatives from the NHS, Hertfordshire County Council, Central London Community Healthcare NHS Trust, and multiple faith organisations. Together, they explored key topics such as mental health, violence prevention, community pharmacy access, and winter health planning, united by a shared commitment to serve others through faith in action.
Reflecting on the day, Enoch Kanagaraj, founder and CEO of One Vision, said:
“Our calling as faith leaders is to serve others in love. Today’s gathering shows what happens when faith and action unite – when the Church becomes not only a house of prayer but also a beacon of healing, hope, and service. This partnership reminds us of Christ’s ministry, who reached out to heal both body and soul.”
Sharon Platt-McDonald, British Union Conference (BUC) Director for Health, Women’s Ministries, and Adventist Community Services, gave a presentation titled ‘Why Faith?’ – exploring the health benefits of an active spiritual life and how faith communities can positively impact wellbeing. Drawing from her experience as a health ministries leader and former NHS nurse, she shared:
“Scripture calls us to care for the whole person – physically, mentally, and spiritually. Christ’s methods alone bring true success in reaching people. The Faith and Health Board is a practical expression of this truth, combining pastoral compassion with public health insight to serve communities in meaningful ways.”
Discussions centred on how faith groups can better connect with diverse communities, improve access to healthcare, and break down cultural, social, and religious barriers that hinder inclusion.
Representing the host congregation, Pastor João Relić Macedo of the St Albans Seventh-day Adventist church expressed appreciation:
“Meetings like these are essential. Our church has always valued the link between faith and health. Many of our members, especially those from ethnic minority backgrounds, face challenges in accessing healthcare. Being informed about available services empowers us to live out the gospel through practical love and community engagement.”
The meeting concluded with prayer and a renewed commitment to continued collaboration between faith leaders and statutory bodies to enhance whole-person wellbeing – echoing the Apostle John’s blessing:
“Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers” (3 John 1:2).