The One Vision charity successfully hosted the Faith and Health Conference 2024 at Stanborough Park Seventh-day Adventist church on Monday, 23 September. The event brought together faith leaders, healthcare professionals, dignitaries, and community representatives to discuss the essential connection between faith, culture, and health. This pioneering event highlighted the importance of adopting a holistic approach to healthcare that acknowledges and respects diverse cultural and spiritual needs within communities.
The Seventh-day Adventist Church has been a pioneer in recognising the vital role that faith plays in promoting good health and well-being. Ellen G White often emphasised the link between spiritual health and physical well-being in her writings. She wrote, "Pure air, sunlight, abstemiousness, rest, exercise, proper diet, the use of water, trust in divine power – these are the true remedies" (The Ministry of Healing, p. 127). This conference embodied that philosophy by bringing together leaders to explore how we can apply these principles in a modern, inclusive healthcare setting.
The event included thought-provoking presentations from prominent guest speakers, such as Pastor Jacques Venter, Executive Secretary of the British Union Conference (BUC); Rabbi Paul Freedman, Senior Rabbi for Radlett Reform Synagogue; Sarah Perman, Director of Public Health for Hertfordshire County Council; and Catherine Akehurst, Assistant Chief Constable. They shared insights on how faith communities can work closely with healthcare providers to address some of Hertfordshire's most urgent health challenges.
A key highlight of the conference was the presence and participation of esteemed dignitaries who emphasised the importance of cross-sector collaboration to ensure equitable, community-based healthcare solutions.
The dignitaries in attendance were:
• Robert Voss CBE CStJ, Lord-Lieutenant of Hertfordshire
• Annie Brewster JP, High Sheriff of Hertfordshire
• Harjit Singh DL, Chair of Trustees for One Vision
• Cllr Terry Douris, Chairman of Hertfordshire County Council
• Richard Roberts, Leader of Hertfordshire County Council
• Peter Taylor, Elected Mayor of Watford
• Cllr Favour Ezeifedi, Vice Chairwoman of Watford Borough Council
• Cllr Asif Khan, County Councillor
• Superintendent Kash Hussain, Hertfordshire Constabulary
In their speeches, they emphasised the vital role that faith, health, and voluntary sectors must play in creating healthcare systems that are inclusive and accessible to all, regardless of background or faith. Their collective call for unity echoes the biblical message: "Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ" (Galatians 6:2, ESV), reminding us that caring for others is a fundamental part of our Christian duty.
Enoch Kanagaraj, founder of One Vision, emphasised the importance of connecting care to culture. He stated, "Faith plays a pivotal role in shaping how people approach health, and we must work together with our communities to provide truly inclusive care." His words resonated with the audience and aligned with the conference's overarching collaborative and culturally sensitive healthcare theme. This sentiment echoes the counsel of Ellen G White: "Christ's method alone will give true success in reaching the people. The Saviour mingled with men as one who desired their good" (The Ministry of Healing, p. 143). By meeting people where they are, we reflect Christ's model of service and compassion.
Harjit Singh DL, Chair of Trustees, stated, "As Sikhs, we are taught that serving humanity is serving God. Through unity and compassion, we can build bridges between faith and health, ensuring that everyone, regardless of their background, receives the care and support they deserve. Together, we can uplift and heal our communities."
The panel discussions, expertly moderated by Sharon Platt-McDonald, Director for Health at the BUC, were a key part of the conference. They brought together various voices from different faiths and organisations, each contributing to a rich and diverse conversation. The panellists, including Pastor John Melki (Adventist Church), Gopal Bhachu (Harrow Interfaith), Kevin Hallahan (Health Inequalities Lead, NHS Hertfordshire and West Essex ICB), Rumit Shah (President of the Jain Organisation UK), Akhtar Zaman (Chair of the Islamic Centre), Anton Morgan-Thorne (Macmillan Cancer Support), and Cllr Favour Ezeifedi, addressed the challenges and opportunities for faith-based organisations in improving healthcare access, tackling health inequalities, and building healthier, more resilient communities.
After the event, Pastor John Melki stated, "The Faith and Health Network Conference was an eye-opener. It helped me appreciate how we can impact health inequality through interfaith work and interdenominational collaboration with one message."
Sharon Platt-McDonald, BUC Director for Health commented that "Today's event was both insightful and encouraging. It builds on our One Vision Faith and Health Network's effort to ensure that culturally sensitive and more inclusive services are embedded in our diverse communities' well-being interventions. Awareness of faith and religious practice and its impact on health choices must be integrated into discussions around healthcare if we are to meet the diverse needs of our communities better and engage more effectively with them."
Kanagaraj added that he firmly believes such collaborations are essential for sharing the Three Angels' Messages. This aligns with Matthew 25:40 (NIV), where Jesus said, "Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me." As followers of Christ, we are called to extend care and support to those in need.
The One Vision Faith and Health Network is not just about one conference, but a commitment to fostering long-term partnerships between faith groups, healthcare providers, and community leaders. This commitment ensures that the health needs of all communities across Hertfordshire will be met with compassion, understanding, and inclusivity, providing reassurance and confidence in the future of healthcare.
About One Vision
One Vision charity is a Watford-based initiative that seeks to build an inclusive community through projects focused on health, education, and social support. By uniting individuals of all faiths and backgrounds, One Vision strives to address the holistic needs of the community, fostering positive and lasting change.
Website: www.onevisionproject.org