Colleagues,
We are most
pleased that you made the decision to attend the fourth
The format for the
Symposium utilizes the “Market Place Concept” adopted from Plato’s Academy and its
scholar’s practice of daily visiting the local market place and engaging in
discourse on philosophical and theoretical notions with clusters of people
engaged in the marketing process. This methodology ensured relevancy of the
theory and notions developed for they influenced events and behavioral norms of
the day. Hence, the process ensures that the scholars’ work is grounded in
reality. The market place process, therefore, becomes the ultimate referee
process. Further, the market place
process is the filter through which the
This Symposium,
therefore, is organized as a “market
place’’ where we have invited ministers, health professionals and
community based organizations to participate. Hence, this dynamic mix includes
scholars, theory builders and practitioners involved in primary, secondary and
tertiary prevention and intervention services.
Please remain
cognizant of the fact that we can prevent approximately 96% of the morbidity
and mortality rates experienced in our community. We should do all in our collective power to
prevent disease and promote health. Again, we deeply appreciate your
involvement, input and energy as we continue to push the envelope even further
toward achieving optimal health.
With warmest regards.
Jay Carrington Chunn, Ph.D
Director/ Principal Investigator
Faith, Spirituality & Health:
Disease Prevention and Health Promotion
Faith, as defined
in the scriptures of the King James Bible Hebrews 11:1, is the substance of
things hoped for the evidence of things not seen; Spirituality, as
defined by Webster (2006), is the state of awe, reverence, and wonder, in response to that
which one holds sacred; and Health, as defined by The World Health
Organization (WHO), is the
complete state of physical, mental and social well-being, and not merely the
absence of disease or infirmity. In an effort to shift the general focus health
from primarily treatment to prevention, the 2009 Symposium will examine the
collective role of Faith, Spirituality and Health in the Prevention of disease
and the promotion of Health.
This one day Symposium will create and facilitate a
discourse that
will present cutting edge theory, research, exchange ideas and developments in Faith
and Spirituality in disease prevention and health promotion. We will also
engage in discourse which will have an impact on the state of health behavioral
change in our communities of color and beyond.
The Goals are as Follows:
The
1. To assemble top
scholars and practitioners from the faith, spirituality and health professions
coupled with persons from community CBO’s to constitute the informed group
which our presentations and subsequent publications can be heard, reacted to and
refined in a truly informed discourse.
2. To produce subsequent to the Symposia major books, papers,
electronic media via the internet, and similar products on “Faith, Spirituality
and Health: Disease Prevention and Health Promotion” for national distribution
to schools of public health, medicine, psychology, social work and related
health and social science disciplines. Further, to impact the faith community,
pastors, evangelist, church laymen and health practitioners.
3. Promote and examine Faith, Spirituality and Health as
effectively tools that are capable of preventing disease and promoting health
thus educating participants on the research and cutting edge practice in the
areas of health promotion and disease prevention.
4. To challenge the current assumption that spirituality is to
be considered as an end of life option by promoting the integrated role of
Faith, Spirituality and Health as preventative health practice.
This year’s
symposium will continue a discourse that will help the Center to further promote
health and prevent disease. It is the
express purpose of each of the
Symposium
Program
The
Annual National Symposium on Health Behavioral Change
Faith,
Spirituality & Health: Disease Prevention & Health Promotion
8:30 am - 9:00 am Continental Breakfast
9:00 am – 9:45 am Rev. Lucy Perez, MD, CEO, The
Cave
Institute,
of the National Medical Association Presiding
Remarks and Introductions
Invocation and Prayer of Dedication:
Rev.
Quay T. Rich Huntingdon Baptist Church,
Song Selection: The
Welcoming Remarks:
Patricia Welch, PhD, Dean,
and Urban Studies Morgan
State University,
Anna McPhatter, PhD, Chairperson, Social
(SeniorFellow NCHBC)
The Occasion -
Jay Carrington Chunn, PhD, Director/Principal
Behavioral Change, Professor
of Social Work
9:45 am - 10:30 am Morning Session I
Moderator Roosevelt Jacobs, PhD, Director
of
Public Health Program,
Morning
Address, Rueben Warren, DDS,
Dr.PH, MDiv, Director of the
for Bioethics in Research,
Something Inside So Strong: A Foundation for Optimal
Health
Discussants:
Gaynell Simpson, PhD, Assistant
Professor/Gerontology Coordinator, John
A.
University Department of Social Work,
Rev.
CEO & Instructor,
Institute,
10:45 am - 11:45 am Morning Session II
Moderator Daniel
Castro, MD, Director of Residency Family Practice,
Morning
Address Bishop Designate Kevin
Daniels, EdD, DMin, Pastor,
of Christ,
University Department of Social Work,
The Church as a Public Health conduit for Health
Promotion: A Biblical Approach
Discussants:
Professor Linda Darrell, (PhD Candidate-Smith
College) Morgan State University Department
of
Social Work,
Mercedes
Martinez, MD, Psychiatrist, Clinical
Director,
Prayer/ Blessing
Elder James T.
Freeman, MSW, LSW, PhD Social Work Student,
Song
Selection: Professor Thelma Rich,
MSW,
Director of Fieldwork Department of Social
Work,
Lunch Address Introduction: Jay
Carrington Chunn, PhD,
Director/Principal
Behavioral Change
Luncheon Keynote Address,
Faith, Spirituality and Health: Disease Prevention & Health
Promotion
Presentation of The John
Chissell Life Time Achievement Award
& Health Ministries Church Awards by Dr. Anna McPhatter, Chairperson,
Awards Committe and Chair, Social Work
Department (BSW, MSW, Ph.D) Morgan State University
Moderator: Gwendolyn Prater, PhD,
(Ret.)
Dean,
(Senior Fellow NCHBC)
Co-Presenters
Rev. Glenda F. Hodges PhD, JD, MDiv,
Director Department of Community Health
and
Family Practice,
Spirituality and Medicine: Can the Two Walk Together?
Nicholas Tavani,
MD, PhD. Director,
Battlefield Family Practice,
How to Stop Killing Ourselves: The Extraordinary
Desire to Live
Michael A. Torres, MD, Psychiatric Center
for
Integration of Spiritual
& Mental Health,
Community Mental Health Services as a Ministry Guided
by Spirituality
Discourse Leader: T. Alex Washington, PhD,
Associate Professor Department of Social Work, California State University,
Long Beach, CA (Senior Fellow NCHBC)
Moderator:
Debra Fur-Holden, PhD, John
Public Health,
NCHBC)
Co-Presenters
Riggins R. Earl, PhD, (Faculty)
Interdenominational Theological Center
Faith Spirituality
and Health: The Black Community’s Faith/Works Ethical Dilemma
Bishop
Ralph Dennis, Pastor of Kingdom
Faith, Spirituality and Health: A Biblical Perspective
Mankekolo Mahlangu-Ngcobo, DMin, MPH,
Founder & Pastor of Kalafong AME
Community Health and Policy
Faith, Spirituality and Health: The Promotion of
Health
Discourse Leader: John Milton Wesley, Vice
President, Cordy Company (Marketing and Social Marketing)
Moderator: Ms. Tina Jordan, PhD Candidate,
Social
Work Department,
University
Co-Presenters
Mr.
Community Drug Treatment Program,
Faith, Spirituality and
Drug Treatment
Ian Noel, ND, President Universal Healing
Services
Holistic Medicine: Keys to Preventing Disease
Fleda Jackson, PhD,
Gendered
Racism and the Interventions of Faith, Forgiveness, and
Fearlessness
Signing
Authors:
Therman E. Evans, MD, PhD,
Glenda Hodges, PhD, JD, MDiv
Marilyn Gaston, PhD
James T. Freeman, MSW, LSW
Presenter’s
and Content
Summaries:
Faith Spirituality
and Drug Treatment: A Drug Treatment Program Model Mr.
The
presentation will focus on a grass root direct practice application of the
integration of the principles of Faith, Spirituality and Drug Treatment. The I Can’t We Can Community Drug Treatment
Agency is an agency that is demonstrating the power of faith based work in the
area of drug treatment and rehabilitation.
The center focuses on the incorporation of work necessary to help in the
rehabilitation of drug users with out medication. This work challenges the modern current
therapeutic notions and empowers the individually personally and emotionally to
conquer life’s issues through faith and spirituality thus living a drug free
life.
The Church as a Public Health conduit
for Health Promotion: A Biblical Approach- Bishop Designate Kevin Daniels, Ed.D,
D.Min,
The focus of this presentation will
examine a brief historical discussion of the churches existence as a public
health conduit for health - but also the dire need for it to stay at the
forefront of this struggle, especially in African
American communities. This discussion will also be expanded to be
inclusive of portions of the biblical literature as a recognized public health framework. Lastly, this presenter
will discuss a biblical approach to health promotion
as conducted in an urban church environment.
Faith,
Spirituality and Health
Bishop
Ralph L. Dennis
There
is a direct relationship or link between faith, spirituality and health. God made us as a trichotomy, spirit, soul,
and body. They work together as a threefold cord that’s not easily broken. When they operate as a synergy, the results
are wellness, wholeness, and quality living, based on Judeo-Christian
principles. “…Spend your time and energy in training yourself for spiritual
fitness. Physical exercise has some
value, but spiritual exercise is much
more important for it promises a reward in both this life and the next. This is true and everyone should accept it.” I
Timothy 4:7-9 (NLT)
Faith,
Spirituality and Health: The Black Community’s Faith/Works
Ethical Dilemma- Riggins
R. Earl, Jr. Ph.D.
Physicians,
nurses, clinicians, dentists and other health care givers are all seen as
members of the healing professions. Their patients see them as having been
trained professionally to deliver healing services. For their patients, it is
the professionals’ specialized training and credentials that set them apart as
healing workers and health givers. In short, patients see them as working to heal. On the contrary, many
black religious followers see their preacher as a faith healer, which involves his/her having been gifted with
intercessory access to divine healing power. In the light of this problem, I will posit
the following: a) that black professionals of both professions must engage faith, spirituality
and health from the patient’s ethical
challenge of choosing either the
healer by works or the healer by faith; b) that black professionals of both disciplines must work to understand the
patient’s world view of works and faith; c) that black professionals must deal with how we have been consciously and
unconsciously shaped by these world
views and the degree to which they impact
our moral sense of being and
doing as professionals. I will conclude
that professional medical persons and professional clergy must be intentional
about continuing formal discussions and research on this subject.
Spirituality and
Medicine: Can the Two Walk Together?
Glenda F.
Hodges, PhD, JD, MDiv
The
talk will provide a discussion regarding the connection between faith and
science. The material will be presented
in the framework of the book, by the same title as the presentation topic. The book, published by Author House on
Gendered Racism and
the Interventions of Faith, Forgiveness, and Fearlessness- Fleda Mask Jackson, Ph.D.
There
is a growing body of scientific evidence linking the cumulative stressors
associated with race and gender to the disproportionately high rates of poor
birth outcomes seen among African American women. Findings are demonstrating that personally
mediated and structural racism pose health risk as the extraordinary demands of
racism far exceed coping and material resources. As researchers seek to devise
interventions for the adverse effects of the allostatic load of racial and
gendered stress on birth outcomes and on other health outcomes, a core question
is “What is the health intervention for the stress that is produced by gendered
racism? Based upon voluminous data collected as part a line of research
comprising the Atlanta study of gendered racism, this paper will examine the
coping responses of African American women to gendered racism that are situated
in their religious beliefs and practices. The spiritual anchoring of African
American women during the civil rights until the present offer indications of
ways of coping that are situated in acts of resilience and resistance deployed
in response to gendered racism. This presentation will offer a model for
arresting the deleterious health effects of gendered racism through the
religious elements of faith, forgiveness, and fearlessness.
Faith, Spirituality,
& Health: Health Promotion:
Rev. Mankekolo
Mahlangu-Ngcobo, MPH, D.Min.
The presentation with define Faith, Spirituality and Health. How the
three are related to each other in a comprehensive approach to disease
prevention and health promotion will be discussed. The role of Prayer,
Scriptures and Worship in Faith, Spirituality and Health will be explained. The
local and global context will be reviewed.
Holistic
Medicine: Keys to Preventing Disease
Ian
Noel, ND,
The
adage “an ounce of prevention is worth a million pounds of cure” continues to
hold much weight in the modern day effort to preserve health. In a bid to achieve and maintain the illusion
of success, that we have been lead to believe in, we have in the process
sacrificed basic eugenics that allow us to have the health to enjoy the fruit
of our labors i.e.; our physical and mental health, our families and our
spirituality.
From
the dawn of time the needs of the human being has remained very basic in spite
of evolution and technological advancements.
We require: Clean Air; Clean Water; A proper balanced diet according to
our specific need; Exercise (regular and in moderation); and Rest: Deep restful
sleep. Each of these needs must be
sustained on a consistent basis, in order for the natural defense systems of
the body to prevent disease.
These
are all simple attainable goals that every patient is capable of achieving, but
because we have become conditioned to rely solely on the physician the average
patient feels powerless when he/she has a medical challenge. The health care systems are overwhelmed and
the answer lies not in just continuing to provide the medical needs of the
patient , but in teaching him/her how to avoid falling ill.
HOW TO STOP KILLING
OURSELVES: The Extraordinary Desire to Live Nicholas J. Tavani MD, PhD (Biophysics & Physiology)
A
review of current research in behavioral biochemistry and human genomics yields
an impressive array of natural mechanisms to explain certain aspects of human
behavior. Graphic displays light up the brain in predictable patterns for
prayer or pleasure. Are humans reducible to their chemistry? Unexpected
complexities have only deepened the mystery of life. Rather than confirm a
purely evolutionary origin of morality and biochemical basis for spirituality,
discoveries are instead throwing new light on central scientific dogma as well
on what it means to be human. Once firm definitions of a gene, a species and of
life itself have suddenly become nebulous in light of new findings on
functional non-coding DNA (once called "junk"), bacterial horizontal
gene transfer, extremophiles and minimal genome requirements for cellular
survival. It appears that an astounding variety of life has been programmed, and
designed, to thrive on planet earth driven by finely tuned forces hidden deep
in the fabric of space-time itself. Yet self-destructive lifestyles are major
causes for human mortality and morbidity. Clinical studies reveal an
irreducibly spiritual as well as biophysical side to human health and
pathology. In this talk, we explore the cosmic connections and biochemical
basis for human life while maintaining the biblical concept of Imago Dei -
humans made in the image of God. In it, we will attempt to show, given the extraordinary
desire to live, how to stop killing ourselves.
Community
Mental Health Services as a Ministry Guided by Spirituality – Michael Torres, MD,
Incorporating the principles of Faith and Spirituality into
the work of mental health services demonstrates a principle that is both time
honored and holistic. This presentation
will describe the model used at the Institute for Mental Health Ministry in
Downtown Baltimore. The institute
provides such services utilizing the "bio-psycho-spiritual model."
It means that each person has three dimensions—mind, body, and
spirit—and that if there is an imbalance in any one of those
dimensions, it is going to affect the other two. It also means that
for a person with mental illness to achieve optimal recovery, all three
dimensions need to be addressed. The
presentation aims to inform the participants on the necessity of the balance of
spirituality and faith in achieving good mental health.
Something
Inside So Strong: A Foundation for Optimal Health
Rueben
C. Warren, DDS, Dr.PH, MDiv,
This presentation focuses on the
synergy between faith, health, and health care and argues that spirituality is
the foundation for the state of well-being called Optimal Health. Defining
health has been an allusive challenge for people engaged in research, education
and service related to health and health care outcomes. The World Health Organization defines health
as, “the state of physical, mental [psychological] and social well being and
not merely that absence of disease or infirmity”. However, health extends
beyond WHO’s definition. In fact, a
description, rather than a definition, may better clarify the perimeters of the
entity called health. This description posits that health as a relationship, a
dynamic interplay between the physical, social, psychological and spiritual
well being of the individual and the group and their interaction with the
physical and social environment. John
Chissell M.D., in his book, Pyramid of Power: An Ancient African Centered
Approach to Optimal Health, says that Optimal Health is, “your greatest
state of aliveness,” and outlines five domains:
optimal physical, emotional, social-economic, intellectual, and
spiritual. At the end of the
presentation the audience should better understand the complex interactions
that must be considered to promote and advance health among African Americans.
Presenter Biography
Born and raised in
After becoming estranged from his family and facing extraordinary difficulties
including incarceration, being shot numerous times, stabbed and almost dying
from overdoses, he came to realize that he was tired of this self-imposed
oppression. Since that time I Can’t We Can Inc. has saved the lives
of more than 10,000 recovering addicts.
The program continues to open its doors and is one of the only
“treatment on demand” facilities in the state of
Bishop
Designate Kevin Daniels, Ed.D., D. Min.
Dr. Kevin
Daniels holds a Bachelor of Science degree from
Dr. Daniels
serves the community as Pastor and Licensed Graduate Social Worker. He is an
Adjunct Professor of Psychology at
Bishop Ralph L. Dennis
The Senior Pastor of Kingdom Worship Center in Towson, Maryland
and Columbia Family Worship Center, in Columbia, Maryland. He is also the
Presiding Prelate of Kingdom Fellowship Covenant Ministries, Inc. a synergistic
fellowship of Christian churches, ministries, and businesses that recognize the
need for networking, accountability, fellowship, resources and apostolic
covering.
He
is CEO and President of R.L. Dennis Ministries, which takes pride in training,
equipping, empowering and mobilizing leaders. He is the Vice President of
Fiscal Affairs for the Joint College of African American Pentecostal Bishops
Congress based in
Bishop Dennis makes
available to the Body his keen understanding of church government and divine
order. He loves teaching church leaders on subjects relative to equipping the
saints in the 21st century; the kingdom anointing; enriching and challenging
audiences to hear and obey. His fatherly anointing has blessed many bishops,
pastors and ministry leaders across the nation.
Bishop
Dennis’ vision is to see the church come to its full maturity and
responsibility of purpose, thus rising into a
He
co-shares his vision with his wife, Deborah. They share the blessing of three
adult sons, two daughters-in-law and four grandchildren.
Riggins R. Earl Jr., PhD,
Dr. Riggins R. Earl’s primary research is in the area of the
history and the religious moral life of Black Americans. He teaches courses in
ethics; the moral dimensions of the Civil Rights Movement; the church, ethics,
and public policy; and Black film as a genre of theological reflection. His
significant publications include Dark Symbols, Obscure Signs: God, Self and
Community in the Slave Mind; Dark Salutations: Ritual, God, and
Greetings in the African American Community; The Jesus as Lord and
Savoir Problem: Blacks’ Double Consciousness Self-Worth Dilemma
(forthcoming); and current research on the book-length manuscript: Blacks,
the Bible, and the Constitution.
Therman E. Evans, MD, PhD,
As a physician, has an extensive and impressive background
that has contributed and led him to his current leadership position.
He is the founder and CEO of Whole Life Associates, a
graduate of Howard University undergraduate (BS) and medical school (M.D.), the
former Vice President and Corporate Medical Director of Cigna Insurance and
Healthcare Corporation, as well as the National Health Director and Washington
Bureau Chief for Rev. Jesse Jackson’s Operation Push. Additionally, he studied
and achieved his B.A., M.A. and Ph.D. degrees in theology from the
Dr. Evans has published over 30 articles in various health
journals and newspapers, including the Journal of the American Medical
Association, The New England Journal of Medicine, Journal of National Medicine
Association, The Los Angeles Times, Health Quest, Ebony Magazine, Washington
Post and Black Collegian Magazine. For 10 years he hosted a 2-hour radio show
called “Lifeline” on WHAT 1340 AM in
Dr. Evans was appointed in 1998 and formally installed as
Pastor of Morning Star Community Christian Center (MSCCC ) on
Rev. Glenda F. Hodges, PhD, JD, MDiv,
An assistant professor and director of programs in spirituality
and medicine in the Department of Community Health and Family Practice, Howard
University College of Medicine. She is also an Ordained Itinerant Elder in the
African Methodist Episcopal Church, Second Episcopal District, where she is
responsible for coordinating programs in health education at about 25 churches.
She serves on the ministerial staff of the Reid Temple African Methodist
Episcopal Church,
Fleda Jackson, PhD,
A
scholar, educator, and activist, the President and CEO of MAJAICA, LLC,
Professor of Applied Public Health at Emory University’s Rollins School of
Health, and senior scientist at the Atlanta Regional Health Forum. With
academic preparation in education, psychology and anthropology her works is aimed
at advancing the well being of African American children, families, and
communities that is informed by community-based, culturally sensitive research
that can be translated into practice and policy. In addition to her
seminal work on the education of African American children, she has devoted her
expertise to the study of the racial and gendered stress and its link to health
disparities, particularly reproductive disparities for African American women.
She was the Principal Investigator for a statewide assessment for
Dr.
Jackson serves as a member of the National Advisory Committee on Health
Disparities for the Centers for Disease Control. She also is a Senior Fellow
for the
Rev. Dr. Mankekolo
Mahlangu-Ngcobo
A native of
While she
was in
Ian Noel, ND
A native of
He is founder and President of Universal Healing Services
LLC, one of the most vibrant healing centers in the Mid-Atlantic Region of the
Nicholas
J Tavani, MD, PhD,
Dr
Nicholas J. Tavani is a Family Physician, residency trained and Board Certified
with the American Board of Family Medicine with 25 years of clinical experience
with primary care patients.
Dr
Tavani grew up here in the
He
and his wife Donna and six sons have resided in Haymarket for the past decade
where they are involved in community, church and musical activities, soccer and
home school. Dr. Tavani and his wife have been involved in urban outreach
ministry in the
Michael Torres, MD,
Dr.
Torres obtained his undergraduate degree in Psychology from the
Dr.
Torres’ primary area of interest is the interface between mental health and
spirituality. Through educational, research and clinical activities he has
attempted to build bridges between the faith community and the mental health
system. He has stirred the faith community to be more aware of mental health
issues, and the mental health system to better understand and address spiritual
issues. In order to institutionalize and expand these efforts, Dr. Torres
founded the Institute for Mental Health Ministry, Inc. as a non-profit
organization on
Rueben Warren, DDS,
Dr. PH, MDiv,
Dr. Rueben C. Warren is currently the Director of
the
His extensive public health experience at
community, state, local, national, and international levels range from clinical
and research work in the Lagos University Teaching Hospital in
Symposium Planning Committee
Dr.
Jay Chunn, Chairman
Mr.
James T. Freeman, MSW, PhD Social Work Student, Conference Coordinator
Dr.
Rueben Warren, Co Sponsor
Dr.
Kevin Daniels, Co Sponsor
Ms.
Liz Torres, Staff Assistant to the Director
Ms.
Mrs.
Turkessa Demisse, MSW, PhD Social Work Student Volunteer