Church-Based Health Initiatives: Clerical Perceptions of the Church’s Role in Advocacy

Abstract

Church-Based Health Initiatives: Clerical Perceptions of the Church’s Role in Advocacy

by

Valerie Warner-Collins

MA, College of Notre Dame of Maryland, 2000

BA, University of Baltimore, 1995

Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment

of the Requirements for the Degree of

Doctor of Philosophy

Health Services

Walden University

May 2013

Abstract

Health disparities have mostly affected poor Americans, and many of whom have sought social and spiritual solace in religious advocacy. Research on religion and health disparities has focused, historically, on the role of the Black clergy in health care advocacy. The purpose of this case study was to explore the perceptions of clergy in a multicultural community of the Northeastern United States. Systems theory, which concerns the binding of relationships for the purposes of replicating success throughout a community, supported this conceptual framework. Positive social change is promoted through equitable collaborations that benefit whole communities. A 4-member, expert jury validated the 21 interview questions that were posed to 17 clergy. Research questions were: How do clergy perceive their roles in social advocacy? What are the perceived educational, historical, political, or religious inputs of faith communities that potentially affect health policy decisions? What value does mentoring and modeling between clergy have on encouraging their participation in faith-based health initiatives?  

 Findings illustrated that the respondents viewed their role in advocacy as a duty or calling. However, several clergy conceded that severed relationships, from past governmental and interfaith collaborations, greatly hindered the advancement of church-based health systems. Consequently, opinions varied on the effects that faith communities had on the health policy decisions of the local government. The study contributes to positive social change, for collaborators and the underserved, in the following ways: Establishes objectives for mentorship between faith communities, provides a platform for restoring relationships, identifies culturally sensitive services for an increasingly diverse community, and reveals resources for future faith-based