Coalition Campaigns For Spiritual Healing

A coalition of religious groups is hoping to inject some spiritual healing into more traditional forms of health care.

“There is a mounting body of evidence that shows spiritual counseling is helpful in physical and mental healing,” said Ceasar Giolito, director of the newly formed National Interfaith Coalition or Spiritual Healthcare and Counseling.

“Our purpose is to preserve and promote spirituality,” he said.

For example, Giolito said, the group wants prisons to offer certified chaplains and health insurers to pay for spiritual counseling.

“A great number of people suffer from a psychological and spiritual component,” he said. “If that’s not taken care of, the illness won’t be taken care of.”

The coalition, which is funded by a variety of churches and other religious organizations, plans to establish branches in every state. Its supporters include the United Church of Christ, Southern Baptist Convention, United Methodist Church and the New York Board of Rabbis.