Wholeness and Well-being
Adopted 18 April 2013
Whereas, Since the earliest days of the Restoration movement the concept of wholeness of body, mind, and spirit has been one of our major emphases; and
Whereas, The Basic Beliefs of the church include a sacramental focus on laying on of hands for healing of the sick, and the Enduring Principles of the church lift up Sacredness of Creation and our role as “stewards of care and hope for all creation”; the Worth of All Persons declaring, “God wants all people to experience wholeness of body, mind, spirit, and relationships”; and Responsible Choices, “called to make Responsible Choices within the circumstances of our lives”; and
Whereas, Good health and well-being often enhance the ability to make Responsible Choices and to be actively engaged as a good steward; and
Whereas, Promotion of health-strengthening life habits, including diet, exercise, and spiritual disciplines, can encourage and enable good health and well- being; and
Whereas, Abundant evidence is accumulating around the globe about the inseparability of body, mind, and spirit, and the things that do and do not contribute to good health and well-being; and
Whereas, Pursuing good health and well-being is essentially an individual journey that can be strengthened by the support and encouragement of a community; and
Whereas, The health-related associations of the church have a long history of addressing the basic needs and wholeness of people; and
Whereas, The World Church website list of online ministry resources has more than 200 links but none directly referencing health, well-being, or wholeness; therefore, be it
Resolved, That the World Church lift up wholeness and well-being to our members and to the world at-large with similar clarity and emphasis as is given to other key principles such as generosity, peace and justice, and community; and be it further
Resolved, That the World Church actively encourage members to engage this quest for well-being and wholeness of body, mind, and spirit, making responsible, healthy choices as their circumstances permit, with priority attention given to children and youth; and be it further
Resolved, That resources be developed with assistance from the Health Ministries Association, the World Church Temple Strategy Team, and others for assisting members to have access to information encouraging health and wholeness, including links between the World Church and Health Ministries Association websites, as well as other websites.