Religion can make people healthier: Bishop Good
The Church of Ireland Bishop of Derry and Raphoe, Dr Ken Good, has called on mental health workers to recognise the contribution of faith on people's health and well-being.
Dr Good made the comments in the foreward of a report by a psychiatry professor which claims that people who pray and go to church are happier and healthier than those who don't.
"The Psycho-social Benefits of Religious Practise" by University College, Dublin Professor Patricia Casey concluded that faith could help ease depression, prevent suicide and help people live longer.
Launching the report last week, Prof Casey said: "The studies don't 'prove' that the claims of the various religions are true or that God exists. What they do show is that practising a given religion tends to have numerous personal benefits."
Dr Good, who contributed to the foreward with the Catholic Bishop of Dublin, Diarmuid Martin, called on mental health practitioners "to be more open to the positive contribution that religion can make to patient wellbeing."
Speaking to the 'Journal', Dr Good said he was "struck" by the research and the report.
"The research reminds us that we are spiritual beings, as much as physical or mental beings. I was very pleased to be involved as it was an interesting project.
He added: "I was struck by the relevance of it at a time when many are rejecting the notion that religion can have a good part to play in society. It is a helpful insight into how spiritual and religious practice can make people healthier."
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Sunday 27 May 2012
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