15 Jul 2026, 14:41Enoch Kanagaraj BEM DLWatford, Hertfordshire, England, United Kingdom
Faith in Action: Parliament Recognises the Vital Role of Faith in Building Health
More than 120 leaders from Parliament, the NHS, local government, academia, emergency services, voluntary organisations and faith communities gathered at the Houses of Parliament for The Role of Faith in Health, hosted by Matt Turmaine MP in collaboration with One Vision Charity. The event marked a significant step forward in recognising the contribution faith communities make to neighbourhood health, prevention and reducing health inequalities.
The evening explored a simple but transformative question: What if the future of healthcare is not built only in hospitals and GP surgeries, but also in our churches, homes and neighbourhoods?
For the Seventh-day Adventist Church, this conversation is not new. Since its beginnings, the Church has championed whole-person health, recognising that true wellbeing is physical, mental, emotional, social and spiritual. Long before the language of “prevention” and “population health” became common, Adventists were promoting healthy lifestyles, balanced nutrition, exercise, rest, meaningful relationships and faith in God as foundations for healthy living.
The keynote address was delivered by Professor Durka Dougall, Chief Executive of the Centre for Population Health, who challenged delegates to move beyond treating illness towards creating health through prevention, community leadership and neighbourhood partnerships. Leaders from the NHS, Macmillan Cancer Support, Hertfordshire County Council, Health Innovation East, Hertfordshire Constabulary, Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service and the voluntary sector joined faith leaders to explore how trusted community organisations can become equal partners in improving health outcomes.
Matt Turmaine MP for Watford said:
“It was a pleasure to host the One Vision event, ‘The Role of Faith in Health’ in Parliament. The session brought together faith leaders from across Hertfordshire, together with statutory service providers in health, from Hertfordshire County Council, the police and fire service to share knowledge and experience of how faith communities and health providers are working together. Professor Durka Dougall, Chief Executive of the Centre for Population Health, delivered a very interesting keynote speech proposing a move from treating illness to creating health, which sits very well with the Government’s NHS Ten Year Plan.”
Among the speakers was Sharon Platt-McDonald, Director for Health at the British Union Conference and Trustee of One Vision Charity, who reflected on the unique role the Church has in promoting whole-person wellbeing.
Sharon Platt-McDonald said:
“The Seventh-day Adventist Church has always understood that caring for people means caring for the whole person. Faith communities are trusted places where relationships are built, hope is restored and healthy choices are encouraged. By working alongside health and community partners, we can make a meaningful contribution to reducing health inequalities and supporting healthier neighbourhoods.”
The event showcased practical examples of partnership between One Vision, the NHS, Macmillan Cancer Support and Health Innovation East, demonstrating how churches and other places of worship can become trusted settings for cancer awareness, cardiovascular screening, support for unpaid carers, tackling loneliness and promoting healthier lifestyles.
Reflecting on the significance of the event, Enoch Kanagaraj BEM DL, Founder and Chief Executive of One Vision Charity, said:
“For generations, the Seventh-day Adventist Church has championed a health message that is now more relevant than ever. As healthcare evolves, we have an opportunity not only to diagnose disease and prescribe medication, but also to prescribe healthier lifestyles, stronger relationships, hope and purpose. Many of the conditions placing enormous pressure on the NHS today can be prevented or delayed through better nutrition, regular physical activity, emotional wellbeing, rest, social connection and faith. These are not new ideas; they are biblical principles that have stood the test of time.
Scripture reminds us, ‘Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers’ (3 John 1:2). The Apostle Paul also teaches, ‘Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit?’ (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). Looking after our health is therefore not simply a medical issue; it is an act of Christian stewardship.
Jesus spent far more time healing than preaching. His ministry addressed the physical, emotional and spiritual needs of people together. He declared, ‘I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full’ (John 10:10). That abundant life includes healthy bodies, healthy minds, healthy families and healthy communities.
Churches should become centres of health creation, where we encourage healthy eating, physical activity, emotional wellbeing, social connection and early intervention. We should equip our members to become health champions, helping people prevent illness before it begins and supporting those living with long-term conditions. This is not replacing the NHS; it is strengthening our communities alongside the NHS.
The future of healthcare cannot rely on hospitals alone. It must be built in neighbourhoods, through trusted relationships and compassionate service. I believe God is opening a new chapter where the Church is recognised not only for proclaiming the gospel, but also for helping people live healthier, fuller and more hopeful lives. This is our opportunity to demonstrate Christ’s ministry of healing in practical ways, bringing hope, dignity and restoration to every community we serve.”
The evening concluded with a shared commitment to strengthen collaboration between faith communities and statutory partners, recognising that lasting improvements in health will only be achieved when prevention, community leadership and trusted local relationships are placed at the heart of healthcare.
For the Seventh-day Adventist Church, the event was a powerful reminder that our historic health message is not only relevant today but offers a practical and biblical response to many of the health challenges facing society. By combining faith with action, churches can become places where people not only encounter God, but also find healing, hope and the opportunity to live life more abundantly.
(One Vision is a charity that began as a community initiative at Stanborough Park Seventh-day Adventist Church, led by Enoch Kanagaraj, a church member with a passion for community service. Rooted in the church’s mission of service and community engagement, it has grown into a collaborative organisation, working with people of all faiths and none to address health inequalities, social challenges, and youth needs.)
More than 120 leaders from Parliament, the NHS, local government, academia, emergency services, voluntary organisations and faith communities gathered at the Houses of Parliament for The Role of Faith in Health, hosted by Matt Turmaine MP in collaboration with One Vision Charity. The event marked a significant step forward in recognising the contribution faith communities make to neighbourhood health, prevention and reducing health inequalities.
The evening explored a simple but transformative question: What if the future of healthcare is not built only in hospitals and GP surgeries, but also in our churches, homes and neighbourhoods?
For the Seventh-day Adventist Church, this conversation is not new. Since its beginnings, the Church has championed whole-person health, recognising that true wellbeing is physical, mental, emotional, social and spiritual. Long before the language of “prevention” and “population health” became common, Adventists were promoting healthy lifestyles, balanced nutrition, exercise, rest, meaningful relationships and faith in God as foundations for healthy living.
The keynote address was delivered by Professor Durka Dougall, Chief Executive of the Centre for Population Health, who challenged delegates to move beyond treating illness towards creating health through prevention, community leadership and neighbourhood partnerships. Leaders from the NHS, Macmillan Cancer Support, Hertfordshire County Council, Health Innovation East, Hertfordshire Constabulary, Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service and the voluntary sector joined faith leaders to explore how trusted community organisations can become equal partners in improving health outcomes.
Matt Turmaine MP for Watford said:
“It was a pleasure to host the One Vision event, ‘The Role of Faith in Health’ in Parliament. The session brought together faith leaders from across Hertfordshire, together with statutory service providers in health, from Hertfordshire County Council, the police and fire service to share knowledge and experience of how faith communities and health providers are working together. Professor Durka Dougall, Chief Executive of the Centre for Population Health, delivered a very interesting keynote speech proposing a move from treating illness to creating health, which sits very well with the Government’s NHS Ten Year Plan.”
Among the speakers was Sharon Platt-McDonald, Director for Health at the British Union Conference and Trustee of One Vision Charity, who reflected on the unique role the Church has in promoting whole-person wellbeing.
Sharon Platt-McDonald said:
“The Seventh-day Adventist Church has always understood that caring for people means caring for the whole person. Faith communities are trusted places where relationships are built, hope is restored and healthy choices are encouraged. By working alongside health and community partners, we can make a meaningful contribution to reducing health inequalities and supporting healthier neighbourhoods.”
The event showcased practical examples of partnership between One Vision, the NHS, Macmillan Cancer Support and Health Innovation East, demonstrating how churches and other places of worship can become trusted settings for cancer awareness, cardiovascular screening, support for unpaid carers, tackling loneliness and promoting healthier lifestyles.
Reflecting on the significance of the event, Enoch Kanagaraj BEM DL, Founder and Chief Executive of One Vision Charity, said:
“For generations, the Seventh-day Adventist Church has championed a health message that is now more relevant than ever. As healthcare evolves, we have an opportunity not only to diagnose disease and prescribe medication, but also to prescribe healthier lifestyles, stronger relationships, hope and purpose. Many of the conditions placing enormous pressure on the NHS today can be prevented or delayed through better nutrition, regular physical activity, emotional wellbeing, rest, social connection and faith. These are not new ideas; they are biblical principles that have stood the test of time.
Scripture reminds us, ‘Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers’ (3 John 1:2). The Apostle Paul also teaches, ‘Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit?’ (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). Looking after our health is therefore not simply a medical issue; it is an act of Christian stewardship.
Jesus spent far more time healing than preaching. His ministry addressed the physical, emotional and spiritual needs of people together. He declared, ‘I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full’ (John 10:10). That abundant life includes healthy bodies, healthy minds, healthy families and healthy communities.
Churches should become centres of health creation, where we encourage healthy eating, physical activity, emotional wellbeing, social connection and early intervention. We should equip our members to become health champions, helping people prevent illness before it begins and supporting those living with long-term conditions. This is not replacing the NHS; it is strengthening our communities alongside the NHS.
The future of healthcare cannot rely on hospitals alone. It must be built in neighbourhoods, through trusted relationships and compassionate service. I believe God is opening a new chapter where the Church is recognised not only for proclaiming the gospel, but also for helping people live healthier, fuller and more hopeful lives. This is our opportunity to demonstrate Christ’s ministry of healing in practical ways, bringing hope, dignity and restoration to every community we serve.”
The evening concluded with a shared commitment to strengthen collaboration between faith communities and statutory partners, recognising that lasting improvements in health will only be achieved when prevention, community leadership and trusted local relationships are placed at the heart of healthcare.
For the Seventh-day Adventist Church, the event was a powerful reminder that our historic health message is not only relevant today but offers a practical and biblical response to many of the health challenges facing society. By combining faith with action, churches can become places where people not only encounter God, but also find healing, hope and the opportunity to live life more abundantly.
(One Vision is a charity that began as a community initiative at Stanborough Park Seventh-day Adventist Church, led by Enoch Kanagaraj, a church member with a passion for community service. Rooted in the church’s mission of service and community engagement, it has grown into a collaborative organisation, working with people of all faiths and none to address health inequalities, social challenges, and youth needs.)
