Healing
The Revd Dr Mike Hughes
Bishop’s Adviser in Healing01353 615682
The Revd Pam Thorn
Chair of the Healing Advisory Group01223 864262
Dr Bridget Nichols
Secretary of the Healing Advisory Group01353 662749
Welcome to this section of the website which is concerned with the ministry of healing and wholeness.
Christian healing is primarily about a relationship with Jesus in that we want people to experience not only healing but the healer. This makes it different from other types of spiritual healing which focus more on natural energy. We certainly pray that the Holy Spirit will be at work but the deepest healing comes from an encounter with Christ. At the heart of our praying for individuals through the laying on of hands or anointing with oil lies the concept that Jesus is the only person who can heal us comprehensively; body, mind and spirit. There are many examples of such healing in the Gospels and the Acts of the Apostles.
Healing in our churches takes many different forms. It may occur through listening, remembering services, intercessions, ministry to people who can’t get to church as well as specific prayer with individuals, teaching, touch, anointing and Holy Communion. In these and numerous other ways, we seek to introduce or bring people closer to Jesus the healer.
Our aim as a group is to encourage our churches to be seen as places of healing and to facilitate this process. Approaches vary from the more sacramental to the overtly charismatic and this is reflected in the diversity of books and publications highlighted below. We want to offer support to parishes as they explore the various aspects of the Christian Healing Ministry in their own unique situation.
The group is currently small but we aim to build up a resource of experienced practitioners who can offer help and guidance to parishes on various healing issues. At present, we can point people in the direction of finding the following resources:-- Teaching on the healing ministry.
- Teaching and guidance on prayer ministry.
- Training and guidance on listening skills.
- Training and advice on issues of forgiveness and reconciliation.
- Healing of past memories and hurts.
- Advice regarding mental health issues.
- Biblical reflection exploring the practical expressions of this ministry.
Further information is available from Mike Hughes or Pam Thorn.
Celebration of Healing and Wholeness
Saturday 7th November 2009 from 9.30 am to 12.30 pm
at Ely Methodist Church, Chapel Street, Ely, CB6 1AD.
“Making our churches places of healing.”
Dr. Gareth Tuckwell
Director, Burrswood Christian Hospital
Eucharist with the laying on of hands
at 2.00 pm in the Presbytery, Ely Cathedral
with Bishop David Thompson
This is an annual gathering which enables us to highlight the ministry of healing in our churches. It provides an opportunity for networking. This year we will be delighted to welcome Dr Gareth Tuckwell, Director of Burrswood, a Christian hospital and place of healing. Burrswood provides care for the whole person through medical expertise, skilled nursing, counselling and prayer.
The morning session will take place in Ely Methodist Church, where participants will also be able to have lunch (coffee and tea are provided by the Mothers Union but please bring a packed lunch). The Eucharist, with laying on of hands and anointing, will be in the Presbytery at the Cathedral in the afternoon.
There is a small charge to cover costs. Participants will need to book in advance, and booking forms should be sent to the Bishop’s Office. Parking is available in the Barton Road car park. There is limited parking at the Diocesan Office.
Useful Links
- Internet addresses of Christian Healing organisations
- Helpful books and publications
- The Christian Healing Mission This ecumenical organisation began life as the London Healing Mission in 1948 but after closing for several years, re-opened under its current name. The mission will respond to requests for prayer by telephone or e-mail. They also train people and churches in the Christian Healing Ministry as well as arranging study days.