Transcript Engaging Churches and Religious Leaders in Cancer Advocacy

Bishop Dr. Stanley Michael Michuki
Chairman – Kenya National Congress of Pentecostal
Churches and Ministries, Kenya Cancer Foundation
Board Member – Kenya Cancer Association
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The Need
Religion is a beacon of hope to many. A huge majority of people turn to
religion or the Church at times of great need. It is important to ensure that
the Churches they turn to understand what they are going through and
knowledgeable enough to be able to help.
Using Churches and Religious leaders as partners in the advocacy effort
would greatly widen the reach of the advocacy message with using too
many resources. The voices and support of religious leaders and churches
would also lend credence to advocacy efforts in areas where people are
ignorant of Cancer and Cancer advocacy.
Incorporating Spiritual support into cancer care and advocacy efforts
would be of great benefit to Cancer Patients, Survivors, their Families,
Caregivers and also the doctors and nurses supporting them. It can also
be an avenue to reach more people.
Churches and their members have the potential to be recruited in the
advocacy efforts as volunteers and in community outreach, supporting
advocates, survivors, patients and families.
Opportunities offered by Churches
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Most churches are community oriented and will be willing to listen to
people or groups who seek to work with them to positively impact the
community.
Most Churches already have organized groups e.g. Women’s
Fellowships, Men’s fellowship. These groups make it easy to reach
sections of the society that are sometimes harder to reach.
The support of religious leaders for the advocacy message and effort
goes a long way in ensuring an attentive audience not only in the church
but also in the wider community
Not a lot of resources are needed in reaching a wide group of people.
Sometimes only reaching the Pastor gives access to a huge number of
people without conducting a big campaign. Most churches will also be
willing to offer their resources e.g. meeting halls, Public Address systems
etc. for community outreach.
The Challenges
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Lack of Information on Cancer. Most Pastors and their
Congregations, although willing to help do not have adequate
information about cancer ~ What it is, How it is transmitted, how
to help etc. In some instances it is possible to encounter wrong
belief’s e.g. Cancer is God’s Punishment for sin, It is witchcraft etc.
Resources. Most Churches and Pastors would be willing to offer
their church resources for advocacy. However their ability varies
and is sometimes inadequate.
Some Churches and Congregations can be isolated and divided
and therefore very suspicious of outsiders. Although this makes
them harder to reach, the fact that Cancer is more prevalent than it
was earlier may make them easier to reach
The Approach
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Respect Religious Beliefs: - If approached correctly, Religious Leaders and
Churches would be greatly beneficial to advocacy. Acknowledge Religion
and also consider the patients/survivors belief during advocacy. Where
possible, provide religious resources.
In the case where there are myths or wrong beliefs, use a soft approach to
educate and get rid of the beliefs.
Most Religious Leaders offer support to Cancer Patients, Survivors and
their Families. Where possible, make available to them the same resources
that you would give to other caregivers, patients, survivors and family
members.
Integrate Spiritual Support in advocacy efforts. Where possible, advocacy
organizations can have an outreach program/members who work with
religious groups. Also Advocates should consider offering spiritual
support e.g. praying with Survivors, where it doesn’t conflict with their
own beliefs.
The Approach
When working with Religious groups, if possible, offer to help establish
Cancer support groups, forums or ministries. This may involve training on:
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Setting a vision, goals and targets
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Training on Cancer Advocacy
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Specifying procedures
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Drumming up support and raising awareness for the need to get involved
in advocacy not only for church members but also for the community
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Providing Leadership and coordination with other advocacy groups
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Nurturing the Advocacy and Care ministry to ensure it will be
sustainable
After the initial Help in starting the ministries, it is a good idea to offer
partnership and on going support