Institute for Spirituality and Health

11/20/2025

Registration is now open for the 2026 Conference on Medicine and Religion! Co-hosted by the Institute for Spirituality and Health at the Texas Medical Center and Ethics Initiative at Baylor University, this annual conference is being held in Houston this year to celebrate the Institute’s 70th anniversary in the Texas Medical Center.

The 2026 Conference on Medicine and Religion invites participants to explore how the expressions of religious traditions have the capacity to critique and to creatively reimagine medicine and the pursuit of healing. How do religious and medical voices speak prophetically to today's critical issues: institutional collapse, medical workforce shortages, scientific distrust, moral injury, and emerging technologies? How do cultural, musical, textual, and artistic expressions from religious traditions help communities hold grief, envision justice, and rekindle hope?

As always, we welcome scholarly engagement with theological and clinical questions. But this year, we also create space for experience: to hear sacred music, to share meals, to dwell in ritual, and to witness one another’s traditions.

Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to engage in meaningful dialogue and community!

When: March 22 - 24, 2026
Where: In-person at the Hilton Houston Post Oak
Register at: https://www.spiritualityandhealth.org/cmr

Early bird pricing ends February 22! CME Available.

11/13/2025

Happy World Kindness Day 🌏💖 Today, share a smile, lend a helping hand, or surprise someone with a heartfelt note. Let’s light up the world with good deeds and warm wishes!

Together, we can create ripples of love!

11/12/2025

Congratulations on a successful graduation of the Diabetes Prevention and Control Class at St. Alban's Episcopal Church Houston! These classes are part of the Institute’s ongoing Diabetes Self-Management Education and Support program, facilitated through the Faith & Diabetes Initiative.

Nineteen participants, along with their guests, learned vital skills for managing and preventing diabetes. Special thanks to District H Councilman Mario Castillo, District 2 Commissioner Adrián García, and Reverend Greg Seme for their support and collaboration. Attendees received helpful resources, gifts, and free assistance with health insurance renewals from representatives of Medicare, Medicaid, and other providers. Overall, the event was a resounding success—empowering individuals with the knowledge and resources to lead healthier lives and support their families in doing the same.

Together, we’re equipping our communities to lead healthier, happier lives!

Learn how you can support your community with education and resources by visiting https://www.spiritualityandhealth.org/faithanddiabetes

11/06/2025

The abstract submission window is now closed, but the student essay competition is still open! Go to https://www.medicineandreligion.com/ to submit your essay now. Submissions will be accepted until Monday, December 1, 2025, at 11:59 PM CST.

If you haven't already, save the date for the 2026 Conference on Medicine and Religion, which will be held at the Hilton Houston Post Oak from Sunday, March 22, 2026, to Tuesday, March 24, 2026.

11/05/2025

We are celebrating Compassion Week with Compassionate Houston!

Join us in person at the Institute on November 13 for an immersive sonic journey designed to deepen your sense of connection and foster healing through the power of sound.

Guided by the soothing tones of Farida Meguid’s alchemy bowls and the soulful melodies of Michael Sgarlata’s live music, explore how vibrations and melodies can evoke inner compassion and emotional balance.

Thursday, Nov 13 | 6:00 - 7:30 PM | In-person at the Institute
Please feel free to bring a yoga mat, pillow, and blanket for comfort.

Register today at https://www.spiritualityandhealth.org/events/soundsofcompassion

10/21/2025

Today’s headlines—marked by conflict, disconnection, and disorientation—often echo in the therapy room, at the hospital bedside, and during spiritual conversations. To help address pervasive feelings of division, disappointment, and existential uncertainty, this year’s conference offers tools and perspectives that can help cultivate connection and resilience.

Join us this November for our 34th annual Psychotherapy & Faith Conference, hosted by the Institute, Baylor College of Medicine, and UTHealth Houston's McGovern Center for Humanities and Ethics. Learn how spiritual and psychotherapeutic disciplines can collaborate to support hope and spiritual growth toward meaning and wholeness.

Friday, November 7, 2025 | 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

In-Person at Fondren Hall at St. Paul's United Methodist Church
5501 Main St, Houston, TX 77004

Register today at https://www.spiritualityandhealth.org/events/pf2025

The 34th Annual Psychotherapy & Faith Conference will discuss some of the most pressing issues of our time, including strategies for moving through widespread feelings of tumult, suffering, and polarization.

10/08/2025

It was an honor for our President & CEO, Stuart Nelson, to be invited to attend the recent 2025 Clinton Global Initiative Annual Meeting in New York. Each year, CGI is an opportunity to connect with leaders from across sectors who are taking action on the world’s most pressing challenges, together.

This year, Stuart participated in roundtable discussions on stigma, mental health, and finding "funder fit." He also had the opportunity to network with international peers who, like the Institute, are weaving together evidence-based public health solutions and community-based health programs in the context of faith community partnerships. The chance to gather together in this way provides a real sense that, even across borders, there is a global community aligned with the Institute's unique mission.

Learn more about the Institute's mission and initiatives to discover how we continue to connect and strengthen our Houston-area communities: www.spiritualityandhealth.org

10/06/2025

Join Us for a Community Care Workshop!

Kerr County Recovery Community members are invited to a supportive and confidential space where you can give and receive support. Our workshop will focus on mind-body practices for well-being and self-care, guided by a veteran facilitator who understands the journey. If you know someone in the recovery community who could benefit from this workshop, please share it!

🗓 First Meeting: Saturday, October 11, 2025
🕙 Time: 10 AM - 12 PM
📍 Location: Salvation Army KROC, Kerrville, TX

Come connect with others in a welcoming environment. Let’s embark on this journey of healing together! 💚

Register now! https://bit.ly/kerrrecoverymbs

10/04/2025

Friends, if you or someone you know in the Kerr County community could benefit by learning evidence-based skills and group support, join us next week as we share mind-body practices for well-being.

Participants can attend the workshop, join an 8-week support group - or both! Free of charge and open to all!

Register for the workshop here: https://bit.ly/kerrvilleworkshop

Register for the 8-week support group here: https://bit.ly/kerrvillesupportgroup

09/30/2025

“Skills at the Intersection of Spiritual and Mental Wellbeing” is the theme of the 32nd Annual Spirituality in Nursing Conference, scheduled for October 24, in person at Fondren Hall, St. Paul's United Methodist Church.

EARLY BIRD REGISTRATION ENDS TONIGHT! Register today at https://www.spiritualityandhealth.org/events/nursing2025

09/26/2025

Hunt, TX Residents! Join us for an engaging in-person Community Care Workshop designed to nurture your mind and body while building meaningful connections within your community. Hosted by the Institute in partnership with The Hunt United Methodist Church, this event kicks off with a welcoming dinner at 5:30 p.m., followed by an inspiring workshop from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.

All are welcome—come be a part of this supportive and revitalizing experience!

Learn more and register at https://bit.ly/huntworkshop

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09/24/2025

Make a difference today by joining our upcoming Interfaith Spiritual Care Coalition training in October. This is an opportunity for volunteers in our Houston area community to learn how to be a guiding light for those facing challenges in long-term care facilities.

The next training is scheduled for Saturday, October 18, 2025, at the Institute!

Learn more and register at https://www.spiritualityandhealth.org/events/iscctraining101825