Made possible through the support of Grant 63219 from the John Templeton Foundation.
About the Conference
Spirituality and healthcare have historically relied on and supported one another from the earliest times. However, the more western healthcare started to grow into a specialized scientific field, the more problems this relationship experienced, eventually leading to the separation of these two fields. As medical science became increasingly focused on the physical aspects of healing, the holistic approach that once included spiritual care was pushed aside. Consequently, the spiritual support of patients in hospitals has become a much-neglected area in modern western healthcare where the integration of body, mind, and spirit in patient care is often overlooked.
Spirituality is a vital aspect of holistic health care and contributes significantly to the health and wellbeing of patients. This conference will therefore serve to increase collaboration and partnerships between faith communities and health services, as well as among different academic disciplines, with the aim of stimulating new and innovative ideas to face challenges and enable growth in this area. Additionally, the conference will provide a valuable platform for research presentations, where researchers can showcase their latest findings, share evidence-based practices, and discuss cutting-edge research in the field of religion and spirituality in healthcare. By fostering cross-disciplinary dialogue and encouraging the exchange of ideas, this conference will help bridge gaps between theory and practice, ultimately advancing the integration of spiritual care into our healthcare systems.
We will focus on the following Research Questions:
To what extent can spiritual and religious interventions complement conventional medical treatment, influence healthcare outcomes, and impact the holistic well-being of individuals in South Africa.
How can spiritual and religious beliefs, including harmful religious practices and views, influence the experience of illness, and how can a deeper understanding of these dynamics lead to improved patient care and better healthcare outcomes?
How can spiritual education and the personal spirituality of healthcare professionals influence their approach to patient care, and what impact does it have on the effectiveness of spiritual care interventions in healthcare settings?
How can interdisciplinary collaboration between healthcare, spirituality, and other fields, enhance the integration of spiritual care practices in healthcare and improve patient outcomes?
Who should attend
This conference is open to all individuals working in, researching, or interested in the intersection of religion and spirituality in healthcare. Whether you are a healthcare practitioner, theologian, researcher, academic, or student, this event offers valuable insights into the integration of religion and spirituality into healthcare. We also welcome policymakers and healthcare administrators who play a role in shaping healthcare systems and policies. Faith-based organizations, community leaders, and anyone passionate about advancing holistic patient care are encouraged to attend. This is an inclusive space for dialogue, collaboration, and the sharing of innovative ideas to improve healthcare through the integration of religion and spirituality.
Keynote Speakers
Will be announced soon
Schedule and Program
Will be announced soon
Dates
14-17 October 2025
Research workshop
Transcending Boundaries in Research
This one-day workshop for academics and scholars will focus on how to do research in the interdisciplinary field of religion/spirituality and health/healthcare. The aim of this workshop will be to encourage the use of multiple methodologies and transdisciplinary research to ensure high-quality scientific research in this field. The program will include topics such as: A review of the current research in spirituality/religion and health (local and international); recommendations for future research in South Africa; different research methodologies; the challenges of measuring spirituality; and available scales for spirituality and religion.
Conference presentations
Religion and Spirituality in Healthcare
A two-day conference where researchers in the field can present their research. Please see the Call for Abstracts.
Post-conference workshop
Holistic Healing: Merging Spiritual Care with Medical Practice
This workshop will be held to explore how the research findings presented at the conference can be translated into practical application and to address the challenges of meeting patients' spiritual needs while integrating this aspect into their medical care. The program will start with topics such as a summary of the research findings and discussions at the conference, and why spirituality should be addressed. Small group discussions be held to explore how we can implement spiritual care in South African hospitals and what are the practical challenges that need to be addressed.
Come share your insights and help us think beyond research — let’s bring spiritual care to life in SA hospitals!
Accommodation
Future Africa has onsite accommodation available. Please visit their website for more information and bookings.
Contact us
Tel: 012 3299492
