Opinion Pieces from Partners

The writings below are from current students, alumni, and Baylor University faculty and staff on topics within social work that impact congregations and communities:

Advocacy

A problem in women's Bible studies By: Elizabeth Franklin

Coffee and crotcheting: Calling for greater depths in women's ministries By: Elizabeth Franklin

Texas: Social Workers can refuse services to LGBTQ, Disabled By: Erin Albin Hill 

COVID-19

Congregations and social work: Moving into the unexpected By: Julianna Marraccino

From disorientation to reorientation: Turning forced isolation into Sabbath experiences By: Julia Wallace

Hospitality: Easier to give than receive By: Brianna Childs

Local coalitions need congregations: A call to action By: Rachel Gillespie

Sabbath gives clarity during grief-filled pandemic By: Elizabeth Franklin 

Seeing the unexpected: Connected congregations and social work By: Julianna Marraccino 

Social Distancing as an act of sacred mercy By: Erin Albin Hill

The pandemic calls for innovative responses By: Jess Gregory

Race Relations

After MLK Day and Black History Month, now what? By: Julianna Marraccino

How to stand in solidarity with people of color By: Adam Jones 

Shepherding Christians who want to pursue racial justice By: Adam Jones 

Resources for Congregations

Grief, the holidays, and the Church By: Julia Wallace

How to walk alongside people recoverying from addiction By: Lacey Fitch-Ondracek

Spiritual care and first responders: Why bother? By: Heath Holland

Spiritual Formation

Bigger: The sanctuary of nature and the presence of God By: Veronica Timbers

Discovering your community through the practice of the labyrinth By: Rachel Gillespie

Love your neighbors but don't forget God and yourself By: Jackie Murphy

Naked and ashamed: American Christianity's purity culture and embodiment in the Church By: Alice Fry

Spiritual formation: One season at a time By: Dr. Gaynor Yancey

Where is home for you? By: Dr. Gaynor Yancey

Trauma

Caring for others through trauma sensitive language By: Brianna Childs

Spiritual trauma and congregations: A missing link By: Jess Gregory

What collective trauma teaches congregations By: Erin Albin Hill

Why all congregational ministry should be trauma ministry By: Erin Albin Hill