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Anglican Health & Community Network (AHCN)

The Anglican Health & Community Network (AHCN) is a global initiative dedicated to connecting, preparing, and equipping Anglicans worldwide to be active participants in healthcare ministry. Launched on World Health Day 2021, the network’s mission is to strengthen and support the vast work Anglicans are already doing in health, both in clinical settings and through community-based initiatives. It seeks to foster a unified Anglican voice on global health issues and ensure that health remains a key priority on the Anglican agenda.

AHCN operates on the core belief that effective healthcare is built on both trust in science and hope in God. It advocates for equitable healthcare for all and prepares the Communion for future health emergencies. The network actively supports often isolated Anglican health partners by connecting them to a global community for shared learning and collaboration. Through its various ‘communities of practice’, AHCN equips practitioners with resources and knowledge, enabling the sharing of best practices and innovative approaches to health and well-being. This comprehensive approach ensures that the Anglican contribution to global health is coordinated, visible, and deeply rooted in its mission to serve and accompany the sick.

Health Matters

Across the globe, many Anglican Churches, Dioceses, Provinces and faith-based networks are quietly leading vital health programmes, community mobilisation initiatives, advocacy programmes, clinics and hospitals. Often, they are operating in conflicts zones, very challenging situations and on the margins of society. The Anglican Health & Community Network is a platform to:

  • Gather Anglican voices on matters of health, so together we can be a global voice
  • Highlight health work that is happening in the Anglican Communion
  • Advocate for more health-promoting churches
  • Strengthen and equip health programmes, clinics and faith-based networks and individuals in their work

Health Promoting Churches

The network is advocating for more ‘health-promoting churches’ around the world, which would have the following hallmarks:

A church that teaches health
A health-promoting church helps people learn how to live well, in body, mind and spirit. It may provide education and awareness about lifestyle, disease prevention, mental health, hygiene, or general well-being.

A church that takes action
A health-promoting church takes action on health. It hosts activities, support groups or provides practical help for healthier living.

A church that stands for justice
A health-promoting church cares about the bigger picture: fairness, dignity and the conditions people need to live healthy lives. A church might engage with broader social, environmental, or structural determinants of health – not only individual health behaviour, but also issues like inequality, social justice and climate change.

A church that cares for the vulnerable
A health-promoting church pays special attention to those who are vulnerable, lonely or struggling. No one is left out. It cares for the marginalised, or at-risk groups, including people living with disabilities, mental-health challenges, socially isolated persons, or communities lacking access to formal health care.

A church that has a sustainable ministry
A health-promoting church sees health as integral to how we work, serve and grow together. Rather than ad-hoc efforts, the church establishes a sustainable health ministry to plan, coordinate, monitor and evaluate health-promotion efforts in the congregation and community.

A church that sees health holistically
A health-promoting church believes true health embraces the whole person: physical, emotional, instead of limiting to medical of faith-based views only.

A church that empowers
A health-promoting church encourages people to care for themselves, support one another and be a voice for well-being in the community. Its members may be public witnesses for health, justice and wellbeing, promoting compassion, solidarity and ethical responsibility in society.

Who volunteers on the AHCN?

The AHCN has origins back to 2009 but has existed in its current format since 2021. It has a group of 3 co-covenors, 2 co-ordinators and a larger steering group.

 

The Rt Revd Michael Beasley, a Co-convener of AHCN: ‘Anglicans around the world contribute extensively to the health and wellbeing of the places where they live, work and worship. In many places, this is through running hospitals and health centres. The aim of the Anglican Health and Community Network is to enable experiences of understanding and everyday practice. Our hope is that the work of Anglicans in health around the world can be strengthened and supported.’

For more information

Watch a short video outlining the AHCN’s six primary functions.