An open letter to churches and church people about chronic illness and pain

I wrote this post over 4 years ago, but I still think it is good advice. I’m no longer actively involved in church like I used to be, and part of the reason is undoubtedly some of what I wrote about here (although there is a lot more to it than that as well). Considering that the post has over 150 Facebook shares, I guess others found it helpful too.

Maranda Russell

To churches and church folks everywhere:

Unfortunately, I have heard too many stories from fellow chronic pain/chronic illness sufferers about mistreatment at the hands of the church or church people. Some of these people even end up losing their faith or abandoning church altogether because they are hurt so badly by the apathy or mistreatment they feel from their spiritual family. I myself have experienced some similar things in the past and I would like to make a few requests for all churchgoers to consider, especially those in leadership positions:

Please don’t ignore or mistreat those in your church with chronic illness or chronic pain conditions. Don’t think that just because they can’t always make it to church or participate in activities that they don’t want to. Don’t accuse them of just being lazy, selfish or antisocial.
Please do reach out to them by making a quick call, a short visit, connecting…

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