Scripture Untangled

Season 10: Episode 12 | Daniel Whitehead | Can the Church Be a Sanctuary for Mental Health?

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Daniel Whitehead is the CEO of Sanctuary Mental Health Ministries. His other roles include being an adjunct faculty member at Regent College in Vancouver, BC; serving as a committee member on the International Network on Theology & Mental Health; and being a member of the advisory group for the Centre of Spirituality, Health & Disability. Previously, Daniel spent 10 years in full-time vocational ministry, including eight years as senior pastor of a church. Daniel hails from the UK and now resides in Vancouver. He is married to Annie and has two children. He is also a certified mediator and holds a double master’s degree in theology.

Sanctuary Mental Health Ministries equips the Church to support mental health and well-being. In 2018, Sanctuary launched its flagship resource, The Sanctuary Course. This small-group study guide uses films and discussions to explore key mental health topics, examining meaningful ways to offer companionship, support recovery, and promote well-being. Additional resources are continually being developed, including The Sanctuary Course for Catholics, When a Loved One Dies by Suicide, the Sanctuary Songs album, The Sanctuary Blog, and The Sanctuary Youth Series. Sanctuary’s resources are developed in collaboration with theologians, mental health professionals, and people with lived experience of mental health challenges. These resources prepare communities of faith around the world to raise awareness, reduce stigma, support mental health, and promote mental well-being.

Learn more about Sanctuary Mental Health Ministries: sanctuarymentalhealth.org

Rev. Dr. Andrew Stirling was the Senior Minister of Timothy Eaton Memorial United Church in Toronto, one of Canada’s largest United Church congregations and was responsible for leadership and administration at Timothy Eaton from 1998 until his more recent retirement. Overseeing staff, providing visionary leadership, acting as the public representative of over 1,500 members and managing a dynamic and ever-evolving ministry to the city of Toronto and beyond.

He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Politics and Law from the University of Cape Town, South Africa, a Master of Divinity from the Atlantic School of Theology in Halifax, Nova Scotia and a Doctor of Ministry in preaching from Acadia Divinity College, Wolfville, Nova Scotia. In 2008, Wycliffe College, Toronto, recognized his contribution to preaching with an honorary Doctor of Divinity.

Rev. Dr. Andrew Stirling is now the Ambassador for the Canadian Bible Society building relationships with churches, academic institutions and individuals across Canada.