Faith-Based

The Role of Faith Communities in Addressing Substance Use and Crime – Reading List (Part 2)

Reading List

In this second reading list, we continue exploring the growing evidence on the role and contribution of faith communities and faith-based organisations in addressing substance use and crime, with a particular focus on treatment engagement...

Two-Day Trauma Informed Care in Faith Communities Workshop

11 September 2026

Kansas City

United States

This will be an interactive workshop engaging the minds of other concerned clergy, congregants, or anyone passionate to gain a better understanding about the very delicate balance of trauma, wellbeing and healing in the faith community. We will address common myths and stereotypes associated with church and spiritual hurt, as well as church and spiritual healing.

Spirituality and Harmful or Hazardous Alcohol and Other Drug Use

Scientific article

18 February 2026

This meta-analysis synthesises evidence from 55 longitudinal studies involving more than 540,000 participants to examine the relationship between spirituality and harmful or hazardous alcohol and other drug (AOD) use. The findings...

Association Between Religiosity and Spirituality and Cocaine Use: A Systematic Review

Scientific article

10 June 2024

This systematic review examines the association between religiosity, spirituality, and cocaine use by analysing findings from 20 observational studies involving adults and adolescents. Most studies found that higher levels of religiosity...

Faith-Based Interventions for Reducing Gang Violence in the Caribbean: Reflections from a Professor and a Priest

Book

1 January 2015

This book chapter explores the role of faith-based interventions in preventing and reducing gang violence in Trinidad and Tobago. Drawing on the experiences of a criminologist and a religious leader, it argues that gang violence should be...

The Association Between Religiosity and Substance Use Patterns Among Women Involved in the Criminal Justice System

Scientific article

1 April 2021

This study explores the relationship between religiosity and substance use patterns among women involved in the criminal justice system. Using data from women participating in a drug court programme in the United States, the researchers...

Religiosity and crime: Evidence from a city-wide shock

Scientific article

1 April 2025

This study examines the relationship between religiosity and crime using data from the 2015 visit of Pope Francis to Philadelphia. By analysing daily crime reports before, during, and after the visit, the researchers found a significant...

The Role of Faith Communities in Addressing Substance Use and Crime – Reading List (Part 1)

Reading List

In this reading list, we provide resources exploring the role of faith communities and faith-based organisations in addressing substance use, crime, violence and related social harms. Faith-based strategies draw on spiritual values...

TALK RECOVERY, TALK SAFE SPACES FOR MENTAL HEALTH

Opinion piece, commentary

7 May 2026

May is recognized globally as Mental Health Awareness Month, a time to encourage open conversations, challenge stigma, and promote emotional well-being for all. Across many cultures, however, men continue to face unique barriers when it...

Sammy Ombisa with a group of men in a safe space discussing mental health and addiction Reciovery.

The Opioid Crisis Practical Toolkit: Supporting Faith and Community Responses

Toolkit

This practical toolkit highlights the role of faith-based and community leaders in responding to the opioid crisis in the United States. Developed by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, it recognizes that community and faith...