An investigation into the phenomena and practices of spiritual ...

psychotherapists do not frequently touch their clients, they use empathy in their therapy. Aspiritual healer is expected to be use empathy as well as touch in the administration ofhealing (therapy). Unli the scenarios in Hallett‟s (2004) study, I did not follow up myobservation with the minister or with the recipient as this was not an experimental but aninductive study.8. 5 Conclusion: Let them all come!In both churches, by using laying on of hands as a health promotion activity, healing isoffered to everyone in the congregation including non-members. The approach is totallynon-discriminatory. Both members and non-members engage in a health seekingbehaviour when they volunteer for the healer to administer laying on of hands. In URCnon- members are specially invited to the service on this day so that they can experiencethe power of Christian healing. Healing is theorised as available to people of whateverfaith, colour, class or creed. Healing comes from a universal source of love and healersprovide a channel for the healing energies to be passed to the patient. Healing occursacross the denominations and does not depend on the patient having any faith, religion orbelief. It is given with love. This healing can be effected by contact with the patient or bymeans of absent, remote or distant healing. The healer allows himself/herself as a channelfor higher energy, which activates self -healing, power of the patient at relevant levels ofmany religions.These two congregations do not promise cures and usually do not diagnose, but they havefaith that there is some benefit to recipients as they practise the health seeking behaviour oflaying on of hands. Spiritual healing is often used to support other forms of treatment thatthe patient may be receiving, from the General Practitioner or the hospital.279