September 22, 2005

VALLEY FORGE, Pa. – An American Baptist Churches-endorsed chaplain, the Rev. John Wilson, will appear on CBS Television Network's special, "Spiritual Caregivers: In Those Moments of Tragedy," airing Sunday, Sept. 25.

The show takes a close-up look at how spiritual caregivers help traumatized people and addresses the self-care needs of those faced with such emotionally draining service. An American Red Cross survey taken following the 9/11 terrorist attacks indicated that 60 percent of Americans surveyed would likely seek help from a spiritual counselor, but only 40 percent would seek help from a mental health professional.

Also appearing on the program are Rabbi Stephen Roberts of the American Red Cross, founder of Disaster Spiritual Care Services, New York, and Heather L. Feltman, Evangelical Lutheran Church of America diaconal minister and director of the Lutheran Disaster Response.

Wilson is a critical care chaplain at Advocate Lutheran General Hospital in Park Ridge, Ill.

American Baptist News Service