According to many sources, loneliness has become an epidemic in our society. Former U.S. Surgeon General, Dr. Vivek Murthy, issued an urgent advisory in 2023 declaring loneliness an epidemic in the United States.[1] According to this advisory, loneliness is described as a state of mind: “a subjective distressing experience that results from perceived isolation or inadequate meaningful connections, where inadequate refers to the discrepancy or unmet need between an individual’s preferred and actual experience.”[2]
You can feel lonely on your own or in a crowded room.
In the post-pandemic world, people of all ages and walks of life are struggling with loneliness. And the rise of our dependence (and addiction) to our phones and artificial intelligence, it’s only getting worse.[3]
Closer to home, the Canadian Mental Health Association published information about loneliness in Canada during Mental Health Week earlier this year.[4] 13% of Canadians reported feeling lonely “always or often.” This report also highlights that loneliness is even higher for Canadians who struggle with poverty, addictions, or disabilities.
Can the Church help reduce loneliness?
Since its birth, the Church has always been a place of gathering and connection. The Book of Acts describes several instances where believers gathered for worship, prayer, and to share a meal. (See Acts 2:42) Gathering for worship, fellowship, and service have always been an important part of who we are as followers of Jesus Christ.
And they are even more important as we face this loneliness epidemic.
Each congregation is called to care for their own people through pastoral care ministries and opportunities for fellowship and service. A recent study out of Harvard University states that “collective service can provide important connections that relieve loneliness.” They also encourage community and government leaders to foster opportunities for people to cultivate meaning and purpose.[5]
Is this an opportunity for congregations to serve their communities by opening our buildings?
Can the Church be a safe place where the desire for meaning and purpose are cultivated and nurtured?
I believe – with the Lord’s help – that the possibilities for us to connect with our communities are endless.
Blessings, Rev. Emma
[1] https://www.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/surgeon-general-social-connection-advisory.pdf
[2] https://www.gse.harvard.edu/ideas/usable-knowledge/24/10/what-causing-our-epidemic-loneliness-and-how-can-we-fix-it
[3] https://www.cbc.ca/news/health/youth-screen-time-tech-companies-9.7365434
[4] https://cmha.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/CMHA-MHW-2026-Factsheet-Fast-Facts-on-Loneliness.pdf
[5] https://www.gse.harvard.edu/ideas/usable-knowledge/24/10/what-causing-our-epidemic-loneliness-and-how-can-we-fix-it