Rev. Dr. Ciarán Osborn: At The Intersection of Faith and Mental Health

IMPORTANT NOTE: Since the time that we recorded this episode, our guest has shared that their name is Rev. Dr. Ciarán Osborn. In the recording you will hear them referred to as Rev. Dr. Megan Snell, but please note that the correct name for them is Rev. Dr. Ciarán Osborn.

Rev. Dr. Ciarán Osborn’s work sits at the intersection of mental health conditions and the Christian faith. They focus their attention on the dignity and flourishing of marginalized people, particularly those with mental health conditions and intersectional identities. All of that comes through in today’s interview. We dig in deep into the harmful theology the Church has held and proclaimed throughout centuries, particularly around mental health. Rev. Dr. Ciarán Osborn offers incredible insight into the role the church can play in offering spaces for grace, healing, and hope for those who live with mental health conditions.

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Rev. Dr. Ciarán Osborn, MDIV, DMin, is an ordained minister in the United Church of Christ. They served as Pastor of several UCC churches in the Boston metro area as well as a Clinical Chaplain at an inpatient drug and alcohol treatment center. Throughout their ministry, Rev. Megan has officiated weddings, baptisms, and memorial services in the wider community.

Rev. Ciarán is a Doctoral Candidate at the Pacific School of Religion, studying the intersection of mental health conditions and the Christian community. They hold an MDiv from Andover Newton Theological School. They will be starting a PhD programme at the University of Aberdeen, Scotland in Practical Theology in 2021. 

Rev. Ciarán also lives with chronic mental health conditions. They write, teach, and preach regularly on the topics of mental health, mental illness, and faith. Rev. Ciarán writes for and serves on the Board of Directors Executive Committee of the United Church of Christ Mental Health Network. Megan is a board game nerd and hiking and Krav Maga enthusiast. Their family lives in the Boston area and they share their life with numerous dogs and chickens.

You can learn more and connect with Ciarán on their website.