Table 2. Major themes derived from the key-informant interviews with religious leaders about their role in health promotion for Mexicans with diabetes.

Maintain open lines of communication: Respondents mentioned that it is important to understand the needs of their congregation and their community. These pastors use different forms of communication to assist parishioners and the community with their needs, such as person-to-person, social media, newsletters and magazines. Supportive and cheerful messages to those affected with chronic conditions give people hope about the future and emotional support with the process of changing lifestyles as explained by these leaders.

Crossover between spiritual and physical healing: Overall informants viewed the mission of the church as helping the community with spiritual and physical healing. Both spirituality and physical health have to be addressed because they are intrinsically linked, and one depends on the other. Their message to people is to care for mind and body, with the use of prayer and healthy behaviors.

Involvement in diabetes programs: Due to lack of resources, currently there are not diabetes education programs offered at faith-based organizations. However, most of these participants would like to have a program at their church if they have funding. Religious leaders explained they need to get educated about diabetes, as well as strengthened teamwork for partnerships with social and health care institutions to better serve the community.