How do you categorize the varying roles of the medical, political, cultural, and faith communities within your sphere of influence (or "ministry context")?

In around 200–300 words, post to the Discussion Area your responses to either Option 1 or Option 2:

Prior to our more in-depth study of the biblical, theological, pastoral, and societal basis for pastoral thanatology, consider the following:

How do you categorize the varying roles of the medical, political, cultural, and faith communities within your sphere of influence (or "ministry context")?
To what extent does each of these structures or systems have a separate task relative to thanatology?
In what ways do you see these structures and systems interacting, overlapping, or collaborating in service to the dying and bereaved?
Where do you see the church fitting into the functions of these communities within your sphere of influence (or "ministry context")?
What obstacles and opportunities do you perceive as affecting the church's efforts to impact the issues and the lives in this field?
What obstacles and opportunities do you perceive as affecting your own efforts to impact the issues and the lives in this field?