At the 209th Annual Council, The Diocese of Virginia approved a resolution encouraging all of us to improve our knowledge of and assistance to those suffering from mental illness. As the Diocesan Committee on Mental Health, we have created this website with the hope of assisting those suffering from mental illness and those that care for and love them. Whether you are a parish priest, lay leader or family member of someone with mental illness we want to be a resource for you in your ministry. The Helpful Hints page will give you general directions for working with those with mental illness. If you need specific information, please check the Resources page or the Links we have gathered. If you are looking for specific resources and referrals within your region, please look on the Regional Contact page. We also ask you to keep those with mental illness in your prayers. We encourage you to use the following prayer and the Meditation to guide your personal and corporate prayer for those with mental illness.

Prayer
Lord Jesus Christ, you ministered to all who came to you: Look with compassion upon all who, because of mental illness, have lost their health and freedom. Restore to them the assurance of your unfailing mercy; remove the anxiety and loneliness that beset them; strengthen them as they seek balance and continuity; and to those who care for them, give patient understanding and persevering love; for your mercy’s sake. Amen.

Mission
As members of the Body of Christ, we seek to live out the reconciling love of Jesus by offering educational programs and networking resources so that the Church may be a hospitable dwelling for people living with mental illness.

Purpose
The Committee on Mental Health will enable churches of the Diocese to:

Explore ways to include people with mental illness in worship, fellowship, and life of the church
Connect churches with volunteer opportunities locally and regionally within the diocese
Circulate current information and provide workshops on mental health in order to seek ways to eliminate stigma

Mental Health Emergency
If you, a parishioner, or loved one is experiencing a mental health emergency please call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.

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