Interfaith Resources
In addition to sponsoring the Caring Clergy Project, the Interfaith Network on Mental Illness sponsors regular conferences and offers free resources to help clergy, staff, lay leaders and the public educate themselves and their faith communities/organizations on spirituality as a resource in mental illness recovery. See all resources listed on INMI’s For Clergy page, including videos. Only resources related to Faith/Spirituality and Mental Health will be considered for inclusion on this page.
Mental Health Ministries has evolved into an ecumenical and interfaith outreach. It works with faith communities, advocacy groups, community organizations and mental health professionals. It focuses on using one’s faith and spirituality as an important part of the recovery and treatment process and as a way for family members to find strength and hope in caring for a loved one with a mental illness.
Pathways to Promise is an interfaith technical assistance and resource center which offers liturgical and educational materials, program models, and networking information to promote a caring ministry with people with mental illness and their families. These resources are used by people at all levels of faith group structures from local congregations to regional and national staff.
A new website from the federal government, www.mentalhealth.gov offers a variety of resources to help your congregation start a conversation about mental health.
NAMI FaithNet is a network composed of members and friends of NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness). It was established to (1) facilitate the development within the faith community of a non-threatening, supportive environment for those with serious mental illness and their families, (2) point out the value of one’s spirituality in the recovery process from mental illness and the need for spiritual strength for those who are caretakers, (3) educate clergy and congregations concerning the biologic basis and characteristics of mental illness, and (4) encourage advocacy of the faith community to bring about hope and help for all who are affected by mental illness.
NAMI FaithNet is not a religious network but rather an outreach to all religious organizations.
Christian Resources
The Mental Health Network of the United Church of Christ offers resources for understanding and supporting people who have a mental illness. In particular, see the organization’s guide for planning a Mental Health Sunday. Also see www.wideningthewelcome.com, an annual national conference jointly sponsored by the United Church of Christ (UCC) Mental Health Network and the UCC Disabilities Ministry.
The Presbyterian Serious Mental Illness Network welcomes those who advocate in the church and greater community for those who have been touched by mental illness. They seek equity, justice, human dignity and full acceptance into the life of the church.
Download an excellent booklet produced by the Archdiocese of Chicago: Mental Illness And Faith Community Outreach: Communities Of Compassion And Justice
The United Methodist Church offers extensive resources on mental health for congregations.
The American Baptist Home Mission Societies Disabilities Ministries website does not focus specifically on mental illness but does offer resources of interest.
Jewish Resources
The Jewish Healing Center offers mental illness resources, including fact sheets, prayer cards and other helpful materials, including “Mental Illness Outreach”.
Relief Resources is a non-profit organization that provides multiple services to individuals suffering from mental health disorders. Relief’s efforts are particularly sensitive towards the needs of the Jewish community in light of the many challenges they face in obtaining quality mental health care. Its aim is to provide access to the best resources available and to partner individuals with the best mental health professional appropriate to their specific need.
Mental Health Through a Jewish Lens, a website by the Religious Action Committee of Reform Judaism
Union for Reform Judaism offers a wealth of resources. At its 66th General Assembly(2001), Union for Reform Judaism adopted a Resolution on Establishing a Comprehensive System of Care for Persons with Mental Illness.
Other Faiths
Buddhism and Mental Illness is a forum for those interested in issues surrounding mental illness and Buddhist approaches to it.
Muslim Mental Health is an organization committed to promoting research and educational activities, introducing Muslim mental health concepts and advancing culturally sensitive therapeutic approaches.
Connecting the Muslim Faith Community to Mental Health Resources is a booklet produced by the Center of Excellence in Culturally Competent Mental Health. It helps you recognize when worshippers at the Masjid have emotional problems more severe than ordinary worry and unhappiness. It also tells how you can help them get the care they need.