Hi Michele. I live with a mental illness myself and appreciate the considerable theological and social challenges that this can contribute when participating in a faith community. I can't speak for CRC churches since I am from a different denomination (though I follow this blog regularly) but I suspect our denominations are not that different as regards creating welcoming and safe spaces people who live with mental illnesses. An important part of my work is dismantling the stigma of mental illnesses in faith communities and in this regard we have a long journey ahead of us. You might be interested in a video talk on our website in which I talk about the stigma I've experienced and the ways we can interpret the Bible to reinforce or challenge stigma. Here's the link: http://www.adnetonline.org/Blog/Pages/From-Cure-to-Community.aspx
Thanks for bringing this article to light! Some time after Sheila wrote the article you quote from, she became one of the founders of Anabaptist Disabilities Network. Sheila continues her disability advocacy both informally and formally, working now in Deaf ministry at College Mennonite Church, Goshen, Indiana. She is my go-to resource person to review materials I write or edit on hearing loss and the Deaf community.
Thanks, Mark, for bringing this up. I agree, this kind of service can be a way of welcoming people living with a lot of pain. I attended one in our community several years. It ministered to deep needs I had at the time.
Posted in: Part of Our Calling as the People of God
Hi Michele. I live with a mental illness myself and appreciate the considerable theological and social challenges that this can contribute when participating in a faith community. I can't speak for CRC churches since I am from a different denomination (though I follow this blog regularly) but I suspect our denominations are not that different as regards creating welcoming and safe spaces people who live with mental illnesses. An important part of my work is dismantling the stigma of mental illnesses in faith communities and in this regard we have a long journey ahead of us. You might be interested in a video talk on our website in which I talk about the stigma I've experienced and the ways we can interpret the Bible to reinforce or challenge stigma. Here's the link: http://www.adnetonline.org/Blog/Pages/From-Cure-to-Community.aspx
Posted in: Lessons on the Journey With Disability
Thanks for bringing this article to light! Some time after Sheila wrote the article you quote from, she became one of the founders of Anabaptist Disabilities Network. Sheila continues her disability advocacy both informally and formally, working now in Deaf ministry at College Mennonite Church, Goshen, Indiana. She is my go-to resource person to review materials I write or edit on hearing loss and the Deaf community.
Christine Guth, Anabaptist Disabilities Network, www.adnetonline.org
Posted in: Not the Most Wonderful Time of the Year
Thanks, Mark, for bringing this up. I agree, this kind of service can be a way of welcoming people living with a lot of pain. I attended one in our community several years. It ministered to deep needs I had at the time.
Posted in: Making Peace With Life
Thanks for this great testimony.