Introduction
IDNO's Interfaith Council on Mental Health (ICMH) provides resources to faith communities to address
the unmet needs of members living with such impairments as mental illness, including but not limited to depression, anxiety
disorders, schizophrenia and bipolar disorders.
ICMH sponsors conferences and workshops on a wide variety of mental health issues. It also hosts interfaith
services of hope for people with mental illness and their families within various houses of worship.
Services
- Worship resources
- Advisory services
- Referrals to local support agencies
- Speakers Bureau focusing on spirituality and mental wellness
- Training seminars
- Clergy education
Events
ICMH began helping people with mental illness reconnect with their religious organization by hosting a series
of pilot groups throughout Oregon. At each session, clergy were invited to discuss their experience with people with
mental health issues, as well as indicate what they might need to be more responsive to their communities. By
openly discussing their concerns, these religious leaders were able to provide support to one another, learn from ICMH about
resources in their communities, and define what information would be helpful to them to better engage the most vulnerable
community members. From these pilot groups, ICMH was able to better realize the need and respond to it by planning workshops
and conferences, among other events.
ICMH also hosted a successful week-long series of workshops featuring the Rev. Craig Rennebohm of Seattle,
author of Souls in the Hand of a Tender God. With clergy, lay leaders, and individuals with mental illness
and their families in attendance, Rev. Rennebohm guided us on how each of us can be a more welcoming religious community
to those who often feel ostracized and excluded, including homeless people with mental illness. He provided guidance
on ways to engage people with mental illness, support their families, and assure the safety of everyone while meeting
the often unvoiced needs of people with mental illness. This series of workshops was well-represented by religious leaders
from many faiths, and was evaluated by those in attendance as a wonderful event.
Resources
FaithNet NAMI - www.faithnet.org
Mental Health Ministries - www.mentalhealthministries.net.
NAMI Clackamas County - www.org/sites/NAMI-Clackamas
NAMI Multnomah County - www.nami.org/multnomah
Pathways to Promise - www.pathwaystopromise.org
