EMIN

The mission of the Episcopal Mental Illness Network (EMIN) is:

• To seek out and support, through prayer and action, consumers, families and/or service providers in the Episcopal Church whose lives are affected by major psychiatric disorders;
• To help Episcopalians, clergy and laypersons, become aware of the nature of these illnesses and the special needs and gifts of those affected:
• To reduce the stigma and misconceptions that prevail and to remove those barriers which frequently prevent persons with psychiatric illnesses and their families from participating in the full life of the Church.

Since 1991 the Episcopal Mental Illness Network has helped people within Episcopal faith communities find ways to connect with and provide support for persons with mental illnesses. Our goal is to provide a network so that people with mental illnesses and their families will find a loving and welcoming presence within the Church.

The EMIN grew out of the awareness of the members of the Presiding Bishop's Task Force on Accessibility. Their work resulted in recognizing the need for all in the church to understand more about mental illness. The National Church has passed two resolutions to this end. We are called to reach out in compassion and service to those affected within our ranks and in the larger community.

The EMIN was originally funded through reimbursements for expenses from the Episcopal Church Center, but after the Task Force for Accessibility was disbanded, the EMIN has received no national funds.

We are a volunteer-run organization and completely self-supporting. The work of the EMIN is continued by contributions from individuals, congregations and dioceses throughout the country.

Although the Episcopal Mental Illness Network is a national ministry, it's work is done by central Arkansas Episcopalians and concerned volunteers. EMIN founder, Caroline Stevenson, retired from EMIN work in 2010. the Rev. Bean Murray is the current coordinator.

• To share useful information on mental illnesses through producing the national newsletter, “EMIN News.”
• To have a contact in each diocese whose ministry is to help carry out the EMIN mission of compassionate presence and information sharing
• To have a website with information on mental illness, on resources to help inform families and loved ones, and to fight the stigma related to brain disorders in the church and community
• To create a network of interested people who will receive “EMIN News” and information updates electronically