Resolutions

Episcopal Resolution Passed on Mental Illness, 2000

This was the resolution passed in 2000 by the 73rd General Convention of the Episcopal Church to support persons with mental illnesses.

Resolution Number:
2000-C032
Title:
Urge Congregations to Commend and Support Mental Health Support Groups
Legislative Action Taken:
Concurred as Amended
Final Text:

Resolved, That the 73rd General Convention urge all congregations of the Episcopal Church to seek out and commend local members of the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill and other mental health support groups for their valiant struggle of many years to support and educate the general public, that many mental illnesses are brain disorders that may be treatable with new medications and other forms of treatment; and be it further

Resolved, That congregations be encouraged to read, study, and implement relevant portions of Resolution D088, entitled "Encourage Understanding of Mental Illness and Respond to the Needs of the Mentally Ill" (see explanation) adopted by the 1991 General Convention; and be it further

Resolved, That congregations offer their facilities to local members of the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill, and other mental health support groups, for the purpose of educating and supporting family members of the mentally ill.

Citation:
General Convention, Journal of the General Convention of…The Episcopal Church, Denver, 2000 (New York: General Convention, 2001), p. 610.

Episcopal Resolution on Mental Illness, 1991

This was the resolution passed in 1991 by the 70th General Convention of the Episcopal Church to support persons with mental illnesses.

Resolution Number:
1991-D088
Title:
Encourage Understanding of Mental Illness and Respond to the Needs of the Mentally Ill
Legislative Action Taken:
Concurred As Amended
Final Text:

Resolved, the House of Deputies concurring, That members of the Episcopal Church are encouraged to become knowledgeable about mental illness in order to reduce stigma and stereotypes which are prevalent within the Church body and the Community-at-large; and be it further

Resolved, That the Episcopal Church and all its units and organizations, be encouraged to reach out, welcome, include and support persons with a mental illness, particularly those who have a prolonged, serious mental illness, and the families of those persons, and recognize the abilities and celebrate the gifts of those who have a mental illness; and be it further

Resolved, That the church encourage the development of specific programs to equip the clergy and laity for ministry to the mentally ill and their families and that clergy and lay ministers seek out training and opportunities to minister to the spiritual needs of those who are affected by a mental illness; and be it further

Resolved, That dioceses and congregations work with existing agencies and organizations to assist with and initiate programs, such as support groups, drop-in centers, housing and employment opportunities, which lead to an improved quality of life for people who have a mental illness, with specific attention to those who have become homeless; and be it further

Resolved, That dioceses, congregations and individual parishioners become advocates for public policy and adequate funding to provide comprehensive community-based services, hospital care and research into the causes and treatment of mental illness; and be it further

Resolved, That dioceses, congregations and individuals utilize the resources and support services offered by the Episcopal Mental Illness Network (EMIN) of the Presiding Bishop's Task Force on Accessibility.

Citation:
General Convention, Journal of the General Convention of…The Episcopal Church, Phoenix, 1991 (New York: General Convention, 1992), p. 822.