On March 28th, Bishop Kevin Vann of the Diocese of Orange and Evangelical Pastor Rick Warren joined forces to address a growing crisis in our country – the lack of adequate care and attention for those who suffer from mental illness. The two leaders hosted the inaugural Gathering on Mental Health and the Church bringing together national experts, pastors and individuals to discuss how to better equip church leaders to provide effective and compassionate care, how to educate families and encourage those who suffer with mental illness.
The two religious leaders developed a close relationship when Bishop Vann met with the Rick and Kay Warren to console them after their son’s suicide last year.
A playlist of 26 video and audio presentations from the conference is now available http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLihx6CnSmAxve_cYqV9fbp40T2SQDyFap featuring pastors, academics and psychiatrists hosting panels on a wide variety of topics including:
- The Role of the Church in Mental Health
- Helping the Helpers: Crisis Management for Church Staff
- Christianity and Depression
- Troubled Families: Support for Loved ones Affected by Mental Illness
- Suicide Prevention: Saving Lives one Community at a Time
Bishop Van stated, “Studies show that one out of every four adults in America will be affected by mental illness at some point in their lives. The first place many go for help is to their priest or to their pastor.” Read more about the conference here.
