Welcome to the official Web site for NAMI FaithNet, this site is a closer partnership between the FaithNet. grassroots network and our National organization.
FaithNet NAMI is a network composed of members and friends of NAMI (National Alliance for the Mentally Ill). It was established for the purposes of (1) facilitating the development within the Faith Community of a non-threatening, supportive environment for those with serious mental illness and their families, (2) pointing out the value of one’s spirituality in the recovery process from mental illness and the need for spiritual strength for those who are caretakers, (3) educating clergy and congregations concerning the biologic basis and characteristics of mental illness, and (4) encouraging advocacy of the Faith Community to bring about hope and help for all who are affected by mental illness.
FaithNet NAMI is not a religious network but rather an outreach to all religious organizations. It has had significant success in doing so, because all the major religions have the basic tenets of giving care and showing compassion to those in need.
FaithNet NAMI respects all religious beliefs. It also recognizes the expression by the majority of those affected by mental illness of the importance of the role of their spirituality in their ability to cope with having one of these no fault disorders themselves or in caring for an ill friend or family member.
FaithNet NAMI encourages all those who are affected by a mental illness, who are also members of a faith community, to talk to their clergy person about mental illness and the role their faith is playing in their lives. This is done for two purposes. (1) By telling their clergy person their story, he or she becomes personally involved and personal involvement is the best method of education. Understanding requires not only the attention of the ears and eyes, but also the heart. (2) By speaking to their clergy person, they have the opportunity to gain spiritual support. Sadly, at present, many shy away from speaking with their clergy person because of the effect the stigma of mental illness has had on their lives. They needlessly feel ashamed and fear rejection.
******NAMI FAITH NET-THIS IS A SITE THAT WILL BE OF GREAT HELP TO OUR CHURCHES. THERE IS SO MUCH THAT OUR MINISTERS CAN DO TO HELP THOSE WITH A MENTAL ILLNESS. MY PRAYERS TONIGHT WILL BE THAT THESE SITES WILL BE USED BY OUR CHURCHES IN ELLIS COUNTY TO MINISTER TO THOSE THAT HAVE MENTAL DISORDERS. TAKE YOUR TIME AND LOOK AT ALL THE INFORMATION CONTAINED AT THIS SITE. BE SURE TO CLICK ON THE TABS ON THE LEFT SIDE OF THE PAGE- http://faithnet.nami.org
*****¤PATHWAYS TO PROMISE MINISTRY AND MENTAL ILLNESS- WHAT TO DO IN A CRISIS SITUATION- The pastor, congregational staff, ushers, etc. should be prepared to deal with a crisis with a person who has a mental illness just as they are prepared to deal with a crisis if someone has a seizure, a heart attack, has difficulties with diabetes, etc.- http://www.pathways2promise.org/crisis/index.htm
THE MENTAL HEALTH ASSOCIATION OF GREATER HOUSTON'S MENTAL HEALTH/FAITH COMMUNITY WORK GROUP CREATED THE PARTNERS IN HEALING PROGRAMS TO INCREASE COLLABORATION BETWEEN MENTAL HEALTH PROFESSIONALS AND THE FAITH COMMUNITY AS AWELL AS TO DECREASE THE STIGMA OF MENTAL ILLNESS WITHIN COMMUNITIES OF FAITH. http://www.mhahouston.org/cms-education/healing.html
****PATHWAYS TO PROMISE- Ministry and Mental Illness- http://www.pathways2promise.org
ASSOCIATION OF BRETHREN CARGIVERS- http://brethren-caregivers.org
PRAYERS FOR THOSE WITH MENTAL ILLNESS
MENHONITE BRETHREN HERELD- www.mbherald.com/40-06/feature.html
PRAYERS CIRCLES- www.beliefnet.com/prayer/commemoration.asp?milestoneTypeID=6&pageID=282&milestoneID=1207
SCHIZOPHRENIA.COM-A MOTHERS PRAYER FOR MENTAL ILLNESS www.schizophrenia.com/blog15/archives/001075.html
CROSSROADS FAMILY OF MINISTRIES- COPING WITH MENTAL ILLNESS www.crossroads.ca/resource/mentalill.htm
PRAYER FOR THE INTERCESSION OF SAINT DYMPHNA, PATRON OF MENTAL ILLNESS www.catholic-forum.com/SAINTS/pray0384.htm
DIGITAL COMMONS-UNIVERSITY OF CONNECTICUT LIBRARIES- http://digitalcommons.uconn.edu/dissertations/AAI3034029/
PRAYERS OF ST. DYMPHNA PATRONESS OF THE MENTALLY ILL www.2heartsnetwork.org/Dymphna.htm
UNITED METHOSIST CHURCH-MENTAL ILLNESS:PRAYERS www.bwcumc.org/page.asp?PKValue=325
Ellis Co.
35. NAMI's Outreach to Faith Communities
