NAMI FaithNet is an interfaith resource network of NAMI members, friends, clergy and congregations of all faith traditions who wish to encourage faith communities who are welcoming and supportive of persons and families living with mental illness.
NAMI FaithNet strives to encourage welcoming, caring congregations as well as to promote the vital role of spirituality in the recovery journeys of many who live with mental health conditions, those for whom faith is a key component. NAMI FaithNet is not a religious network but includes an effort to outreach to all religious organizations.
NAMI SW WA offers a presentation called “Bridges of Hope” which aims to bring mental health education to faith communities.
Who Advises NAMI FaithNet?
In order to meet our mission, NAMI FaithNet (NFN) is supported by an Advisory Group that provides advice, guidance, recommendations, leadership, promotion and content to ensure that the voice and needs of our grassroots constituency is strong and reflected in our work.
The 11 NFN Advisors are volunteers who recommend to NAMI national staff NFN web content, materials, activities, tools and other resources. On the local and state level, NFN Advisors support the initiation of faith outreach activities through their NAMI local and state affiliates. In addition, they help plan, manage and/or execute recommendations for networking, workshop, symposia sessions and an interfaith service for the NAMI Annual Convention.
Request a Presentation
If you want to educate your faith community about mental health, NAMI SW WA offers a presentation called “Bridges of Hope” which aims to bring mental health education to faith communities.
Click below to request a Bridges of Hope Presentation.
Other Resources
In the context of a worship service and in the weekly life of a congregation, the minister is “gatekeeper” to information and beliefs about many controversial topics. If they are open to a holistic understanding of human behavior and mental health issues, they can help overcome shame and stigma rather than reinforce it. The religious leader’s words, phrases and delivery during sermons, announcements, prayers and counseling can state or imply either judgment or compassion toward people with mental and emotional conditions. In this section we offer positive examples which we trust will inspire faith leaders to offer healing and hope to individuals and families living with mental health concerns.