Lutheran 'Candlelighting for Mental Illness' on Oct. 4

     CHICAGO (ELCA) -- The Lutheran Network for Mental Illness/Brain Disorders (LNMI) will observe the beginning of Mental Illness Awareness Week with candles and prayers on Oct. 4.  "Candlelighting for Mental Illness" is the third annual campaign inviting congregations of all Lutheran church bodies "to light a candle and say a prayer for those persons with mental illness and their families" during regular worship services.
     The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) and The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod formed the network in 1993.  LNMI has recruited and trained contact people across the churches and sends newsletters to more than 750 addresses.  It has produced a videotape, "A Challenge and Opportunity for God's People," and worship resources for the "All-Lutheran Candlelighting."
     A special liturgy for Oct. 4 asks Lutheran pastors to pray "for justice and mercy, for healing of body and mind, that one day the darkness of mental illness may be overcome."
     "LNMI encourages congregations to be hospitable and inviting to persons with mental illness and their family members and to educate clergy and church members about the neurobiological nature and chronicity of mental illness -- schizophrenia, depression, and bi-polar disorder," said Laura Lundsgaard, ELCA coordinator for social justice education.
     "We look for welcoming arms from the church," she said.  "Stigma and lack of knowledge about mental illness are isolating for family members and persons with mental  illness."
     Marge Christensen, Bismarck, N.D., chairs the LNMI steering committee.  Jane Carlson, Westlake, Ohio, is the secretary and newsletter editor.  Jim Gerhard, San Antonio, Texas, is the chairperson-elect.  Other steering committee members are Dr. Stewart Govig, Tacoma, Wash.; the Rev. Mark Hill, Utica, Mich; the Rev. Thomas Oie, Redford, Mich.; and Laura Rorem, Juneau, Alaska.
     The ELCA Churchwide Assembly in 1997 asked for a study of the church's ministries with people with disabilities.  Lundsgaard is conducting a "comprehensive study of ministry with and among persons with disabilities" for the ELCA's Division for Church in Society.  The report is expected to be completed this fall.

For information contact:
Ann Hafften, Director 1-773-380-2958 or NEWS@ELCA.ORG
http://www.elca.org/co/news/current.html