CHICAGO (ELCA) -- "The bold message of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) is a shining example of the important and life-saving role for the faith community in suicide prevention," David A. Litts wrote to the Rev. John R. Stumme, associate director for studies, ELCA Division for Church in Society. Litts is special advisor to the U.S. Surgeon General for suicide prevention.
"I am writing on behalf of Dr. Satcher to thank you for your support and action in the national effort to prevent tragic deaths and suffering due to suicide," Litts wrote. Dr. David Satcher is U.S. Surgeon General and Assistant Secretary for Health.
"The Surgeon General's Call to Action to Prevent Suicide" was issued in July 1999. The document outlines more than a dozen steps that can be taken by individuals, communities, organizations and policy makers to prevent suicides.
The ELCA Church Council adopted the message on suicide prevention in November 1999. "The Church Council welcomes the Surgeon General's call for a comprehensive national strategy for suicide prevention," said the message.
The suicide prevention message encourages members, congregations and affiliated institutions of the ELCA "to learn more about suicide and its prevention in their communities, to ask what they can do and to work with others to prevent suicide."
"Our efforts to prevent suicide grow out of our obligation to protect and promote life, our hope in God amid suffering and adversity, and our love for our troubled neighbor," according to the message.
More than 30,000 people in the United States commit suicide each year, and nearly 500,000 people must receive emergency room treatment because of a suicide attempt, the message said.
"We will not hesitate to use your statement as an encouraging example to other denominations and faith groups who want to get involved," Litts concluded. -- -- --
The full text of the ELCA "Message on Suicide Prevention" is located at http://www.elca.org/DCS/suicide_prevention.html.
"The Surgeon General's Call to Action to Prevent Suicide" is linked to http://www.surgeongeneral.gov/library/calltoaction/default.htm.
For information contact:
John Brooks, Director (773) 380-2958 or NEWS@ELCA.ORG
http://listserv.elca.org/archives/elcanews.html
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About the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America:
The ELCA is one of the largest Christian denominations in the United States, with 2.8 million members in more than 8,500 worshiping communities across the 50 states and in the Caribbean region. Known as the church of "God's work. Our hands.," the ELCA emphasizes the saving grace of God through faith in Jesus Christ, unity among Christians and service in the world. The ELCA's roots are in the writings of the German church reformer Martin Luther.
For information contact:
Candice Hill Buchbinder
Public Relations Manager
Candice.HillBuchbinder@ELCA.org
