We are a W.I.S.E. Congregation for Mental Health
Welcoming, Inclusive, Supportive, and Engaged
If you or a loved one are in need of mental health services, dial or text 988 to be connected to a crisis management team 24/7.
What is a WISE Congregation?
A WISE congregation has joined the mission to being Welcoming, Inclusive, Supportive, and Engaged in the Mental Health of the community and the wider world. The objective of W.I.S.E. is to encourage our congregations to become more welcoming of those living with mental health challenges, to expand our inclusion of those who are living with mental health challenges, to be supportive of all who are affected by mental health conditions, and to engage in ways to live our commitment to be W.I.S.E. about mental health. Read more here:
On February 5, 2023,
The First Congregational Church in Norwood voted
to adopt the following covenant:
We, the First Congregational Church in Norwood, understand that individuals with mental health challenges, such as brain disorders, mental illnesses, substance use disorders, and trauma sometimes feel cut off from God and do not feel included. It is our calling as a community of faith to communicate to all individuals and the wider community that God loves all of us equally, regardless of our mental health status. We choose to be a WISE congregation for mental health to fully welcome, include, support, and engage all in the life, work, and leadership of our church.
Introduction/Rationale:
We, the First Congregational Church in Norwood, know we are graced by the gifts, stories, and experiences of all our members, including those living with mental health challenges.* We know these challenges can profoundly disturb our feelings, thoughts, and behaviors. We care about the whole person: body, heart, soul, and mind. We affirm the guidance of the Holy Spirit that brings fullness of life. We believe that everyone has the right to be seen as a person first. Jesus said the greatest commandment is to “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind, and to love your neighbor as yourself.” He made no distinction between various members of society; showing no partiality, and including all people in this commandment. As a community that gathers in his name, we are called to do the same.
*Mental health challenges include, but are not limited to mental illnesses, brain disorders, substance use disorders, and trauma.
Call to action:
We pledge to create a welcoming environment for people with mental health challenges and their families:
● By educating ourselves and offering opportunities to help our congregation understand issues surrounding mental health challenges.
● By examining our attitudes and preconceived notions about mental health challenges and reducing social stigma.
● By providing a safe environment in which people can tell their stories and share their journeys.
We pledge to include people with mental health challenges in the life and ministry of the congregation:
● By recruiting, nominating, and supporting persons with mental health challenges to serve in leadership within the congregation.
● By being open to hiring persons and calling clergy with mental health challenges.
We pledge to support people in our congregation who have mental health challenges and their families:
● By reaching out to those with mental health challenges in the same ways we reach out to those living with other physical illnesses.
● By offering companionship and compassion for individuals and families living with mental health challenges.
We pledge to engage with other organizations that work at the intersection of mental health and faith/spirituality/religion:
● By welcoming and encouraging outside groups who address mental health challenges to use our church facilities.
● By partnering with other organizations to find opportunities to be in shared mission, ministry, and advocacy together.