The Role of the Congregation
•Act for a more Just and Loving World
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•Break down the social stigma
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•Advocate for more equitable employment policies
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•Advocate for more equitable, available and accessible physical and mental health care
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Act for a more just and loving world.
Depression is often fostered by the world’s ills.  If we could end violence, war, abuse, discrimination, prejudice, poverty and environmental destruction we could make a lot of progress in preventing depression.   Faith communities are called to involvement in bringing God’s vision for our world into being.

In addition, there are many ways that congregations can be active in social realities that directly impact the possibility of healing for those with depression.

Social Stigma - Persons with depression are not moral or personal failures.  Persons with depression have an illness that may limit their behavior at times but does not mean that they cannot work and love in ways that contribute to society and others.  Persons who live with depression are not “crazy.”

Employment policies – A person who lives with depression may be a productive, creative, and competent worker.  They should not be discriminated against because of their illness or the treatment (ie medication) that they need in order to function.

Health Care – Persons who live with depression have a right to health care.  Currently most health insurance policies limit care for mental illness, including psychotherapy, in ways that they do not limit treatment for other (“physical”) illnesses.

It is the nature of the illness that a depressed person often does not have the ability to advocate social change for themselves.  We must advocate on behalf of all those who are discriminated against or otherwise marginalized in our society.