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Amid rising numbers of suicides, the diocese is the latest in the U.S. to focus efforts on providing education, accompaniment and advocacy for those suffering from mental illness.
Once considered a mortal sin that could cost someone salvation, suicide is viewed by the church today in a much more moderate way. And going along with that development are calls by clergy, clinicians and advocates to bring suicide into the light in the hopes to reduce it and to do more to help those left behind. On Sunday, Sept. 4, the Diocese of Phoenix took a significant step toward both of these steps, becoming the latest in a growing number of dioceses across the United States to create an office dedicated to the ministry of mental health.