suicide
Natural helpers: Needed reinforcements to head off looming suicides of despair
(RNS) — People thinking about suicide often turn to pastors, coaches and teachers first for help. We need to make sure these natural helpers are trained to lend a hand.
Death of megachurch pastor Darrin Patrick officially ruled a suicide
(RNS) — The cause of death was a gunshot wound and the medical examiner ruled it a suicide, said Franklin County Sheriff Steve Pelton.
Giving back to those who serve: Caring for our faith leaders
(RNS) — Those who lead our faith communities need to know they too can reach out for support and help when needed.
A young woman’s suicide puts focus on church’s counseling for LGBT Catholics
(RNS) — After Colorado barred gay conversion therapy for minors, the death of a once-devout college student has spurred debate about how religious counselors handle homosexuality.
Faith leaders try to combat stigma of mental illness, suicide
(RNS) — Historically, faith traditions have been reluctant to talk about mental health and categorized suicide as a sin, often leaving survivors and family feeling neglected and hurt. That’s starting to change.
Wheaton summit examines mental health and wellbeing for clergy
(RNS) — A summit for pastors on ‘leadership, burnout and mental health’ comes after the suicide of a prominent church leader and mental health advocate.
Pope Francis urges Japanese to address suicide, depression in Tokyo speech
TOKYO (RNS) — Francis also urged the country’s bishops to cater to young people in particular, as they are the most prone to suicide and “thirsting for compassion.”
Kay Warren to host annual gathering for survivors of suicide
LOS ANGELES (RNS) — As she hosts her seventh Survivors of Suicide Loss Day at Saddleback Church this year, Kay Warren said there have been many strides in mental health awareness, but more needs to be done.
An accused pastor’s suicide: The pain we see and the pain we don’t
(RNS) — When the Rev. Bryan Fulwider, an accused rapist, ended his life, he didn’t end the pain his alleged victim feels. To the contrary, it may well bring greater hurt.
Harvest Pastor Greg Laurie urges compassion after Jarrid Wilson’s suicide
RIVERSIDE (RNS) — Two days after Jarrid Wilson’s suicide, Pastor Greg Laurie stressed the importance of seeking help when feeling depressed or experiencing suicidal thoughts.
Pastor, author and mental health advocate Jarrid Wilson dies by suicide
(RNS) — News of Wilson’s passing followed a series of tweets he posted throughout the day Monday that dealt with suicide, including a post encouraging followers to remember that even though loving Jesus doesn’t cure mental illnesses, he does offer companionship and comfort.
In a time of rising suicide, religious communities move beyond condemnation to care
(RNS) — Numerous faith traditions have a history of criticizing suicide as a sin. But some faith leaders are now working not only to offer those facing despair help in addressing the root causes of suicide but to remove the stigma that keeps so many suffering families quiet after the death of a loved one.
Bad priests, of all kinds, chase people away from Christ and the church
(RNS) — For too many Christians, the church is not ‘a field hospital for the wounded,’ in Pope Francis’ words; it is a country club for the perfect.
Making religious communities safe for LGBTQ kids
(RNS) — My church taught that being LGBTQ was a sin. Like so many other LGBTQ youth, Tyler must have felt rejected, unwanted and shamed. My son did not believe he could be both Christian and gay.
Why religions of the world condemn suicide
(The Conversation) — The ethics of self-inflicted death have historically been an important area of reflection for the world’s religions.