Clergy Reflection On Mental Health
"The World Does Not Need This Stigma"
by W. Dale Osborne, Binkley Baptist Church,
March 27, 2026
My teacher, savior and spiritual guide, Jesus the Christ, born in a lowly stable in Bethlehem, was all about bringing the Good News of God's love and connection to all of creation. Everyone needs this Good News which we often call Gospel. Everyone around this big beautiful world needs and deserves to hear this Good News. But sometimes, the Good News gets filtered out, gets censored, gets hidden by bushel baskets and secret scrolls belonging to titans of industry, government and the status quo. Oh that status quo, how I wish I could help you understand that sometimes change can do us a world of good.
Our faith community gives out information from the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). One of the largest and most important statements that they have published is ‘Good News – There is Help for Mental Illness.’”
How important that Good News is to millions of people around the world. We read the story where Jesus connected with a person who was quite probably dealing with a mental illness. Mark says that he had an unclean spirit in him that made him cry out in Jesus' presence. In today's world of relatively modern science, people who cry out or who seem to be unable to control their voice or actions are said to be living with a mental illness rather than an unclean spirit. NAMI reports that one of the best ways to begin dealing with mental illness is to recognize that mental illnesses are "brain disorders”. They are not a sign of weakness. They are not anyone's fault.
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About Clergy Reflections on Mental Health
Clergy Reflections on Mental Health is an interfaith blog that offers wisdom, encouragement, and motivation for faith communities. The Clergy Blog Task Force allows clergy to share their connection to mental health through their stories and ministry experiences.
* Our mission is to offer multiple perspectives on how faith communities can reduce stigma around mental health and offer hope for all.
* Contributors provide examples and ideas of how our different faith communities address our mental health challenges, navigating crucial topics each month.
* The written experiences that our clergy contributors share allow other faith leaders to hopefully feel less alone in dealing with mental health issues.
Visit and SUBSCRIBE at https://clergymhblog.blogspot.com/
We are always seeking fresh voices. To volunteer to author a posting, or for more information on participating in the planning process, please contact [email protected] or [email protected]
* Our mission is to offer multiple perspectives on how faith communities can reduce stigma around mental health and offer hope for all.
* Contributors provide examples and ideas of how our different faith communities address our mental health challenges, navigating crucial topics each month.
* The written experiences that our clergy contributors share allow other faith leaders to hopefully feel less alone in dealing with mental health issues.
Visit and SUBSCRIBE at https://clergymhblog.blogspot.com/
- Send comments and/or questions to: [email protected]
We are always seeking fresh voices. To volunteer to author a posting, or for more information on participating in the planning process, please contact [email protected] or [email protected]
Our Committee:
The Rev. Amy Brundle, M.Div.
Marketing & Communications Manager, NAMI North Carolina
The Rev. Barbara Elder
Clergy-at-Large
Warren Kinghorn, MD, ThD
Psychiatrist, Theologian, Duke University Medical Center and Duke Divinity School
Krisha Miller
Blog Coordinator and Faith Connections on Mental Illness Board Member
The Rev. Amy Brundle, M.Div.
Marketing & Communications Manager, NAMI North Carolina
The Rev. Barbara Elder
Clergy-at-Large
Warren Kinghorn, MD, ThD
Psychiatrist, Theologian, Duke University Medical Center and Duke Divinity School
Krisha Miller
Blog Coordinator and Faith Connections on Mental Illness Board Member