We, the people of United Congregational Church in Milton, Massachusetts, 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 behavior and we care about the whole person: body, heart, mind, and soul. We believe that all people are beloved by God. 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; he did not show any partiality. He included all the people in this commandment. 

Sometimes individuals with mental health challenges such as neurodiversity, brain disorders, mental illnesses, addictions and trauma feel separate or excluded. It is our calling to communicate to all individuals that God loves all of us equally.  People with such challenges have gifts to be offered in our faith community, and we want everyone to feel fully welcomed, included, supported and engaged in the life, work and leadership of our church. 

We, the United Congregational Church in Milton, Massachusetts, vote to continue to be a welcoming, inclusive, supportive and engaged (WISE) congregation for mental health.