PC(USA) - Advisory Committee on Social Witness Policy - What We're Doing


	Serious Mental Illness

	General Assembly Referral Prospectus for a Task Force Members of the Task Force - coming soon Progress Report Study materials and bibliography Invitation for feedback on serious mental illness issues


	ACSWP receives policy draft on serious mental illness Committee also examines Iraq war and post-Katrina New Orleans The Advisory Committee on Social Witness Policy (ACSWP) is considering a proposed policy paper that could shape the way the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) engages in ministry with people who have serious mental illness. ACSWP, which develops social policies for consideration by the PC(USA)’s General Assembly, voted at its meeting here last week to receive a draft policy document on serious mental illness from the task force that developed it. [Read more]


	General Assembly Referral The 210th General Assembly (1999) took an action calling for a comprehensive serious mental illness statement: 25.039. Direct the Advisory Committee on Social Witness Policy, in consultation with appropriate entities, to develop a comprehensive serious mental illness policy, including justice issues and full participation in the life of the church, and report to the 217th General Assembly (2005). (Minutes, 1999, Part I, pp. 41, 309).


	Prospectus for a Task Force The prospectus guiding the work of the Task Force on “Comprehensive Serious Mental Illness,” approved by the ACSWP in July 2003, was sent to the presbyteries, synods and the libraries of Presbyterian theological seminaries in November 2003 and continues to be available. Summary Page Prospectus Nomination Form


	Members of the Task Force The Task Force on “Comprehensive Serious Mental Illness” includes the following persons: (anticipated in March)


	Progress Report The ACSWP is seeking feedback on the prospectus and the nomination of candidates to serve on the task force. The deadline for submitting names is January 15, 2004. A first meeting will take place in the Spring. It is anticipated that the report will be submitted to the 218th General Assembly (2006).


	Study materials and bibliography The following materials are available through Presbyterian Distribution Services (PDS): 100 Witherspoon Street, Louisville, KY 40202-1396, by calling (800) 524-2612 (PDS) or online at www.pcusa.org/marketplace. Please specify the PDS order number. Additional information about these resources can be obtained via the PC(USA)-Health Ministries USA Web site.


	Church and Serious Mental Illness $1.00 each PDS #OGA-88-113


	The Congregation: A Community of Care and Healing (Mental Illness Awareness Resource) $2.50 each PDS #257-90-002


	“Honest Talk About Serious Mental Illness” - (video) $9.95 each PDS #095301


	Honest Talk About Serious Mental Illness - (booklet) $7.95 each PDS #095302


	“Shedding Light on the Truth” - (poster) 50 cents each PDS #72-660-99-001


	“Shedding Light on the Truth” - bulletin inserts $7.00 for 100 PDS #72-660-99-002


	“Setting Us Free from the Stigma of Mental Illness” – (poster) 50 cents each PDS #72-660-00-00


	“Setting Us Free from the Stigma of Mental Illness” – (bulletin inserts) $7.00 for 100 PDS #72-660-00-002


	“Painting Pictures of Mental Health” – (poster) 50 cents each PDS order 72-660-01-001


	“Painting Pictures of Mental Health” – (bulletin inserts) $7.00 for 100 PDS #72-660-01-002


	“Painting Pictures of Mental Health” – Worship Resource $2.50 each PDS #72-660-99-015


	It is Well with My Soul Free (888) 728-7228, x5793


	Invitation for feedback on serious mental illness issues The task force welcomes feedback and suggestions in its work.



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