From Demon Possessed to Being Blessed: A Brief History of Mental Illness and the Church

Join pastor, author, and advocate Rev. Dr. Sarah Griffith Lund in exploring how religious views of mental illness have changed over time and what it means for us today. Faith communities historically viewed mental illness as a spiritual disease and many still do. What is the historical basis for this view and how has it impacted the way faith communities treat people with mental illness?

This virtual event is FREE and takes place on Zoom. Click here to register!

Questions? Contact Adult Programs Manager Natalie Belanger via email at [email protected], or call (860) 236-5621 x289.

About Our Speaker

Sarah Griffith Lund is an ordained minister and has served as pastor to churches in Brooklyn, NY, Minneapolis, MN, and New Smyrna Beach, FL.  She is the author of Blessed are the Crazy: Breaking the Silence About Mental Illness, Family, and Church. (Chalice Press, 2014) and Blessed Union: Breaking the Silence About Mental Illness and Marriage (Chalice Press, 2021) Rev. Dr. Lund served as Regional Minister in the Florida Conference of the United Church of Christ and as a Vice President for Christian Theological Seminary in Indianapolis, IN. She holds degrees from Trinity University (BA), Princeton Theological Seminary (MDiv), Rutgers University (MSW), and McCormick Theological Seminary (DMin). Rev. Dr. Lund received the Dell Award for Mental Health Education at the 30th General Synod of the UCC. She currently serves as Minister for Disabilities and Mental Health Justice on the national staff of the UCC and as senior pastor of First Congregational UCC of Indianapolis, IN. Rev. Dr. Lund blogs at www.sarahgriffithlund.com.