Nebraska bishops affirm dignity of mentally ill

Published: 2005-03-01

LINCOLN, Neb. (CNS) -- As their state was going through a major reform in behavioral health care, the Catholic bishops of Nebraska issued a joint statement affirming the human dignity of the mentally ill and those suffering from problems of substance abuse and addiction. "Mental illness, substance abuse disorders and other addiction problems are often stereotyped and stigmatized," they said in the statement, released Feb. 18 by the Nebraska Catholic Conference in Lincoln. "This stigma can, and often does, spawn uncharitable, un-Christian attitudes and reactions of indifference, neglect, disdain, exploitation, even abuse and violence." The bishops urged Christians instead to "reach out in compassion to help those so afflicted." In 2003 and 2004, the Nebraska Legislature passed measures to transform the state's behavioral health care system from a regional one to one that focuses on community-based services. The bishops' 2,200-word statement is titled "Affirming the Dignity of the Mentally Ill."

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