| African American churches play a vital role in meeting the social, spiritual, and physical needs of their congregants and the African American community. The African American church has the greatest propensity to increase awareness and responsiveness to individuals and families affected with a mental illness than any other social institution. This dissertation proposes a theological and strength-based curriculum to empower African American churches to utilize the their faith, supportive ministries, theological expertise of clergy leaders, and community partnerships to provide a welcoming, inclusive, and responsive church environment to persons and families affected by mental illness. |
