In accordance with the United Methodist Social Principles (para 162.D2), we believe that suicide does not bar people from God's grace, which is all-sufficient. We urge pastors and local congregations to establish appropriate protocols in responding to people considering suicide and the survivors of suicide attempts. Such protocols should include referrals to experienced counselors or medical professionals. Rather than ostracizing or condemning survivors or family members affected by suicide, we urge pastors and congregations to provide compassion and support to these people.

In accordance with the United Methodist Book of Resolutions (resolution 3241), deaconesses and home missioners believe in the sacred worth of all people, and urge our local congregations to:

1) affirm through worship and other means the saving power of God's redeeming love, particularly in instances of suicide, suffering, and death;

2) embrace all persons affected by suicide, including young children, in loving community through support groups and responsive ministries and programs;

3) call upon the media and other social institutions to emphasize the importance of human life and dignity and to avoid the glamorization of suicide, particularly among teens;

4) advocate for social and economic policies that promote mental, spiritual, and physical well-being and increased health and wellness;

5) denounce policies and practices that devalue human life and lead to increased risk of suicide among high risk groups, e.g., growing economic disparities, outbreaks of war and conflict, and the persistence of institutional racism;

6) support United Methodist institutions that provide suicide prevention and care services for emotionally troubled children, youths and adults, as well as retirement homes that provide care and support for older adults;

7) strengthen outreach and ministry to local youths, helping young people to experience concretely the saving grace of Jesus Christ in the context of caring and supportive church community.

Helplines

988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: This is a 24-hour, toll-free, confidential suicide prevention hotline available to anyone in suicidal crisis or emotional distress. Calls are routed to the nearest crisis center in a national network, where callers receive crisis counseling and mental health referrals.

• Call or text 988
• Chat at 988lifeline.org

The Trevor Project's 24/7 Suicide Hotline for Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Youth: Call 1-866-488-7386 or text START to 678-678.

Disaster Distress Helpline: Call or text 1-800-985-5990 (press 2 for Spanish).

Veteran's Crisis Line: 988, then select 1, or Crisis Chat, or text: 838255