How can I help individuals, including those working through mental health challenges, feel welcomed and included at church?

Individuals need to feel loved and accepted at church. Everyone can make efforts to help others feel welcomed, but don’t worry if your efforts seem to be unsuccessful. Your attempts to help will not always be perfect, but being aware of your own thoughts, words, and behaviors that might exclude others, and then striving to adjust them, is an important step. Love others, and help them feel God’s love through your genuine concern for them.

In these videos, leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints reassure those who may feel unwelcome in the Church that they are loved and needed. They also encourage members to befriend others, regardless of perceived differences. Although these videos do not necessarily address mental health directly, the principles apply.

Elder D. Todd Christofferson speaks to the question of “Is there a place for me?”

Sister Cristina B. Franco discusses the importance of inclusion and respect and explains that we are all needed.

Elder Ulisses Soares discusses how the gospel of Jesus Christ teaches us to have empathy for all people.

Sister Carol F. McConkie encourages us to be aware that many individuals come to church and feel judged. She reminds us to not allow judgment to impact the way we interact with others.

Elder Patrick Kearon reminds us that we all want to be included.