Do you have questions about the meaning of some of the terms and teachings of The United Methodist Church? In this series, we ask clergy to share their understanding of topics. No preaching, just conversation. In this episode we discuss what the church says about suicide with the Rev. Beth Richardson, from Upper Room Ministries in Nashville, Tennessee.
Transcript:
The Rev. Beth Richardson, Upper Room Ministries: “Through the years, the church has said that suicide is an unforgiveable sin. But we know from our teachings in The United Methodist Church that there are no unforgiveable sins. The United Methodist Church acknowledges that suicide is not the ending that God would wish for us or for anyone but that if someone has committed suicide, that person is not separated from God. That person lives in the heart of God. We are all people who are created in the love of God, created with sacred worth and nothing, neither life nor death, can separate us from the love of God. No matter who we are or what we have done, we are held in God’s love and we can rejoice in that. So, if you or someone you love is considering suicide, please, reach out for help; call 9-1-1, call your pastor, call your parent or call a friend. We need you here in this world of ours. You are a person of sacred worth.”
Tag:
To find a pastor to talk with and a church to visit, try Find-A-Church. The suicide prevention hotline in the U.S. is 1-800-273-8255.
View entire series Reflections on our Faith.
This video was produced by United Methodist Communications in Nashville, TN.
Media contact is Joe Iovino.
This video was first posted on February 16, 2018.
