According to a news release made available to the ASSIST News Service, The Gathering on Mental Health and the Church is designed to encourage individuals living with mental illness, educate family members, and equip church leaders to provide effective and compassionate care to anyone facing the challenges of mental illness.

"It's so important that people know, no matter how desperate their despair, there is hope, and not to give up," said Kay Warren speaking in the release.

She added, "We want this to be a hopeful event that encourages individuals and helps them realize they are not alone in dealing with mental illness."

This event marks the first initiative in the Warren's mission to remove the stigma of mental illness following the April 5 passing of their son Matthew, who struggled with mental illness.

"Any other part of the body, you can have it hurt and there is no shame in it," Rick Warren said in the release.

He continued, "If your brain doesn't work right, why do you have stigma? It's just another organ in your body."

According to the National Institutes of Health, one in four adults—approximately 61.5 million Americans—experiences mental illness in a given year. One in 17—about 13.6 million—live with a serious mental illness such as schizophrenia, major depression or bipolar disorder.

The first place many go for help is to their faith leader.

"As a Catholic community of faith we are blessed to join with the Warren family, NAMI-OC and the Saddleback community in co-hosting this important gathering," said Bishop Vann in the news release.

He added, "It is my hope that this opportunity for prayer, support, dialogue and education will encourage our society to share the healing mission and the love of Christ with those who suffer from mental illnesses."

The Gathering on Mental Health and the Church will take place from 8:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. PDT at the main campus of Saddleback Church in Lake Forest, California.

Tickets for the Worship Center and overflow locations are currently available for $20. The event will also be webcast live, with additional details to be announced soon.

For more information or to purchase tickets, Click Here.

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