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Good morning It was heart-breaking to hear about the circumstances which led to the tragic death of Beth Matthews, the 26-year-old mental health blogger. Beth’s dad and sister spoke on yesterday’s programme about how the family were coping after this week’s inquest and the issues Beth’s case had raised. We hear calls for mental health reform and for there to be a multi-disciplinary approach to the issue. My own faith community, I would argue, has an essential part to play in this process and there is a lot of work to do. Throughout my ministry I have tried to help and support people either dealing with mental health issues themselves or their loved ones and carers. In my own family and circle of friends I see the challenges and blessings of those who struggle daily with the consequences of a wide range of conditions as I am sure many of you listening this morning do the same. You are not alone. On Thursday, the Parliamentary Joint Committee of the Draft Mental Health Bill published their detailed report. There were three themes that I picked out from it: freedom, choice and equality. freedom so that fewer people are detained against their will; choice, for those looking after loved ones; and equality – addressing racial biases in the mental health system. Now, I want the church to incorporate these values into a new theology of mental health – one that is centred on God’s unconditional love for his creation. In a wide-ranging series of essays, entitled Spirituality, Theology and Mental Health, the editor, Christopher Cook, argues that the three are “intimately related.” Because of the poor track record, over decades, of many faith groups he understands the vociferous voices opposed to “any link between spirituality and healthcare”. But his conclusion is that “theology in the broadest sense, does have a contribution to make to our understanding of the human condition – including conditions of mental and ill health.” It helps us to see the whole person, unique and complex as each of us are! Churches need to acknowledge the damage that has been done in the name of faith. They need to emphasise a new theology of care. This will inform a pastoral response encouraging more people to seek the right kind of help.