The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines has urged Catholics, families, communities and government institutions to strengthen mental health services and build a culture of compassion for people experiencing emotional and psychological difficulties.
In a pastoral exhortation released on Friday, CBCP President Archbishop Gilderoy Garcera said the document was prepared through prayer and discernment in response to growing mental health concerns affecting Filipino families and communities.
“This would answer many challenges—in families, Basic Ecclesial Communities, and even government offices. Many do not know where to go, whom to talk to, or who will guide them.
“That is why we prepared this guideline, especially in view of suicide and mental health struggles,” Garcera said during a press conference.
Garcera also appealed to members of the media to help increase public awareness and understanding of mental health concerns.
He said the Church’s response should be grounded in prayer, compassion and a deeper appreciation of the difficulties confronting many Filipinos.
Zamboanga Archbishop Julius Tonel said the pastoral exhortation must be viewed within the context of Catholic teaching.
While the Church maintains that life is sacred and that suicide is morally wrong, Tonel said the faithful are also called to respond to people in distress with mercy instead of judgment.
“The Church teaches that life is sacred; therefore, suicide is wrong. But this teaching also demands compassion. We must not be judgmental but instead walk with those who are suffering. The important word is accompaniment,” Tonel said.
He stressed the need to strengthen counseling programs and broaden outreach efforts for people living with mental illness.
Tonel said priests, parishes and lay ministries must work together to provide care, guidance and hope to individuals facing mental health challenges.
The CBCP said the pastoral exhortation recognizes mental health as both a pastoral and social concern.
It also encourages closer cooperation among families, communities, Church institutions, and government agencies to ensure that people in distress receive empathy, appropriate support, and access to necessary assistance, rather than being left in isolation.