How tragic the Northern Illinois University shootings. We mourn the victims. But let us not forget that the victims include 27-year-old University of Illinois graduate student Steven Kazmierczak.

Steven was a victim of mental illness. While we do not know at the time of this writing what type of mental illness he suffered from, or why he discontinued his medication, it is important for us to remember during this sad time that it was not Steven, but his illness that brought turmoil and tragedy to NIU.

While we grieve for the families and friends of these young people, we should also grieve for those burdened by the weight of illness so few understand. The church is no exception.

It is an unfortunate reality that some churches continue to abuse the mentally ill by promoting a message that blames such illness on unrepentant sin and discourages its members from psychiatric treatment in the form of counseling or medication.

For those with severe mental illness, such advice not only brings more unnecessary pain and shame; such advice can be a death sentence.

Let this be an opportunity for those of us in helping positions to raise awareness about mental illness and to work for more readily accessible and affordable services and treatment.

Let us pray for those who often suffer silently, and let us work to remove the stigma that so often accompanies mental illness.

Let us open the doors of our churches to receive everyone with the love and compassion of Christ, and so be an agent of healing.

Rev. Jan Proeber

Lexington

The writer is pastor, Church of Christ, Uniting (Disciples of Christ), Lexington.

Do you agree?