First Congregational Church of Ramona Becomes a WISE Congregation in the United Church of Christ

First Congregational Church of Ramona is proud to announce that it has officially been recognized as a WISE (Welcoming, Inclusive, Supportive, Engaged) Congregation for Mental Health within the United Church of Christ (UCC). This designation affirms the church’s deep commitment to fostering a faith community where mental health is addressed with compassion, understanding, and theological care.

The WISE initiative, developed by Mental Health Network UCC, equips congregations to become places of belonging and support for individuals living with mental health challenges and disabilities, as well as their families and caregivers. Through education, advocacy, and intentional practices of inclusion, WISE Congregations work to dismantle stigma and embody the love of Christ in tangible ways.

Our call is simple but profound: to live a life of love. Becoming a WISE Congregation is not just a programmatic step—it is a theological commitment rooted in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. We believe that no pain, struggle, or diagnosis can separate anyone from the love of God.

This milestone follows the congregation’s adoption of our WISE Covenant for Mental Health, unanimously approved at the Annual Meeting on January 25, 2026. The covenant outlines the church’s commitment across four key dimensions:

• Welcoming – Creating a community of radical hospitality where all people, especially those living with mental health challenges and disabilities, are embraced with dignity and love.

• Inclusive – Affirming the full humanity and giftedness of every person and ensuring full participation in the life and leadership of the church.

• Supportive – Walking alongside individuals and families with compassion, offering resources, and cultivating a culture of care.

• Engaged – Partnering with community organizations and continuing to learn, advocate, and serve in ways that promote mental health awareness and justice.

Grounded in the belief that every person bears the image of God, the church’s covenant emphasizes that mental health challenges and disabilities are not barriers to belonging but are part of the diverse ways God is revealed in human life. Drawing on the witness of the crucified and risen Christ, the congregation affirms that God meets people in the depths of suffering and brings forth hope and new life.

As a WISE Congregation, First Congregational Church of Ramona joins a growing movement across the UCC to create faith communities where stories of struggle and resilience can be shared openly and without fear.

For more information about the WISE initiative, visit the Mental Health Network UCC website.