Faith Communities Workgroup of the NMSuicide Prevention Coalition: We recognize the important role that spirituality makes in people's ability to cope with having or caring for a friend, or family member with a mental illness or suicidal ideation or ministering to those whose lives have been affected by suicide. people often look to their faith leaders for help but leaders don’t have the language to offer the compassionate care necessary. Faith institutions can play a huge role in reducing the stigma of mental illness and suicide by being open to learning more.