Grace Is a Pre-existing Condition: Faith, Systems, and Mental Healthcare

DAVID FINNEGAN-HOSEY is the College Chaplain and Director of Campus Ministries at Barton College in Wilson, North Carolina. He is the author of Christ on the Psych Ward. In 2011, David was diagnosed with bipolar disorder after a series of psychiatric hospitalizations. He now speaks and writes about the intersections among mental illness, mental health, and faith. David lives in Wilson with his wife, Leigh, and their dog, Penny Lane.

“As someone with bipolar II disorder who works in the church, I found this narrative an especially compelling reminder that God isn’t done with me, the church, or anyone who suffers in this way. This book is what the church needs as we continue to de-stigmatize and reimagine how we care for those who are struggling the most.”
— Rev. Robert W. Lee, Pastor of Unifour Church and author of A Sin by Any Other Name

“This book is for anyone who lives with mental illness, anyone who loves someone who does, anyone who has tried to navigate the complexities of our healthcare system, and anyone who thinks we can—and should—do better.”
— Rev. Lee Hull Moses, Chief of Staff, Office of the General Minister, and President, Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)

“By God’s grace, David shows us how we can courageously ‘step into the big, bold, conversation of many stories and many voices that we must have if we are to see change in the way we treat people with mental health struggles in our faith communities, in our country.’”
— Rev. Dr. Sarah Lund, Minister for Disabilities and Mental Health Justice for the United Church of Christ