As a native of Chautauqua County who has returned to live here, I was disappointed and concerned to learn about the seven local United Methodist churches leaving the denomination over LGBTQ+ equality (“Disaffliation Begins for Some Methodist Churches”, June 17th, 2023). I have had direct experience with some of the churches who are disassociating, including two different local UMC churches where my mother’s and nephew’s funerals were held. I am the founder and Board Chairman of Rural Minds, a nationwide not-for-profit organization based in Mayville where I now live. This organization was founded 20 months ago following my nephew’s suicide due to mental illness. He was born and raised in Chautauqua County and tragically died here at age 28. Our organization advocates for the 46 million Americans like my late nephew who live in rural America. Our mission is to help lessen and eventually eliminate the stigma, suffering and silence due to mental illness that still permeates small towns, farms and ranches, mining communities and fishing villages across this country.