Churches 'Must Address' Pressures On Clergy

Churches must address the pressure put on members of the clergy who support parishioners through traumatic experiences, according to a PhD researcher at the University of Ulster.

Jill Hendron’s research showed that 'second trauma' can often be a significant stress on the lives of those in the clergy.

"People often turn to the church when they are experiencing a traumatic time in their life," she said.

"In these situations, clergy can also experience the emotional weight of the problems, which they are supporting individuals, families or communities through. This experience is known as secondary trauma.

"It is well documented that there is a cost to caring professionals supporting those who have experienced trauma and crisis. They may be impacted by their vicarious exposure to the trauma others have experienced."

The severity of the situation was illustrated recently with the suicide of Father Matt Wallace, 69, who had been based in west Belfast for four decades.

It was reported that a growing demand placed on a diminishing number of priests is both physically and mentally challenging.

"While the issues of stress and burnout within the ministry have previously been examined, little is known about the impact upon clergy as a result of supporting individuals, families and communities through their daily pastoral ministry."

Explaining her research, Dr Hendron said: "Clergy spoke of a range of barriers to them seeking help. Some of these involved a lack of organisational structures; the stigma of seeking help and how their superiors and their parishioners would view this negatively; the lack of sympathy from the public and the media due to the clerical abuse scandal.

"Dealing with secondary trauma is an important issue and one which needs to be recognised and addressed at organisational (Church) and parish level, and by the clergy themselves in order to ensure their well-being and the sustainability of their ministry."

(IT/CD)