Whose Fault Is It?
Other professions have successfully used long-term programs for restoring impaired professionals for decades. Whether their problems were related to alcohol, other addictions or severe mental health disorders; doctors, pharmacists, pilots and many others all had a path to recovery and restoration to their profession. Why are so many denominations and regional governing bodies so far behind?
Whose fault is it that religious organizations have been so slow to catch on? The data are clear. A survey of over 50,000 adults in 2023 revealed that 1 in 6 suffers from a behavioral health disorder. Other studies show that we clergy are even more vulnerable to these disorders than others.
Whose fault is it? Governing leaders? When a problem is not being addressed, I have a fondness for blaming the people in charge – unless I’m the one in charge, of course. But in this case, blaming the leaders is a mistake. Sure, I can just say, “The leaders don’t care or they’re in denial,” and walk away feeling justified.
But that response accomplishes nothing. The reality is more complex. It’s not their fault. There are solid reasons why governing officials often miss seeing the addictive or mental health disorders of their clergy.
- They don’t have the opportunity to observe clergy on a daily basis.
- Clergy know how to look proper, especially in front of “the boss.”
- With their excellent verbal and intellectual defenses, clergy can explain away problem officials might see.
- Many congregants love their clergy and protect them from consequences.
- Officials have little or no training in seeing behavioral health disorders.
- When officials see the need, they do not believe there is a better solution than the ones they are using now.
- Officials may see the need and want better solutions, but there desk is piled high with other problems. This one is not the most urgent.
It’s not their fault. Nevertheless CRIC’s mission is to help church governing authorities overcome these challenges. We’ve come a long way toward developing the approach of “Compassionate Accountability”. We are now ready to connect with these authorities so they can incorporate these best practices with their clergy. We are beginning to seek partnerships with governing authorities. You can help us make those connections.
Just Say “No Thanks”
Compassionate Accountability is the newsletter of The Center for the Restoration of Impaired Clergy. You receive it since you indicated an interest in the Center’s work. To stop it, just say “No Thanks.” The newsletter is assembled by Otto Schultz so address your complaints and questions to OttoBSchultz@outlook.com.