Holy Havoc: Chaplains as First Responders in Healing Spiritual Abuse

Abstract

Spiritual abuse occurs when an authority figure causes harm to a person in the name of God or a faith community, thereby diminishing that person's sense of self. Spiritual abuse crosses religious boundaries and may be subtle or overt, mild or traumatic. As chaplains function outside the local faith community and provide support without an agenda toward a singular theological persuasion, they are well suited to serve as “first responders.” Following established theories of abuse recovery, chaplains' interventions may help individuals to move beyond unhealthy religious encounters toward a deeper, healthier spirituality.

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Melanie Childers

Melanie Childers MDiv MA BCC is director of pastoral car at Watauga Medical Center, Boone, NC. A licensed pastoral counselor, she is endorsed by the United Church of Christ.