NEWS RELEASE
April 10, 2001
Clergy find it
hard to be holy
New research shows that many church leaders are struggling to
have meaningful relationships with both people and God. They commonly have few friends,
poor general relating skills, lack intimacy with their partners or those closest to them,
and experience loneliness.
In addition, the research found that clergy who were most
lonely also had a less personal relationship with God, often seeing prayer or Bible
reading as part of an already stressful workload.
The findings are part of an important study of 60 clergy from
five major denominations in southern NSW, conducted by Dr Paul
Whetham, lecturer in counselling at the University of South Australia.
"It seems that specialising in God, Bible and church is
no guarantee for developing your relationships with God and others," Dr Whetham said.
"Indeed, if you work predominantly in a church environment this can ironically hinder
your relationships."
"As one research participant said ‘most people
don’t have a clue how untogether most of us are’. What this research has
uncovered is that clergy are often so busy meeting other people’s needs, that their
own needs are constantly on hold."
Dr Whetham said loneliness was shown to be of major concern
since it had also been linked to increasing rates of burnout and sexual misconduct. One in
two now leave the ministry before retirement age, and some lose their faith altogether.
"Whereas clergy were once respected and valued members
of the community, they now find themselves increasingly separate even from their
flocks," he said.
"Professionalism has further deepened the divide between
leaders and their congregations, contributing to their loneliness."
The research also looked at who clergy turn to in times of
trouble. Congregational members were mentioned the least. Yet those clergy who turned to
them for help were significantly less lonely.
Dr. Whetham argues that churches need to re-integrate their
leaders for the sake of their own well being as well as deepening the quality of
relationships across the board.
Further findings from the research and excerpts from
clergy’s own personal stories can be found in Hard to be Holy at http://www.openbook.com.au co-authored with Libby
Whetham, a Gestalt therapist.
Further information:Co-authors Paul and Libby Whetham
Home: 08 8298 9168,Work: 08 8302 2329
Media contact: Michèle Nardelli (08) 8302 0966,
041 8823673
