Emotional Health of Clergy & Clergy Family Wellness Study
The Clergy Wellness Report, published in 2006,
identified the emotional health of clergy as an area warranting further
research as the Episcopal Church pursues the goal of wellness. The report
called specifically for research on causal factors, treatment issues,
strategies for alleviating stress and depression, and the ability to
extrapolate from research data implications for the whole Church system.
The Wellness Report also called for research on the dynamics
and forces impacting clergy families, including identifying key areas of
wellness and ways the Church might employ sustainable and strategic resources
to address clergy family issues.
The objectives of this collaborative project with CREDO
Institute, Inc. are:
- Present
an accurate picture of the present state of clergy emotional health in
general and in The Episcopal Church specifically, identifying not only
where clergy are struggling, but also areas in which they are thriving
relative to the general population.
- Present
an accurate picture of the emotional wellness of clergy families in The
Episcopal Church and their effect on clergy wellness.
- Assess
the current status of access and utilization of resources to promote
emotional wellness among Episcopal clergy and their families.
- Compile
data that will facilitate the development of practical applications across
all levels of The Episcopal Church to foster the emotional well-being of
clergy and their families.
Following a joint survey with the Issues of Ordained Women project
titled “Called to Serve,” the data are currently undergoing analysis. Findings
are expected to be released in 2009.
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