Letters from the week of 15 - 22 July 2018

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Clergy Narcissim

Thank you for your article on clergy abuse. As a priest and hospital chaplain I frequently meet individuals whose perception of God has been skewed by clergy or churches who have surrendered to their "power shadow" causing harm to individuals who are simply looking for guidance and direction in life's journey. The examples of Jesus and his servant leadership should provide us with a archetype of how those of us called into ordained orders should care for those in our care yet far too often the building of personal kingdoms becomes the driver.

While we acknowledge the devastation of sexual abuse by those in power we are only beginning to understand how abuse of power and privilege harms those who look to clergy for direction, support, nurture and guidance.

Many gifted people have been driven away or damaged because of the ego of leaders, unwilling to share their kingdom with others.

I am glad that just a psycho-sexual testing is provided to candidates for Holy Orders, likewise an understanding of/and profiling for the power shadow and narcissistic drives that may sabotage our ability to nurture others unselfishly is being considered for those exploring ministry.

The Rev. Donald Shields
St Thomas, Brooklin, Whitby, Ontario
planet.shields@gmail.com
18 July 2018

We launched our 'Letters to AO' section on 11 May 2003. All published letters are in our archives.