New publication on moral injury in the church

Rhona says, “Moral injury is increasing being recognised in different contexts. The church is no exception. The aim of this book is to provide an accessible framework to help the reader to notice, name and navigate the complex and changing waters of moral injury, discerning how to respond to it as individuals and as the body of Christ.”

The title of this book is based on a one-day conference on moral injury that took place in Newcastle Cathedral in May 2025 organised by Maggi Creese, the Chaplain to Survivors in the Diocese of Newcastle, and informed and supported by a group of survivors of church-related abuse.

Having set the context of moral injury through the voices people who have suffered church-related abuse, it explores three ways of understanding moral injury: personal, communal and structural. It considers moral injury in the narrative of Bathsheba and David. Through the work of Sarah Troughton on Peter’s betrayal it reflects on the nature and processing of moral injury and considers what healing might look like. Finally, while not denying the wrong of moral injury, it considers what treasures might be found in its darkness.

It is available in paperback form and as an instant download at Grove Books.

Rhona was a GP and medical educator for 25 years. She was ordained in 2015 and led on teaching pastoral care at Lincoln School of Theology. Although now retired she continues to research, write and teach particularly in the area of boundaries and trauma in ministry. She is a retreat leader, spiritual director and pastoral supervisor. She enjoys reading, theatre, art, creativity and the outdoors.