Moral Injury is the profound psychological, social and spiritual distress that occurs when an individual witness, perpetrates, or fails to prevent events that deeply contradict their core moral beliefs. The term was first coined by Dr. Jonathan Shay, who witnessed this in Vietnam veterans with whom he worked.
We now identify moral injury in many areas of life. Last year session St. James’s hosted a session on moral injury and the climate crisis, as our anxiety deepens over our complicity in the crisis and our anger grows toward the corporations and governments that perpetuate the degradation of climate and nature. This year we held a Lenten series on moral injury and the climate crisis to enable participants to express their experience of moral trauma in relation to the growing crisis. This was a time for mutual support and encouragement.
As a follow-up to our Lenten series, the Earth Justice team will host an online drop-in session every second Sunday of the month, at 6:00 pm for one hour. We will begin on 12th July and continue monthly until 8th 8 November. The sessions will be facilitated by the Rev. Joan Ishibashi.
Contact Joan at revjishi@gmail.com for more information.
