Moral Injury is the profound psychological, social and spiritual distress that occurs when an individual witnesses, 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 St. James’s hosted a session on moral injury and the climate crisis. This was in response to our deepening anxiety over our complicity in the crisis and our anger toward the corporations and governments that perpetuate it. 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 crisis. This was a time for mutual support and encouragement. We’re now continuing with monthly drop-in sessions.
On Sunday 11th October at 6pm-7pm, the Earth Justice team will host an online drop-in session about moral injury repair and the climate crisis. You can join using the Zoom link below. No need to register in advance.
This session is one of a series from July to November, held on every second Sunday of the month. You welcome to attend just one of the sessions or all of them. The sessions will be on 12th July, 9th August, 13th September, 11th October and 8th November.
These sessions will be facilitated by the Rev. Joan Ishibashi. Please contact Joan at revjishi@gmail.com for more information, or simply drop in to any of the sessions.
Image: Detail from the 13th century mosaic in the Archbasilica of Saint John Lateran, Rome. Credit: Fr Lawrence Lew O.P