Moral Injury

Is your ministry equipped to address moral injury?

Your congregation may know about burnout or PTSD—but many have never heard the term moral injury. It’s a deep soul wound that occurs when someone sees, does, or permits something that violates their core moral beliefs.

Imagine a young person forced to stay silent about abuse. A healthcare worker choosing which patient receives care. A church member turning a blind eye out of fear. These moments leave a lasting spiritual mark—not just psychological distress.

As a trauma-informed leader, it’s vital to recognize the spiritual dimension of moral injury—and to create safe spaces where confession isn’t met with condemnation, but compassion.

Moral injury thrives in silence and shame. But when leaders hold space for people to speak the unspeakable—and still be loved—healing begins.

Scriptural Foundation:

📖 Psalm 147:3 – “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.”
→ God doesn’t only heal the visible—we’re invited to help bind soul wounds too.

📖 Galatians 6:1 – “If someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently…”
→ Restoration, not judgment, should be our first response.

📖 James 5:16 – “Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed…”
→ Safe confession within community can lead to spiritual restoration.

Personal Reflection:

Does your ministry address moral injury with grace—or does it assume all guilt is willful sin?

Action Step:

Host a conversation with your leadership team or volunteers. Reflect together:

• Do we understand moral injury?

• How can we become a refuge for people carrying invisible shame?

Consider sharing this concept in a sermon, support group, or healing workshop.