‘I love this work, but it’s killing me’: The unique toll of being a spiritual leader today

By: Laura Captari, Boston University and Steven Sandage, Boston University, The Conversation

Outlets: The Conversation

Published: December 7, 2025

Words: 1,327

Last Updated: 1 month ago

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By Laura Captari, Boston University and Steven Sandage, Boston University

Clergy, chaplains and other spiritual leaders play vital roles in their communities, from celebrating life’s most joyous moments to offering comfort and guidance in the face of tragedy.

However, the personal toll of this work on spiritual leaders can be immense, including burnout, trauma and health challenges – and often goes unacknowledged.

There is growing attention to the stresses clergy have experienced amid …

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