Governance, grief and religious communities

Governing can involve grief even for religious communities. Tim Williams CM, draws attention to new forms of governance that are being employed by religious congregations in order to continue some of their apostolic works. These forms challenges congregations to look at new ways of doing ministries and to foster more collaboration.  Specifically, he reflects on some of the complications that can arise for leaders and members of religious congregations as they move forward into the future. The process often involves “letting go” and grieving.

The article, including some reflection questions, can be downloaded in PDF format through the link: Governance Boards and PJPs – Good Grief !  Also in Word format Governance-Boards-and-PJPs-Good-Grief-

He concludes…

Grief can be tough, but fruitful. At the heart of working through grief is the willingness, no matter how uncomfortable, to “let go” in order to move on. In respect to the above comments, it might mean the willingness to let go of the desire for control of, or involvement in, a particular work or ministry in order to let the work continue. This of course cannot be forced, but there are ways to encourage the process of grief to move forward.

These might include:

1. Dialogue between all “stakeholders” with respect, empathy and compassion.

2. Providing some form of “What will the new situation look like ?” in order to lessen fear of the future.

3. Helping members of a congregation to look at new ways of being and doing in ministry which are consistent with the ethos and spirit of a congregation and which support finding meaning and focus – a reason to be and to do.

4. Allowing Boards and CEOs to do their work with encouragement and empowerment rather than hindrance and control.

Grief is part of many aspects of our lives, and is not something that can be avoided completely, though it can be alleviated and can be the prelude to finding a new meaning in life. Changing the mode of governance of a work is just one important aspect of our lives where the possibility of grief has to be taken into account .

Fr. Williams is the Provincial Director of the Daughters of Charity in Australia.

Graphic courtesy of http://www.asdf.org.in/

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Tags: Tim Williams