Core Competencies for Clergyand Other Pastoral Ministers

In Addressing Alcohol and DrugDependence and the

Impact on Family Members

Substance Abuse and The Family:Defining The Role of The Faith Community

Report of an Expert Consensus Panel MeetingFebruary 26-27, 2003

Washington, DC

Core Competencies for Clergy and OtherPastoral Ministers in Addressing

Alcohol and Drug Dependence and theImpact on Family Members

Substance Abuse and the Family:Defining the Role of the Faith Community

Report of an Expert Consensus Panel MeetingFebruary 26-27, 2003

Washington, DC

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

This report was prepared by the National Association for Children of Alcoholics and theJohnson Institute under contract for the Center for Substance Abuse Treatment (CSAT),Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Association (SAMHSA), part of the U.S. Depart-ment of Health and Human Services (DHHS). Clifton Mitchell served as the CSAT Govern-ment Project Officer.

DISCLAIMERThe views, opinions, and content of this publication are those of the conference participantsand authors and do not necessarily reflect the views, opinions, or policies of SAMHSA orDHHS.

PUBLIC DOMAIN NOTICEAll material appearing in this report is in the public domain and may be reproduced or copiedwithout permission from SAMHSA. Citation of the source is appreciated. However, thispublication may not be reproduced or distributed for a fee without the specific, writtenauthorization of the Office of Communications, SAMHSA, DHHS.

ELECTRONIC ACCESS AND COPIES OF PUBLICATIONThis publication may be accessed electronically through the following Internet World WideWeb connection: www.samhsa.gov. For additional free copies of this document please callSAMHSA’s National Clearinghouse for Alcohol and Drug Information at 1-800-729-6686 or1-800-487-4889 (TTD).

RECOMMENDED CITATIONCore Competencies for Clergy and Other Pastoral Ministers in Addressing Alcohol and DrugDependence and the Impact On Family Members DHHS Pub. No. XXXX. Rockville, MD:Center for Substance Abuse Treatment, Substance Abuse and Mental Health ServicesAdministration, [2004].

ORIGINATING OFFICECenter for Substance Abuse Treatment, Substance Abuse and Mental Health ServicesAdministration, 5600 Fishers Lane, Rockville, MD 20857Printed 2004

Table of Contents

Page

Introduction ............................................................................................................ i

Core Competencies for Clergy and Other Pastoral Ministers ................................... iii

Report of the February 2003 Expert Consensus Panel Meeting ............................... 1

Appendix A: Meeting Participants ........................................................................... 15

Appendix B: 2001 Report Executive Summary and Recommendations .................. 21

Appendix C: Suggested Tools for Seminary Training .............................................. 25

Appendix D: Selected Bibliography......................................................................... 27

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Introduction

The benefits of engaging the faith commu-nity in both the prevention and treatment ofsubstance abuse and dependence cannot beoverstated. According to SAMHSA’s NationalSurvey of Drug Use and Health, today, anestimated 7.7 million persons aged 12 orolder need treatment for an illicit drugproblem; 18.6 million need treatment for analcohol problem. Compounding the prob-lem, countless individuals in need of servicescannot or do not receive them. Of the 7.7million who need treatment for an illicitdrug problem, only 1.4 million individualsreceived treatment at a specialty substanceabuse facility. Of those not getting neededtreatment, an estimated 362,000 reportedthey knew they needed treatment – amongthem, approximately 88,000 who hadsought but were unable to get the treatmentthey needed.

SAMHSA has been responding to the needsof people with or at risk for substance usedisorders creatively, thoughtfully, and withan eye toward outcomes that can be mea-sured by lives of dignity and productivity.SAMHSA’s vision is of a life in the commu-nity for everyone, a vision that is a hallmarkof President Bush’s New Freedom Initiative.SAMHSA is achieving that vision by empha-sizing the twin goals of building resilienceand facilitating recovery. In collaborationwith the States, national and local commu-nity-based organizations, and public andprivate sector providers, we are working toensure that people with or at risk for sub-stance use disorders have an opportunity forlives that are rich and rewarding, thatinclude jobs, homes, and meaningful rela-

tionships with family and friends. Theengagement of the faith community is anintegral part of that effort, particularly at thelocal level.

Thus, in November 2001, SAMHSA sup-ported a meeting of an expert panel onseminary education, convened in collabora-tion with the National Association for Chil-dren of Alcoholics (NACoA) and the JohnsonInstitute (JI). That panel recommended thedevelopment of a set of “core competencies”– basic knowledge and skills clergy need tohelp addicted individuals and their families.To help develop those core competencies,SAMHSA, again joined by NACoA and JI,convened a more broadly based panelmeeting in Washington, DC, on February 26-27, 2003. This report details the content ofthat meeting and the resulting core compe-tencies recommended as a result of thecollective work of the meeting participants.

The Structure of the CoreCompetenciesRecognizing that clergy and other pastoralministers have an array of opportunities toaddress problems of alcohol and drugdependence based on their own positions(e.g., small vs. large congregations, adult vs.youth ministries), panelists agreed that corecompetencies should provide a generalframework with application to diversepastoral situations. The core competenciesshould reflect the scope and limits of thetypical pastoral relationship and should bein accord with the spiritual and social goalsof such a relationship. Panelists delineatedthe multiple, intersecting roles of the major-

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ity of clergy and other pastoral ministers: tocomfort and support individuals, to createcommunities of mutual caring within con-gregations, and to educate the congregation,and sometimes the larger community, aboutissues of importance to individual andcommunity well-being. They recognized thateach pastoral role offers specific opportuni-ties to address alcohol and drug dependenceand their impact on individuals and families.Panelists also recognized that each opportu-nity is unique, requiring a particular set ofknowledge and skills.

Summarizing the Clergy’s Base ofKnowledge and SkillsPanelists agreed that, if clergy are to inte-grate work on alcohol and drug dependenceinto their pastoral roles, they need basicfacts about these illnesses and their impacton the individual and family members. Theyneed to be knowledgeable about:

• The neurological mechanisms andbehavioral manifestations of alcohol anddrug dependence

• The effects of alcohol and drugs oncognitive functioning

• The role alcohol or drugs may play inthe life of an individual

• The various environmental harms posedby alcohol and drug dependence tofamilies, workplaces, and society as awhole

• The experience of alcohol and drugdependence; how alcohol or drug useaffects the “inner world” of the indi-vidual using them and how it can affectfamily members

Panelists also suggested that clergy shouldbe able to articulate a “theological anthro-pology” of addiction, able to understand andexplain in religious terms how addiction is abarrier to spirituality and how recovery canbe achieved. The texts and liturgical prac-tices of each individual faith can serveas important resources in these efforts.

Recommendations: Next StepsHaving developed a list of “Core Competen-cies for Clergy and Other Pastoral Ministersin Addressing Alcohol and Drug Dependenceand the Impact on Family Members,” thepanel suggested both strategies to communi-cate the competencies and tools to assist inintegrating the competencies into clergytraining. Suggestions included a publicawareness campaign directed to religious,professional, and lay audiences; seminarycurricula; pastoral care guides; and educa-tional programs. (See pp. 11-12)

The purpose of the meeting was to develop corecompetencies that would enable clergy and other

pastoral ministers to break through the wall ofsilence, and to encourage faith communities tobecome actively involved in the effort to reducealcoholism and drug dependence and mitigate

their impact on families and children.

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Core Competencies for Clergy and Other Pastoral Ministers In AddressingAlcohol and Drug Dependence and the Impact On Family Members

These competencies are presented as a specific guide to the core knowledge, attitudes, andskills essential to the ability of clergy and pastoral ministers to meet the needs of persons

with alcohol or drug dependence and their family members.

1. Be aware of the:· Generally accepted definition of alcohol and drug dependence· Societal stigma attached to alcohol and drug dependence

2. Be knowledgeable about the:· Signs of alcohol and drug dependence· Characteristics of withdrawal· Effects on the individual and the family· Characteristics of the stages of recovery

3. Be aware that possible indicators of the disease may include, among others: marital conflict, familyviolence (physical, emotional, and verbal), suicide, hospitalization, or encounters with the criminaljustice system.

4. Understand that addiction erodes and blocks religious and spiritual development; and be able toeffectively communicate the importance of spirituality and the practice of religion in recovery,using the scripture, traditions, and rituals of the faith community.

5. Be aware of the potential benefits of early intervention to the:· Addicted person· Family system· Affected children

6. Be aware of appropriate pastoral interactions with the:· Addicted person· Family system· Affected children

7. Be able to communicate and sustain:· An appropriate level of concern· Messages of hope and caring

8. Be familiar with and utilize available community resources to ensure a continuum of care for the:· Addicted person· Family system· Affected children

9. Have a general knowledge of and, where possible, exposure to:· The 12-step programs – AA, NA, Al-Anon, Nar-Anon, Alateen, A.C.O.A., etc.· Other groups

10. Be able to acknowledge and address values, issues, and attitudes regarding alcohol and drug useand dependence in:· Oneself· One’s own family

11. Be able to shape, form, and educate a caring congregation that welcomes and supports personsand families affected by alcohol and drug dependence.

12. Be aware of how prevention strategies can benefit the larger community.

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Core Competencies for Clergy and Other PastoralMinisters in Addressing Alcohol and Drug

Dependence and the Impact on Family Members

Report of an Expert Consensus Panel Meeting

Purpose and Scope of the ClergyTraining ProjectThe Substance Abuse and Mental HealthAdministration (SAMHSA), part of the U.S.Department of Health and Human Services,joined with both the Johnson Institute (JI)and the National Association for Children ofAlcoholics (NACoA) to explore ways inwhich the faith community can help addressboth the problems of alcoholism and drugdependence and the harmful impact thesesubstance use disorders have on childrenand families. As part of that effort, theorganizations sought to identify ways inwhich the topic could be incorporated intothe education and training of clergy –ministers, priests, rabbis, deacons, elders,and pastoral ministers, such as lay ministers,religious sisters, among others.

To that end, in November 2001, SAMHSAsupported a meeting of an expert panel onseminary education that was charged withthe job of undertaking an assessment of thestate of seminary training on the subjects ofalcohol and drug use and dependence. Thepanel found that seminary curricula andtraining programs vary extensively acrossthe country, and few offer specific instruc-tion focused on working with parishionerstroubled with alcohol or drug use. Withthose findings, the panel recommended thedevelopment and implementation of a set of

“core competencies” – basic knowledge andskills clergy need to help individuals andtheir families, who also are profoundlyaffected, recover from alcohol or drug useand dependence.

They concluded that a clergy training andcurriculum development project was war-ranted, and delineated a series of steps thatshould be taken to carry it forward. The firstof those steps was to bring faith leaderstogether specifically to delineate those “corecompetencies.” They recommended that thecore competencies” reflect the scope andlimits of the typical pastoral relationship andbe in accord with the spiritual and socialgoals of such a relationship. The goal: toenable clergy and other pastoral ministers tobreak through the wall of silence that sur-rounds alcohol and drug dependence, and tobecome involved actively in efforts to com-bat substance abuse and to mitigate itsdamaging effects on families and children.(For more detail, see Appendix B, ExecutiveSummary, pp 21-23.)

Charge to the 2003 ExpertConsensus PanelTo help develop those core competencies,SAMHSA, again joined by the NationalAssociation for Children of Alcoholics andthe Johnson Institute, convened a morebroadly based panel meeting in Washington,

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DC, on February 26-27, 2003. Panelistsrepresented diverse religious perspectives,levels of leadership, and working experiencewith congregations of diverse socioeconomicstatus, ethnicity, urban and rural location,and geographical region. This report detailsboth the meeting participants’ deliberationsand the core competencies they recom-mended for adoption in clerical training andcontinuing education.

The members of this panel, as the groupbefore them, recognized that the opportuni-ties for clergy to engage in alcohol and drugabuse prevention and intervention varybased on the nature of role of the clergy andthe nature of the congregation. For example,in a small congregation a pastor might havegreater opportunities for one-on-one coun-seling than in a larger congregation. Thatpastor, thus, would be helped by a set ofcompetencies related to alcohol and sub-stance abuse counseling for both the af-fected individual and members of the family.Clergy also can benefit from knowledgeabout locally available Alcoholics Anony-mous (AA), Al-Anon and other 12-stepsupport programs, as well as about others inthe community who are competent aboutaddiction, intervention, and available sup-portive services. In contrast, a member ofthe clergy affiliated with a large congrega-tion might need to develop other strategiesto find help for individuals or to empowerothers to help, either on a paid or volunteerbasis. Work with children and youth requiresyet another set of special skills.

Accordingly, the panelists agreed that thecore competencies developed should providea general framework that incorporates thebasic scope of knowledge and skills allclergy and other pastoral ministers need.

This core set then could be expanded toapply more directly to differing pastoralsituations.

Definitions and Scope of theDiscussionIn this document, the term “clergy” is ageneral term that includes individualstrained for and “called to” or “ordained for”a leadership role in their faith organizations.The term includes, but is not limited to,priests, ministers, deacons, rabbis, elders,and imams. At the same time, many reli-gious denominations also train and callindividuals – among them, religious sisters,lay ministers and nuns – to fill other leader-ship and supportive religious roles. In thisreport, those other individuals are referredto as “other pastoral ministers.” Whatevertheir role, clergy and pastoral ministersoften have opportunities to teach or counselindividuals about alcoholism and drugdependence or to conduct educationalprograms for adults and youth. The trainingand education described in this report,therefore, refers to both clergy and otherpastoral ministers.

The term “pastoral” is used to describe thereligious or spiritual care of individuals.Leaders of congregations and supportivepersonnel perform pastoral functions whenthey counsel individuals or families, visit thesick and disabled, or, in a more general way,sustain religious or spiritual relationshipswith members of their congregations orother recipients of their ministry. The termalso may be applied to functions that do nottake place on a one-to-one basis, preaching,conduct of religious education classes, andthe development of mutual assistanceprograms by lay congregants. The term“congregation” refers to a local, specific

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religious institution – a particular church,synagogue, temple, or mosque, whether ornot there is a specific, permanent physicaledifice associated with the institution.

The overarching focus of the discussionundertaken and recommendations for thecontent of a core curriculum for clergy andother pastoral ministers by meeting partici-pants was defined specifically as alcohol anddrug dependence and the impact on affectedindividuals and all family members. Many ofthe principles and practical suggestionsrecommended by meeting participants mayhave application in relation to other addic-tive behaviors as well.

Preparatory ActivitiesProgram participants received a number ofmaterials in advance of the February 2003meeting, specifically:

• The report summarizing the November14-15, 2001 expert panel meetingconvened by SAMHSA, NACoA and JI.

• A document summarizing the findings ofa similar project, Core Competencies forInvolvement of Health Care Providers inthe Care of Children and Adolescents inFamilies Affected by Substance Abuse.

• Latcovich, MA. The clergyperson and thefifth step, in Spirituality and ChemicalDependency, Robert J. Kus (ed.). NewYork: The Haworth Press, Inc.,1995.

• Gallagher, FA. Related to Alcoholism andIts Impact on Family Members: CoreCompetencies Needed by All Clergy andAny Pastoral Minister, a draft corecompetencies discussion documentprepared specifically for the meeting.

• National Association for Children ofAlcoholics. Core Competencies for Clergyand Pastoral Ministers in AddressingAlcoholism/Addiction and the Impact onFamily Members, a draft discussiondocument prepared with assistance fromphysicians who participated in thedevelopment of core competencies forhealth care providers.

• National Center on Addiction and Sub-stance Abuse (CASA). So Help Me God:Substance Abuse, Religion and Spiritual-ity. New York: Columbia University,November 2001.

Panel members were asked to review thedocuments and be prepared to work toachieve consensus on a set of core compe-tencies for clergy and other pastoral ministers.

Establishing the Context ofDeliberationsActing as meeting facilitator, Jeannette L.Johnson, Ph.D., Director of the ResearchCenter on Children and Youth at the StateUniversity of New York at Buffalo, proposedan initial framework for the process ofdeliberations. She observed that:

• Dependence on alcohol and drugs is ourmost serious national public healthproblem, affecting millions of individualsand their families. It is prevalent in allsocio-economic sectors, regions of thecountry, and ethnic and social groups.

• Most individuals who abuse alcohol ordrugs are productive members of society,not the stereotypical “street drunk.”

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• Because they offer spiritual support toindividuals and communities, faithcommunities are ideally situated to helpsolve the problem, through prevention,intervention, and recovery support.

• A “wall of silence” still stands betweenthe faith community and people withalcohol and drug abuse and dependence,preventing faith communities fromavailing themselves of opportunities tohelp.

The meeting was to develop core competen-cies that would enable clergy and otherpastoral ministers to break through that wallof silence and encourage them to becomeactively involved in the effort to reducealcoholism and drug dependence and tomitigate its impact on families and children.

Meeting participants received informationfrom a broad array of presentations de-signed to reinforce their appreciation of theimportant role to be played by the faithcommunity in responding to alcohol anddrug abuse issues in the work of theirministries.

Sis Wenger, Executive Director, NACoA,reviewed the key findings of the report bythe Center on Addiction and SubstanceAbuse, So Help Me God: Substance Abuse,Religion and Spirituality. She called attentionto two significant “disconnects” that affectresponses to addiction. Clergy often experi-ence a disconnect between their awarenessof alcoholism/addiction as a problem andthe training and skills they have been givento address the problem. Health care provid-ers exhibit a different disconnect:betweenknowledge and action. While they acknowl-

edge that religion and spirituality can beimportant assets in the process of recoveryfrom alcoholism and drug dependence, theygenerally do not emphasize the importance offaith in healing.

In an overview of the science of alcohol anddrug addiction treatment, Substance AbuseTreatment: What Is It? Why Does It SeemIneffective?, A. Thomas McLellan, Ph.D.,Director, Treatment Research Institute,University of Pennsylvania, called attentionto unrealistic expectations and misconcep-tions that lead to the misuse or underuse ofexisting community-based treatment re-sources. In his view, treatment is a long-termprocess, not a single “place, pill, therapy, orreligion.” The real work of recovery includeshelping an individual reintegrate him- orherself into the community, the success ofwhich rests frequently on the availability ofcommunity support.

Dr. McLellan asked meeting participants torecognize the striking parallels betweenalcoholism and drug dependence and otherchronic, debilitating illnesses such as hyper-tension, diabetes, and asthma, and to ac-knowledge that treatment of each of thesechronic conditions must include elementsthat address both individual behavior andthe community environment. He advocatedthe establishment of clerical training andeducation that would enable clergy andother pastoral ministers to present appropri-ate information to their congregations, torecognize the early warning signs of chemi-cal dependence in individuals, to motivatethose individuals to accept treatment, torefer them to treatment, and to organizecongregational support for those in recoveryand their families.

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Sis Wenger made a presentation on theeffects of alcohol and drug dependence onthe family, titled Family Impact-FamilyIntervention. She described the familydynamics of alcoholism and drug depen-dence and their impact on the emotionaldevelopment of children in those families.She pointed out that, at times, these familydynamics play out in faith systems andcongregations, impeding their capacity toassist those affected in a meaningful way.She asked the panel to promote the develop-ment of faith community environments inwhich all members of families affected byaddiction know that their pastors under-stand what they are experiencing, care aboutthem, are available to them, can help themfind emotional and physical safety, and cansupport their healing and spiritual growth.

Rev. Mark A. Latcovich, Ph.D., Vice Presi-dent, Vice Rector, and Academic Dean, SaintMary’s Seminary and Graduate School ofTheology, Cleveland, Ohio, in a presentationtitled Spiritual Components and Signposts,discussed the spiritual dimension of alcoholand drug dependence. He called substancedependence a “systematic deconstruction” ofthe personality, characterized by a loss ofinterest in life, feelings of guilt and self-resentment, and anger toward self, others,and God. He suggested that clergy and otherpastoral ministers can contribute to indi-vidual and family recovery by helping themaddress the fundamental meaning of theirlives and reshape how they think about Godby leading them through a process of recon-ciliation, personal reformation, and reinte-gration into the community.

In the dinner address, Hoover Adger, Jr.,M.D., M.P.H., Director of Adolescent Medi-cine, Johns Hopkins Hospital School of

Medicine, recalled incidents from his pediat-ric practice that crystallized for him theharmful impact of parental alcoholism anddrug dependence on the health of theirchildren. He described how a consortium ofmajor primary health care associations withmembers specializing in the care of childrenand families developed a set of core compe-tencies related to the care of children andadolescents in families affected by alcohol-ism and drug dependence. Dr. Adger dis-cussed the work of the Association forMedical Education and Research in Sub-stance Abuse (AMERSA) both to adopt thecore competencies and develop a trainingprogram for primary health care profession-als specifically on addiction and its impacton children and families. He called uponmeeting participants to embark upon asimilar project to benefit those in faithcommunities.

Panelists’ Reflections on thePotential for ChangeIn response to the presentations that openedthe meeting, participants immediatelyundertook the deliberative process of identi-fying the elements of core competencies forthe training and education of clergy andother pastoral ministers focusing on alcoholand drug abuse and dependence and theirimpact of affected individuals and theirfamily members. The first step was to iden-tify and respond to misconceptions andnegative attitudes that might need to beovercome before either core competencies orrelevant curricula could be adopted rou-tinely in training and education programsfor members of the faith community.

Several participants reflected on the histori-cal failures of faith communities to focus anyattention on the issues of alcohol and drug

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dependence. They observed that by heapingshame or threats of God’s punishment onthose struggling with alcohol or drug depen-dence or addiction, the religious community– and its congregation – actually may bedriving individuals in need and their familiesaway from a significant source of comfort,help, and hope. Moreover, when it is themember of the clergy who suffers fromalcoholism or drug dependence, the un-healthy systemic impact is even more deeplyexperienced within the organization. Onepanelist urged the clergy to help substitutemessages of hope based on the provenefficacy of treatment, the demonstratedreality of recovery, and the role of spiritual-ity in sustaining recovery for negativeattitudes toward alcoholism and drugdependence. Another noted that, while thechurches are imperfect institutions, membersof the clergy can and should lead them tobecome loving communities.

Dr. Sheila B. Blume, M.D., reminded partici-pants of Dr. McLellan’s comment about thewidespread, mistaken, belief that treatmentis ineffective. She spoke of a mythicaltreatment facility – “Nonesuch Detox” – inwhich a small number of patients are grosslyover-represented in the facility’s caseload atany one time. They represent individualswho repeatedly fail at treatment. To thecasual observer, the incorrect impression isleft that alcohol and drug dependence aredifficult to treat, if not impossible, despitesignificant research findings and clinicalexperience to the contrary.

Identifying the Multiple Tasks ofPastoral CareThe next step for participants was to defineand articulate the range of opportunities theclergy has to help. They agreed that a

number of interrelated functions provideclergy and other pastoral ministers with ahost of ways in which the issue of alcoholand drug dependence can be broached.Thus, a major clerical responsibility is tocomfort and support individuals – a taskaccomplished in different ways, based on thenature, size and character of the individualcongregations. In smaller and more cohesiveinstitutions, pastors often develop long-term,personal relationships with individualmembers of their congregations. In largerreligious congregations, they or their assis-tants usually are available for individualcounseling. Members of the clergy alsotypically visit the sick in hospitals and athome, and perform weddings, funerals, andother observances of life’s milestones.

However, the clergy’s role is not limited toserving individuals. They also work to createa community of mutual caring, makingindividual congregants aware of the impor-tance of serving others both within thecongregation and beyond in the outsidecommunity, alerting them to the needs ofothers as they arise, and developing mutualaid programs. The clergy also serve aseducators. This “prophetic” function involvesmessages to the congregation and the largercommunity about issues of importance tospiritual well-being. The messages conveyedgenerally are guided by the text and liturgyof the particular faith tradition.

Participants agreed that each role offers theclergy and other pastoral ministers unique,unparalleled opportunities to address prob-lems of alcohol and drug dependence andtheir impact on the individual, affectedfamily members and friends, and the com-munity at large.

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Caring for and SupportingIndividuals and FamiliesA key message conveyed by meeting partici-pants was that a member of the clergyshould establish an atmosphere in whichindividuals – whether experiencing drug oralcohol dependence or a family member ofsuch a person – are encouraged to acknowl-edge the problem and seek help. When theydo come forward, they should find compas-sion, acceptance, and helpful resources tolead them to the help they need and, ulti-mately, to recovery. Clergy and other pasto-ral ministers should listen sympatheticallyand encourage both the individual andfamily to embark on the journey of recovery.A knowledgeable, supportive individual orgroup within the congregation should beavailable to the affected individuals andfamily members seeking recovery, every stepof the way.

At the same time, members of the clergyshould know that the supportive environ-ment they create does not preclude thepotential for initial backlash or denial by theaffected individuals and family. Clergymembers should not be surprised if eitherhappens and should be prepared to continuea supportive and encouraging role thatpromotes movement toward recovery.

Participants emphasized that the role of theclergy in addressing alcohol and drugdependence is not and cannot be simply amatter of “referring out” to treatment. Whilereferrals may be appropriate, alone they areinsufficient. The clergy or other pastoralminister should ensure that appropriatesupport continues to be available to theindividual and family members, and shouldtake an active role in reintegrating the

individual and family members into the faithcommunity during the process of recovery.

Participants also pointed out that the abilityto make referrals to the most appropriatetreatment or to peer support groups is not asimple task. Clergy must find ways to helpthe individual and family find treatmentresource that meet their individual needsand means. To do so, he or she must havecontact with individuals knowledgeableabout available programs and must besufficiently aware of the circumstances ofthe affected individual and family to helpassure a good match.

A consistent message by participants wasthat children in families experiencing alco-hol or drug abuse or dependence needattention. They may be growing up in homesin which the problems are either denied orcovered up; these children need to havetheir experiences validated. They also needsafe, reliable adults in whom to confide andage-appropriate support services to meettheir special needs. Research evidencecontinues to suggest that chronically high-stress family environments are a risk factorfor potential substance abuse, and bothmental and physical health problems inchildren. They need early interventions fromnurturing, supportive individuals and insti-tutions to help change the risk equation.There is documentation that just beingassociated with the activities of a faithcommunity serves as a protective factor forchildren living in high-risk environments.One participant further noted that familieswith no history of alcoholism or drug depen-dence, but who have children dependent onor addicted to alcohol or drugs, also needthe support and education that could beprovided by faith community leaders.

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Creating Caring Communities andPractices of CaringThe creation of community is a key pastoraltask. The pastor nurtures the attitudes andcommitments by congregants that makepossible the development of programs ofmutual support. Some congregations aredeveloping specific programs focused onaddiction to and dependence on alcohol anddrugs. Faith Partners in Austin, Texas, is oneexample of a program doing just that.Moreover, using a lay “congregational team”approach, it is expanding the concept na-tionwide. One participant noted that, whilethe core competencies need to be imple-mented across cultures and denominations,each faith community also should developand initiate its own particular implementa-tion strategies, attuned to local needs andcircumstances.

Participants pointed out that, to be success-ful, pastors need to be attuned to theircongregations. They need to know how thesocial networks operate: how strong thefamilies are, what extended family resourcesexist, and how the different ages interact.With that knowledge, clergy can build onthese natural social resources to bringsupport to persons with alcohol and drugdependence and their families.

The Clergy’s Prophetic RoleMembers of the clergy lead their congrega-tions by preaching and teaching. They canuse sermons, classes for youth and adults,newsletter articles, and similar activities tohelp their congregants understand the basicmechanisms of drug dependence and addic-tion, and to influence attitudes toward theproblem and the individuals and familiesthat experience its effects.

Because the boundaries between the faithcommunity and the surrounding civic com-munity are not impermeable, this educa-tional process is able to move outward,beyond the individual congregation. Mem-bers of the clergy often have the opportunityto take part directly in community affairsand have the capacity to reach and educatedecision makers on the topics of alcoholismand drug use. In addition, they can workindirectly through the members of theircongregation to change the norms of com-munities in which they live and work.

However, as several participants pointed out,this contextual/communal vision of thechurch as a voice and change-agent withinthe larger community is new and is not areality in all places. Some faith communitiesremain insular, reactive to outside eventsrather than proactive and engaged in theexperience of the larger lay community inwhich the congregation exists. Clergy andother pastoral ministers may need to pro-ceed gently as they introduce their congre-gations to the idea of taking on a morepublic, community-focused role.

The Clergy’s Base of Knowledgeand SkillsParticipants sought to summarize the knowl-edge and skills clergy and other pastoralministers need to integrate work on alcoholand drug dependence and its impact onfamilies into each of these roles. Theyrecognized that, ordinarily, a member of theclergy whose job is to shepherd a congrega-tion would not be an expert in addictiontreatment. However, participants agreed thatsuch an individual definitely should beexpected to know basic facts about alcoholand drug dependence, and have a solid

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understanding of how these problems affectthe individual, family members, and theirfaith community. Clergy and pastoral minis-ters also should be cognizant of availableresources for treatment and recovery bothwithin the congregation and the largercommunity; they should be able to connectpeople with needed services and treatmentresources.

Participants suggested that, in addition tounderstanding the neurological mechanismsof alcohol and drug dependence, clergy andother pastoral ministers also should under-stand the behavioral manifestations ofsubstance use, abuse and dependence. Inthat way, they can be alert to observable signsof substance dependence, enabling them tohelp identify and respond to the problemwhen it surfaces in the congregation. Theyshould know how alcohol and drugs affectcognitive functioning and how it can exacer-bate already present problem behaviors –including emotional disturbances in youthand mental illnesses in adults.

They should be aware of the purpose alcoholor drugs may have in the life of a dependentindividual. For some, substance use mayhave begun in an effort to get temporaryrelief from anxiety; for others it might beused to “self-medicate” psychic and spiritualpain; for others it might be perceived aseasing social situations. Yet, for all of them,alcohol or drug dependence actually causesgreater pain not only for the individual, butalso for the family over the long term.

Clergy and other pastoral ministers alsoshould be aware of the process of with-drawal from alcohol or drugs, what typicallyoccurs during withdrawal; and they shouldbe equipped with knowledge about typical

patterns of relapse and recovery, includingthe distinction between initial abstinenceand recovery. They can better help theircongregants by developing a clear apprecia-tion of why addiction can be so difficult toovercome.

Knowledge is equally critical about thevarious environmental harms caused byaddiction, including the suffering it inflictsin the home on spouses and children and thedifficulties it creates in the workplace. Aworking knowledge of the history of alcohol-ism and drug dependence, and of thechurches’ historical reactions to the problem,would also be useful. Clergy need to knowhow their own denominations and immedi-ate congregation manage it – for better orfor worse – and need to know the position oftheir superiors.

One participant suggested that religiousleaders need to be able to articulate their“theological anthropology;” that is, toexplain in religious terms, the negativeeffects that addictions have on spirituality.They also need to be able to draw upon thetexts and liturgical practices of their faith toarticulate these insights.

Other panelists suggested that clergy shouldbe able to understand how alcoholism anddrug dependence actually are experiencedby the individual, and how this experience ismirrored in family members. It seemedparticularly important to try to understandthe individual’s and family member’s state ofmind that includes confusion about theaddiction itself, conflicts of values, faultymemory, a vast array of uncomfortablefeelings, and a set of counterproductivecoping tactics or survival strategies; in

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summary, a general state of being increas-ingly out of touch with reality.

Last, one participant offered a set of inter-vention action steps that would demonstratemastery of the core competencies. Withtraining to work with their congregants andfamilies struggling with alcohol or drugdependence, clergy and other pastoralministers would:

• Show up. They would be alert to “win-dows of opportunity” for contact, assess-ment, intervention and treatment.

• Be dressed. They would be “preparedinternally” with necessary information,resources, and teaching tools.

• Get through the door. They would knowhow to establish effective healing rela-tionships with those affected by addic-tion.

• Stay in the boat. They would do morethan hand people off to treatment; theywould establish therapeutic allianceswith professionals, congregationalcaregivers, and the affected individualsand their families.

• Know when to leave. They would respectappropriate boundaries and know when tobring their involvement to a conclusion.

It was suggested that these five steps couldserve as a preamble to the twelve core com-petencies identified and delineated by themeeting participants, or alternatively as aneducational tool to illustrate their application.

The Importance of Self-ReflectionParticipants suggested that, in order to besuccessful in fulfilling their multiple roles,clergy and other pastoral ministers mustengage in self-reflection. It has been docu-mented that clergy, too, may have alcohol-ism in their own families and, as others,should acknowledge and deal their ownwounds. They also must be willing to con-front any personal issues related to theirown use of alcohol or drugs.

The Importance of Twelve-StepProgramsThroughout the meeting, participants af-firmed the value of Twelve-Step programs,such as Alcoholics Anonymous, Al-Anon, andAlateen, as critical elements of the long-termprocess of recovery for both individuals andtheir families. One participant reflected that,in his experience as pastor of a large, urbancongregation, individuals who have attainedsobriety over an extended period of timethrough programs such as these, haveproven to be a rich resource when workingwith other individuals and families in thecongregation who are suffering from addic-tion. Yet, all too often, clergy have not takenadvantage of these resources, and generallydo not make referrals to Twelve-Step pro-grams. Claire Ricewasser, Associate Directorof Public Outreach, Al-Anon, reported thatfew Al-Anon members were referred to theorganization initially by clergy. However, shenoted that a substantial proportion (36percent of Al-Anon members and 20 percentof Alateen members in 1999) had receivedreligious or spiritual counseling beforecoming to the program. She expressed hopethat publication and adoption of the corecompetencies would help better alert clergyto the value and availability of Twelve-Stepsupport groups.

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Achieving ConsensusParticipants reviewed each of the draft corecompetencies presented to them at the start ofthe meeting, discussed them at length, maderevisions, and voted on each item individually.They then developed several additionalcompetencies, using the same process. Thenthey approved the list as a whole. (See p. 13)

Recommendations: Next StepsHaving delineated 12 core competencies forclergy and other pastoral ministers, meetingparticipants suggested both a series ofstrategies to communicate those competen-cies to organizations that might use andendorse them, and delineated a set of toolsto be developed to help promote the integra-tion of the core competencies into thetraining of present and future religiousleaders. Their ideas build on a series ofsuggestions made by the 1991 meeting.(See Appendix B, “Executive Summary andRecommendations for Next Steps,” andAppendix C, “Selective Tools for SeminaryTraining”.)

Participants recommended that a publicawareness campaign be developed with aninterdenominational voice to publicize thecore competencies to religious, professional,and lay audiences in inviting language.Among other strategies, it could include –

• Placing articles in professional journalsand in the national popular press aboutthe core competencies and their impor-tance to practicing clergy and otherpastoral ministers;

• Developing a press release announcingthe achievement of consensus withrespect to the core competencies;

• Obtaining endorsements from leadingdenominations and from professionaland advocacy organizations. Participantscould provide lists of the organizationswith which they are affiliated, take thecore competencies to those organiza-tions, and ask them to endorse or re-spond to them.

• Making presentations at denominationalgeneral assemblies, annual conferences,and regional gatherings, explaining thecore competencies, and discussing theirimplications for seminary training andcontinuing education.

Participants also suggested developing thefollowing educational tools based on thecore competencies:

• A continuing education curriculumaddressing alcohol and drug dependenceand their impact on families, coupledwith appropriate responses from thefaith community. This curriculum wouldinclude a “train the trainers” component.

• A pastoral care outline, lending advice toclergy and other pastoral ministers onwhen, how, and to what extent to inter-vene with alcohol or drug dependentindividuals and their families, how toidentify and evaluate community re-sources, and how to help reintegraterecovering individuals into the community.

• A preaching and teaching guide, withsample sermons and appropriate reli-gious texts.

• A bibliography of resources on addictionand spirituality.

12

Meeting participants recommended thepotential development of several educa-tional programs:

• An interdenominational summer trainingprogram on the subject for seminarystudents and pastors. The HebrewCollege in Boston already conducts sucha session for Jewish students and clergy;the course could be given more fre-quently if its student base were ex-panded to include clergy from otherdenominations.

• Training events sponsored by individualseminaries for practicing clergy, includ-ing efforts to encourage self-awarenesson the issues of alcoholism and drugdependence.

Finally, meeting participants affirmed the1991 recommendation that a program of“Mentors” and “Fellows” be established tointegrate training on alcohol and drugdependence into seminary programs, en-abling clergy in training to acquire theknowledge and skills implicit in the corecompetencies. For each major denomination,a “Mentor” would be identified to coordinatethe project within that denomination byguiding professors in their efforts to developprograms or courses. A “Fellow” would beidentified in each seminary, responsible fordeveloping and implementing such a pro-gram. Multi-year stipends would be consid-ered for seminaries, Mentors, and Fellows.

13

Core Competencies for Clergy and Other Pastoral Ministers In AddressingAlcohol and Drug Dependence and the Impact On Family Members

These competencies are presented as a specific guide to the core knowledge, attitudes, andskills essential to the ability of clergy and pastoral ministers to meet the needs of persons

with alcohol or drug dependence and their family members.

1. Be aware of the:· Generally accepted definition of alcohol and drug dependence· Societal stigma attached to alcohol and drug dependence

2. Be knowledgeable about the:· Signs of alcohol and drug dependence· Characteristics of withdrawal· Effects on the individual and the family· Characteristics of the stages of recovery

3. Be aware that possible indicators of the disease may include, among others: marital conflict, familyviolence (physical, emotional, and verbal), suicide, hospitalization, or encounters with the criminaljustice system.

4. Understand that addiction erodes and blocks religious and spiritual development; and be able toeffectively communicate the importance of spirituality and the practice of religion in recovery,using the scripture, traditions, and rituals of the faith community.

5. Be aware of the potential benefits of early intervention to the:· Addicted person· Family system· Affected children

6. Be aware of appropriate pastoral interactions with the:· Addicted person· Family system· Affected children

7. Be able to communicate and sustain:· An appropriate level of concern· Messages of hope and caring

8. Be familiar with and utilize available community resources to ensure a continuum of care for the:· Addicted person· Family system· Affected children

9. Have a general knowledge of and, where possible, exposure to:· The 12-step programs – AA, NA, Al-Anon, Nar-Anon, Alateen, A.C.O.A., etc.· Other groups

10. Be able to acknowledge and address values, issues, and attitudes regarding alcohol and drug useand dependence in:· Oneself· One’s own family

11. Be able to shape, form, and educate a caring congregation that welcomes and supports personsand families affected by alcohol and drug dependence.

12. Be aware of how prevention strategies can benefit the larger community.

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APPENDIX AExpert Panel Participants

AdvisorsTaha Jabir Alalwani, Ph.D.PresidentThe Graduate School of Islamic and Social Sciences750-A Miller Drive, S.E.Leesburg, Virginia 20175

Rev. Robert Albers, Ph.D.PastorCentral Lutheran Church333 S. 12th StreetMinneapolis, Minnesota 55404

Daniel O. Aleshire, Ph.D.Executive DirectorAssociation of Theological Schools10 Summit Park DrivePittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15275-1103

Joseph A. Califano, Jr.ChairmanNational Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse at Columbia University633 Third Avenue, 19th FloorNew York, New York 10017-6706

David I. Donovan, S.J., D.Min.Director of FormationNew England Province, Society of JesusBack Bay AnnexP.O. Box 799Boston, Massachusetts 02117-0799

Rev. Mark A. Latcovich, Ph.D.Vice President, Vice Rector, and Academic DeanSt. Mary’s Seminary Graduate School of Theology28700 Euclid AvenueWickliffe, Ohio 44092-2585

Rev. Vergel L. Lattimore, III, Ph.D.Professor of Pastoral CareMethodist Theological School in Ohio3081 Columbus PikeP.O. Box 8004Delaware, Ohio 43015

Sister Katarina Schuth, O.F.M., Ph.D.Distinguished ProfessorSt. Paul Seminary2260 Summit AvenueSt. Paul, Minnesota 55105-1094

Rev. Dr. Teresa SnortonExecutive DirectorAssociation for Clinical Pastoral Education1549 Clairmont Road, Suite 103Decatur, GA 30033-4611

Rev. C. Roy Woodruff, Ph.D.Executive DirectorAmerican Association of Pastoral Counselors9504 Lee HighwayFairfax, Virginia 22031-2303

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Attendees (* indicates presenters)Hoover Adger, Jr., M.D., M.P.H.*Director of Adolescent MedicineJohns Hopkins Hospital School of Medicine600 N. Wolfe Street, Park 307Baltimore, Maryland 21287-2530Phone: 410-955-2910Fax: 410-955-4079e-mail: hadger@jhmi.edu

Rev. Robert Albers, Ph.D.Pastor, Central Lutheran Church333 S. 12th StreetMinneapolis, Minnesota 55404Phone: 612-870-4416E-mail: ralbers@centralmpls.org

Rabbi Samuel BarthDirector, Rokem InstituteRabbinic Consultant to JACS496 12th StreetBrooklyn, New York 11215Phone: 718-768-1636Fax: 718-638-6204E-mail: samuelbarth@cs.com

George R. BloomVice PresidentJohnson Institute10001 Wayzata Blvd., Suite 200Minnetonka, Minnesota 55305-1591Phone: 952-582-2713E-mail: grbloom@earthlink.net

Sheila B. Blume, M.D.Clinical Professor of PsychiatryState University of New York at Stony Brook284 Greene AvenueSayville, New York 11782Phone: 631-589-7853E-mail: sheila_blume@post.harvard.edu

Rev. Patrick CaseyPastorSt. Dominic and St. Patrick Parishes4844 TrumbullDetroit, MI 48208Phone: 313-831-8790Fax: 313-831-2965e-mail: frppcasey@netscape.net

Rev. William M. Clements, Ph.D.Professor of Pastoral Care and CounselingClaremont School of Theology982 Northwestern DriveClaremont, California 91711Phone: 909-447-2528E-mail: billclemen@aol.com

Mr. Darryl ColbertProgram AdministratorCatholic CharitiesSubstance Abuse NetworkArchdiocese of Washington924 G Street, N.W.Washington, DC 20001Phone: 202-772-4371E-mail: colbertf@catholiccharitiesdc.org

Rev. Vincent Daily1573 Cambridge Street, Apt. 222Cambridge, Massachusetts 02108-4370Phone: 617-491-0363E-mail: vind71@hotmail.com

Rev. F. Anthony GallagherPastor, St. Patrick’s Church, Providence14010 U.S. Route 24 WestGrand Rapids, Ohio 43522-9678Phone: 419-832-5215Fax: 419-832-4075E-mail: spgr@totalink.net

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Patricia K. Gleich, Ed.S.Associate Director for Health MinistriesPresbyterian Church USA100 Witherspoon StreetLouisville, Kentucky 40202Phone: 502-569-5793E-mail: pgleich@ctr.pcusa.org

Richard L. Gorsuch, Ph.D.Professor of PsychologyFuller Theological Seminary135 North Oakland AvenuePasadena, California 91182Phone: 626-584-5527E-mail: rgorsuch@fuller.edu

Reverend Hal T. Henderson, Sr.PastorCongress Heights United Methodist Church421 Alabama Ave., S.E.P.O. Box 54318Washington, DC 20032Phone: 202-562-0600Fax: 202-562-1413

Ronald E. Hopson, Ph.D.Associate Professor, Psychiatry and ReligionHoward University School of Divinity1400 Shepherd Street, N.E.Washington, DC 20017Phone: 202-806-0500; 0724Fax: 202-806-0711E-mail: Rhopson@howard.edu

Kim Kirby, Ph.D.Director, Behavioral InterventionsTreatment Research InstituteUniversity of Pennsylvania150 South Independence Mall WestPhiladelphia, Pennsylvania 19106-3475Phone: 215-399-0980Fax: 215-399-0987E-mail: kkirby@tresearch.org

Rev. Mark Latcovich, Ph.D.*Vice President, Vice Rector, and Academic DeanSt. Mary’s Seminary Graduate School of Theology28700 Euclid AvenueWickliffe, Ohio 44092-2585Phone: 1-440-943-7600Fax: 1-440-943-7577E-mail: mal@dioceseofcleveland.org

Rev. Vergel L. Lattimore, III, Ph.D.Professor of Pastoral CareMethodist Theological School in Ohio3081 Columbus PikeP.O. Box 8004Delaware, Ohio 43015Phone: 740-362-3137Fax: 740-362-3381E-mail: vlattimore@mtso.edu

A. Thomas McLellan, Ph.D.*DirectorTreatment Research InstituteUniversity of Pennsylvania150 South Independence Mall WestPhiladelphia, Pennsylvania 19106-3475Phone: 215-399-0980Fax: 215-399-0987E-mail: tmclellan@tresearch.org

Keith G. Meador, M.D., Th.M., M.P.H.Professor, Pastoral Theology and MedicineDuke University Divinity SchoolBox 90967Durham NC 27708-0967Phone: 919- 660-3488E-mail: keith.meador@duke.edu

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The Right Reverend Robert O. MillerEpiscopal Bishop of Alabama (ret.)2104 Vestavia Lake DriveBirmingham, Alabama 35216Phone: 205-823-4200Fax: 205-715-2066

Michael MortonDirector of EducationGuest HouseP.O. Box 420Lake Orion, Michigan 48361Phone: 800-626-6910E-mail: mpjm@worldnet.att.net

Fred D. Smith, Jr., Ph.D.Assoc. Professor of Christian Education and Youth MinistryPittsburgh Theological Seminary616 North Highland AvenuePittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15206-2596Phone: 412-362-5610 ext. 2162Fax: 412-363-3260E-mail: fsmith@pts.edu

Rev. Dr. Fred L. Smoot, Ph.D.Emory Clergy Care3700 Crestwood Parkway, Suite 270Duluth, Georgia 30096Phone: 678-924-9260Fax: 678-924-9265E-mail: fred_smoot@emoryhealthcare.org

Richard M. Wallace, Jr., Ph.D.Associate ProfessorPastoral Care and CounselingLuther Seminary2480 Como AvenueSt. Paul, Minnesota 55108Phone: 651-641-3220Fax: 651-641-3354E-mail: rwallace@luthersem.edu

Rev. C. Roy Woodruff, Ph.D.Executive DirectorAmerican Association of Pastoral Counselors9504 Lee HighwayFairfax, Virginia 22031-2303Phone: 703-385-6967E-mail: roy@aapc.org

ObserverClaire RicewasserAssociate Director of Public OutreachAl-Anon Family Group Headquarters, Inc.1600 Corporate Landing ParkwayVirginia Beach, Virginia 23454-5617Phone: 757-563-1600, ext. 1675Fax: 757-563-1655E-mail: wso@al-anon.org

Meeting FacilitatorJeannette L. Johnson, Ph.D.*DirectorResearch Center on Children and YouthSchool of Social WorkState University of New York at Buffalo685 Baldy HallBuffalo, New York 14260-1050Phone: 716-645-3381, ext. 267Fax: 716-645-3456E-mail: jj44@acsu.buffalo.edu

Substance Abuse and MentalHealth Services Administration(SAMHSA)Clifton MitchellSpecial Expert to the DirectorCoordinator, Faith and Community Partners InitiativeCenter for Substance Abuse TreatmentRockwall II, Suite 7445600 Fishers LaneRockville, Maryland 20857Phone: 301-443-8804Fax: 301-443-3543E-mail: cmitchel@samhsa.gov

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Johnson InstituteJohnny AllemPresidentJohnson Institute1273 National Press Building529 14th Street, N.W.Washington, DC 20045Phone: 202-662-7104Fax: 202-662-7106E-mail: johnnyallem@johnsoninstitute.org

George R. BloomVice PresidentJohnson Institute10001 Wayzata Blvd., Suite 200Minnetonka, Minnesota 55305-1591Phone: 952-582-2713E-mail: grbloom@earthlink.net

NACoASis Wenger*Executive DirectorNational Association for Children of Alcoholics11426 Rockville Pike, Suite 301Rockville, Maryland 20852Phone: 1-888-55-4COASFax: 301-468-0987E-mail: nacoa@nacoa.org

Mary L. Gillilan, J.D.Director of Special ProjectsNational Association for Children of Alcoholics11426 Rockville Pike, Suite 100Rockville, Maryland 20852Phone: 1-888-55-4COASFax: 301-468-0987E-mail: mgillilan@nacoa.org

Marion M. Torchia, Ph.D.Director of CommunicationsNational Association for Children of Alcoholics11426 Rockville Pike, Suite 100Rockville, Maryland 20852Phone: 1-888-55-4COASFax: 301-468-0987

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APPENDIX B

Substance Abuse and the Family:Defining the Role of The Faith Community

Clergy Training and Curriculum Development

Report of an Expert Panel MeetingNovember 14-15, 2001

Executive Summary and Recommendations for Next Steps

Purpose and Scope of the MeetingAs part of its ongoing effort to encourage thefaith community to address the problem ofchemical dependence and its harmful impacton children and families, the Center forSubstance Abuse Treatment (CSAT) con-tracted with the Johnson Institute (JI) andthe National Association for Children ofAlcoholics (NACoA) to conduct an explor-atory meeting of experts to consider thetraining of religious leaders about theseissues. The meeting took place on Novem-ber14-15 in Baltimore, Maryland. Partici-pants agreed that the pervasiveness ofalcoholism and other drug addiction in oursociety, and their deleterious effects, point toa need for clergy equipped to deal with theissue. They also agreed that community-based religious institutions are ideallysituated to help chemically dependentindividuals and their families. And yet theyacknowledged that a wall of silence stillsurrounds the problem, with the result thatindividuals and families too often do notseek help.

This meeting was a first step of a largerproject, the goal of which is to develop

educational strategies tailored to the particu-lar situations of priests, ministers, rabbis,imams, and other individuals responsible forthe religious nurture of individuals.

Assessment of Clergy Training onAddiction and the FamilyParticipants reported that the offerings ofclergy training institutions in the UnitedStates and Canada vary greatly, with someinstitutions providing little specific instruc-tion on addiction, while others offer com-plete curricula on the subject. However, theyagreed that existing programs deal primarilywith the disease in individuals, with little orno training on helping children and otherfamily members. Several participants ex-pressed the opinion that the environment inseminaries today is not conducive to ex-panding the offerings in this field. Theycalled for a process of “curricular subver-sion,” using faculty members with a commit-ment to the subject as change agents.

Core Competencies andCurriculum DevelopmentGiven the diversity of faith-based organiza-tions, participants agreed that a multi-level

22

set of “core competencies” should be devel-oped; that is, a listing of the basic knowl-edge and skills clergy need to help addictedindividuals and their families, categorizedaccording to the different opportunities ofclergy in different situations. As a prelimi-nary step in developing these core compe-tencies, participants attempted to identifythe elements of knowledge and skills thatshould be imparted in each of the mostcommon “tracks” or categories of seminaryinstruction: (1) generalist, pastoral (2)specialist, professional master’s degree,and(3) youth and children’s religious educa-tion. They listed educational tools andresource guides that should be available foreach curriculum category.

The panel recommended that the ClergyTraining and Curriculum Developmentproject be carried forward, and suggestedsteps that should be taken in order to do so.

Recommendations for Next StepsThe steps the panel recommended are onlyprovisional, because at each step newknowledge will be obtained which maysuggest a modified plan. The next recom-mended steps are:

Phase II – Core Competenciesa. Convene a consensus panel of experts in

seminary training on issues of addictionand the family, to develop the broadoutlines of a set of “core competencies”for the clergy who will deal with theseissues.

b. Develop the set of “core competencies,”with input from additional individualsand from relevant professional organiza-tions (e.g., organizations of pastoralcounselors and addiction prevention andtreatment professionals).

Phase III – Information DisseminationPublish reports of the consensus panel’sactivities, and of the development of corecompetencies, in clergy training journals andother religious publications.

Phase IV – Development ofCurricula/Toolsa. Develop model curricula for the pastoral,

addiction counseling, and youth ministrytracks.

b. Develop tools for such curricula; forexample, lists of resources, videos,PowerPoint presentations, and factsheets.

c. Develop plans to distribute the curriculaand tools.

Phase V – Integration of Traininginto Seminary Programsa. Create a mechanism for integrating

training on these issues into seminaryprograms, so that clergy will be enabledto acquire the knowledge and skillsimplicit in the core competencies. Such amechanism can take many forms, butmight include:1. For each major denomination,

identify a “Mentor” to spearhead theproject within that denomination.This individual would be an expert inaddiction studies or pastoral carewho could guide seminary professorsin their efforts to develop or imple-ment programs and courses. Forlarge or decentralized denomina-tions, several regional mentors mightbe chosen.

2. Identify a “Fellow” in each of the 185seminaries throughout the country—a professor who would be respon-sible for the program and who would

23

teach the courses. This person wouldbe assisted, counseled, and guidedby the “Mentor” in 1) above.

b. Investigate potential funding sources,including potential public-private part-nerships to sustain this phase of clergydevelopment.

Phase VI – Post OrdinationDevelop workshops, conferences or sympo-sia to train clergy who are already ordained,on addiction-related issues for the personand family, especially the children. In manydenominations this phase of clergy develop-ment could be coordinated by the Fellowsand Mentors above. In other situations localaddiction counselors and other knowledge-able trainers could be utilized to implementthis phase.

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APPENDIX CSelected Tools for Seminary Training

Phase I panelists urged that teaching tools and resource guides be developed to facilitateseminary training. They offered examples of the types of educational tools for the curricu-lum tracks.

TYPE OF TOOL Congregational (Pastoral)and Counseling Tracks

Youth and Children Track

Resources for thinkingabout alcohol and itsimpact on childrenand families

Internships

PowerPoint slidesTextbook

Internships

List of booksVideosHandoutsFact SheetsSelf evaluations/assessmentsCase studiesPersonal testimoniesLecture notesPowerPoint slides

Biblical and theological resourcesAA- and Al-Anon-approved literatureSelf-assessments, such as the CAGECongregational assessmentsLocal resourcesPersonal testimoniesInformation on addiction and its impact on children, families, and spiritual well-being

Information on resilienceInformation on child developmentAlateen video about COAsA video about family systemsInformation about the early onset of drinkingEarly onset toolBest PracticesVolunteer training moduleStatement about the impact of alcoholism and drug abuse on youth’s capacity for faithIdentification of drugs and their effects, by street namesLearning opportunities

Generic teaching tools

TextbookList of booksVideosHandoutsFact SheetsSelf evaluations assessmentsCase studiesPersonal testimoniesLecture notes

27

APPENDIX DSelective Bibliography

Alcohol Problems in Intimate Relationships:Identification and Intervention. AmericanAssociation for Marriage and Family Therapyand the National Institute on Alcohol Abuseand Alcoholism. February 2003. (Publication03-5284).

Alcoholism, Families, and the Faith Commu-nity. A Guide on Children of Alcoholics forPastoral Leaders. Rockville, Maryland:National Association for Children of Alcohol-ics (NACoA), forthcoming, 2004.

Bell, Peter. Chemical Dependency and theAfrican-American: Counseling Strategies andCommunity Issues. Center City, Minnesota:Hazelden Publications, 1990.

Black, Claudia, Ph.D., M.S.W. It Will NeverHappen to Me. 2nd edition, revised,Bainbridge, Washington: MAC Publishing,2001.

Blume, Sheila, Ph.D., Dee Dropkin, P.D., andLloyd Sokolow, J.D., Ph.D. “The JewishAlcoholic: A Descriptive Study.” AlcoholHealth & Research World, Vol. 4, No. 4(1980): pp.21-26.

Califano, Joseph A., Jr. “Religion, Scienceand Substance Abuse: Why Priests andPsychiatrists Should Get Their Acts To-gether.” America, February 11, 2002.

CASA White Paper. So Help Me God: Sub-stance Abuse, Religion and Spirituality. NewYork, New York: National Center on Addic-

tion and Substance Abuse (CASA), Colum-bia University, November 14, 2001.

Clinebell, Howard, Ph.D. Understanding andCounseling Persons with Alcohol, Drug, andBehavioral Addictions: Counseling for Recov-ery and Prevention Using Psychology andReligion. Revised and enlarged edition,Nashville, Tennessee: Abingdon Press, 1998.

Communities of Hope: Parishes and SubstanceAbuse, A Practical Guide. Washington DC:U.S. Catholic Conference, Publication No.473-2, 1992.

Conference Summary: Studying Spiritualityand Alcohol. National Institutes of Health,National Institute on Alcohol Abuse andAlcoholism, and the Fetzer Institute. Febru-ary 1999.

Discussion Groups and Technical Assistancefor Faith- and Community-Based Organiza-tions: A Report. Prepared by NorthropGrumman Information Technology, HealthSolutions and Services, for the Center forSubstance Abuse Treatment, SubstanceAbuse and Mental Health Services Adminis-tration. October 2002.

Edwards, Griffith. Alcohol, the World’sFavorite Drug. St. Martin’s Press. 2000.

Estes & Heinemann (eds.) Alcoholism:Developments, Consequences and Interven-tions. St.Louis: C.V. Mosby Co.

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Faith Initiative: Community Responses Supple-menting Treatment Strategies. SubstanceAbuse and Mental Health ServicesAdministration(SAMHSA), Center for Sub-stance Abuse Treatment (CSAT), July 1997.

Freedom and Substance Abuse. PresbyterianChurch(U.S.A.), Recommendations of the205th General Assembly, 1993.

Furton, Edward J. (ed. ). Addiction andCompulsive Behaviors. National CatholicBioethics Center, 2000.

Gorski, Terence T., et al. Learning to LiveAgain: A Guide to Recovery from ChemicalDependency. Independence, MO: HeraldHouse, 1992.

Johnson, Vernon E., D.Div. I’ll Quit Tomor-row. Revised edition, Harper & Row, 1990.

Johnson, Vernon E., D. Div. Intervention:How to Help Someone Who Doesn’t WantHelp. Minneapolis, Minnesota: JohnsonInstitute, 1986.

Journal of Ministry in Addiction and Recovery.Binghamton, N.Y., Haworth Press.

Robert J. Kus, R.N., Ph.D. (ed.), Spiritualityand Chemical Dependency. New York: TheHaworth Press, Inc., 1995.

May, Gerald G. Addiction and Grace. NewYork: Harper & Row, 1988.

May, Gerald G. The Awakened Heart: LivingBeyond Addiction. San Francisco, California:Harper, 1991.

Merrill, Trish, R.N. Building a Team Ministry:A Congregational Approach to SubstanceAbuse. Description of the Faith Partnersprogram. Austin, Texas, January 2001.

Morgan, O.F. and Jordan, M. Addiction andSpirituality. St. Louis, Missouri: ChalicePress, 1999.

Olitsky, Kerry M. and Copans, S.A. TwelveJewish Steps to Recovery: A Personal Guide toTurning from Alcoholism and Other Addic-tions. Woodstock,Vermont: Jewish LightsPublishing, 1991.

Seminary Journal. Washington, DC: NationalCaholic Education Association.

Twerski, Abraham, M.D. The Clergy andChemical Dependency. Newport, RhodeIsland: Edgehill Publications, 1990.

Ulanov, Ann and Barry. The Healing Imagina-tion. New Jersey: Paulist Press, 1991.

Vex, Susan Lind, M.A. and Sheila B. Blume,Ph.D.“The JACS Study I: Characteristics of aPopulation of Chemically Dependent JewishMen and Women.” Journal of AddictiveDiseases, Vol. 20, No. 4 (2001):pp.71-89.

Williams, Roland, and Gorski, Terence T.Relapse Prevention for African Americans.Independence, MO: Herald House, 1999.

Woodruff, C. Roy. Alcohol and ChristianExperience. Philadelphia: The WestminsterPress, 1968.