How Do We Protect Those Who Serve and Protect Us? Moral Injury: The Horrific Spiritual Injury That Our Public Safety and Military Experience

Abstract

Many of our service members and first responders are suffering from an invisible injury that impacts their souls: moral injury. Closely related to trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), moral injury is distinct in that it is a spiritual injury. Though the terminology may be relatively new, the injury itself is not; it is reflected in many biblical accounts. This paper seeks to raise awareness among pastors and chaplains about this debilitating injury and highlight resources available to mitigate its devastating effects.