ABSTRACT
This chapter explores the ways in which clergy can both complicate and alleviate the suffering of the bereaved. In doing so, it draws on another study which investigated the knowledge and beliefs of over 100 Roman Catholic, Lutheran, and Episcopalian clergy. It further examines that clergy are an important source of support for the bereaved, there is evidence that many clergy are unfamiliar with the nature and symptomatology of grief. Demi and Miles surveyed, using a delphi methodology, a panel of recognized grief therapists and death educators. This panel identified the duration of normal or typical grief to be about 24-36 months. While the assessment may reflect a certain bias, due to their constant exposure to clients who have more complicated grief, it is supported by studies on normal bereavement. A survey of clergy however, indicated that most clergy underestimate the duration of grief. Clergy also underestimated the symptomatology of grief.
