Empowering Post-Traumatic Growth
in Morally Injured People

Dr. Daniel Roberts spoke words of hope to participants in a webinar with the theme Healing the Moral Injury on September 12, 2022. Over 60 participants in the Canadian Multifaith Forum heard Dr. Roberts explain his chaplaincy approach to supporting female veterans who have experienced moral injury while serving their country. He summarized his credentials as a leader in the U.S. Army, with 20+ years in the Chaplain Corps and 5 years conducting research in moral injury and pastoral care to service members. Additionally, he has for the past 2 years headed up MISNS, Moral Injury Support Network for Servicewomen, which specializes in research, education, and support to the veteran community.

Dr. Roberts told Canadian thought leaders and chaplains that his basic approach to ministry is to encourage veterans to tell their stories, to listen for special themes, and to help the person to see alternative perspectives to their stories. Hallmarks of their stories are feelings of disempowerment, being in a sinkhole, guilt and shame, loss of identity, and low self-worth. Among the alternative perspectives he offers are these: 

• Confession or penance
• Self-forgiveness and forgiveness of others
• Helping others
• Realizing God’s love and grace
• Establishing new life goals