Entre o altar e o abismo: o suicídio de pastores como fenômeno social e religioso

Abstract

Suicide is a complex phenomenon, recently classified by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a public health issue, and one that is preventable. In order to contribute to the understanding of this problem, the present study sought to investigate the factors that lead evangelical pastors to suicide. A qualitative and comparative research approach was adopted, based on case analysis and its relationship with Burnout Syndrome and Depression—conditions often triggered by the accumulation of ministerial functions and responsibilities assigned to religious Leaders. The contemporary pastor works in a dynamic context, in which his role encompasses multiple duties within the ministry. By dealing daily with people of different backgrounds and diverse problems, he is constantly exposed to situations of high emotional demand and stress. Although he is responsible for the spiritual and social care of his community, the pastor himself also requires support and guidance. In this regard, pastoral counseling emerges as a relevant tool to address his needs and difficulties, since he also has a family, a personal life, and must safeguard his own mental health in order to better serve the Christian community. Thus, the importance of implementing suicide prevention measures becomes evident, especially in the ecclesiastical context. Beginning this work within the churches themselves is essential, since the findings of this research confirm the close relationship between physical and mental exhaustion, depression, and suicidal risk in pastoral life.