Trainee priests face test to weed out narcissism

THE Church of England could administer personality tests for trainee priests amid fears it appoints too many narcissists.

The tests being considered by bishops could also measure how well a trainee copes with stress and being in a position of authority.

Julian Hubbard, director of the Church’s ministry division, said the tests could be a “useful tool in helping candidates

‘The Church offers a particular route that appeals to some who like entitlement’

grow in self-awareness”. He said the Church was “considering the use of psychological assessment as part of the process of discernment for those seeking ordination”.

Experts have raised concerns that narcissistic people are more likely to be attracted to ordained ministry. A book by R. Glenn Ball and Darrell Puls, Canadian and US researchers, concluded more than 30 per cent of ministers in a mainstream Protestant church in Canada met the criteria for a diagnosis of narcissistic personality disorder.

Mark Vernon, a psychotherapist and former Cofe priest, said narcissists were drawn to positions of power to “lord it over others”.

He added: “The Church offers a particular route that would appeal to some who like the entitlement – you’re called a reverend, you sit in high places, you wear special clothes, you’re seen as authoritative, you have captive audiences, you’re spiritually elite – people get drawn to that way of trying to cope with self-dissatisfaction.”

It is understood that some dioceses already administer tests to prospective clergy.

A new policy, to be considered by bishops next year, would introduce national guidance for dioceses on implementing personality testing. It would likely then be introduced in 2020.

Church leaders have recently raised awareness of the issue of spiritual abuse, where a member of the clergy uses religious authority to coerce or exploit.

“A proportion of people in leadership positions with narcissistic traits will very malignly take it out on others,” Mr Vernon added.