Abstract
Irrespective of their spiritual calling and chosen profession some clergy members have found themselves among those who have been diagnosed with cancer. How religion functions during the experience with cancer is distinctive for the female clergy population. Particularly, for these women their religion and spirituality has the potential of being described as a double-edged sword that has the ability to both cut yet aid in the healing process. This article presents a subset of findings from a larger study that explored the lived experiences of female clergy members diagnosed with cancer. Utilizing interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA), this qualitative study examined how six female members of the clergy experienced their careers in religious leadership in the midst of battling cancer. Results indicated that participants evaluated their career commitments, felt hurt, tired, and challenged, and they reaffirmed their call and obligation to God and to ministry. Implications for pastoral counseling with female clergy diagnosed with cancer are offered.
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