Research points to humility as an aid in clergy conflict with their congregations

Fostering humility, intellectual humility in particular, is a way to reduce congregational conflict, according to recent studies.

New research suggests that the more pastors are perceived to be intellectually humble, the more likely they are to be forgiven by people who took offense at something they said or did.

This was especially the case in one study for perceived transgressions in the area of religious beliefs, values, or convictions, core areas of religious identity that have the potential to tear congregations asunder.