What’s the point of God if even Justin Welby is seeing a therapist

Published: March 3, 2026 . The English Chronicle Desk . The English Chronicle Online

An opinion piece that has sparked intense debate asks a question resonating with many in an era of rising secularism and psychological openness: what does belief in God mean when even leading religious figures seek professional therapy? The article focuses on Justin Welby, the former Archbishop of Canterbury, and his admission that he has been in therapy in the wake of institutional crises within the Church of England — particularly its handling of abuse scandals. This candid disclosure has prompted public reflection on faith, doubt, human vulnerability and the evolving role of religion in personal wellbeing.

At the heart of the discussion is a cultural tension: historically, religious leaders have been viewed as pillars of spiritual certainty, offering moral guidance and explanations for suffering, meaning and human purpose. Critics argue that when such leaders turn to secular solutions like psychological counselling, it can undermine traditional notions of faith and divine reassurance. Detractors pose rhetorical questions about the relevance of religious belief if those most devoted to it still require professional help to navigate life’s emotional challenges.

Supporters of Welby’s openness counter that seeking therapy does not diminish faith but reflects a nuanced understanding of human experience. They note that mental health professionals and pastoral care address different aspects of human distress: therapy can help individuals process trauma, grief, anxiety and existential struggles, while religion can offer community, meaning and spiritual frameworks. In this view, combining psychological support with spiritual reflection can be seen as complementary rather than contradictory.

Psychologists studying religion underscore the complexity of faith and mental health. Research in the psychology of religion has documented how individuals often wrestle with uncertainty, existential questions and emotional distress, regardless of belief system. Many people seek therapy to make sense of their experiences — including religious experiences — without this necessarily reflecting a loss of faith in religious concepts themselves. In clinical settings, discussions about spirituality and belief can form part of the therapeutic process, helping individuals reconcile personal identity with their worldview.

For some believers, the modern shift toward greater acceptance of psychological care challenges traditional stereotypes that equate faith with emotional invulnerability. Clerics and theologians have pointed out that the Christian tradition itself contains many examples of figures who struggled with doubt, suffering and relational pain, yet found meaning in ongoing spiritual engagement. In this narrative, acknowledging struggle and seeking help can be part of a sincere spiritual journey rather than a rejection of divine presence.

Beyond individual psychology, the broader question touches on how contemporary society understands the interaction between religion and mental wellbeing. Some argue that a secular therapeutic culture has grown in prominence precisely because traditional religious institutions have struggled to address emotional needs in a rapidly changing world. Others maintain that religion still offers frameworks for meaning, community and moral grounding that are not easily replaced by clinical approaches.

The debate raises deeper questions about the nature of faith in a world where scientific understanding, psychological insight and cultural pluralism all shape how people seek answers to life’s challenges. Rather than concluding that faith is irrelevant, many observers suggest that open conversations about vulnerability — including those involving prominent religious leaders — can demystify both spirituality and mental health care, creating space for a more integrated approach to human flourishing

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