I also had to deal with questions about my career. In other words, clergy and their families are not immune to the human tragedies that infect us all. One view is that a minister cannot show any major flaw or failure. The minister has to project the image of a person who has been strong enough to resist the evils with which others struggle. Perfection is an impossible image to live up to and attempts can lead to serious trouble.
Divorce explodes the perfect pastoral image.
In addition to the excruciating personal pain of a marital break-up there is also the public humiliation of having your leadership abilities challenged before the church and community. Because most ministers live in church housing the spouse is always forced to move. The church that was once a source of emotional and financial support is now unavailable. And the news gets worse clergy divorce also divides the church. Some members will rally around the pastor offering sympathy and encouragement.