There's a huge difference between asking whether people can change in general and whether a specific person had changed. In general, yes it is possible for people to change, but that doesn't mean that everyone who claims to have changed really has. "Can people change" seems to me to be a rather useless question. "Has this person changed?" (or "Can this person change?") seems to me to be the question worth asking.

As for the clergy angle, the clergy are no different from any other occupation in that people go into it for a variety of reasons. I've had reason to know lots of clergy over the years (many of whom are kin), and for the most part the clergy I've known went into with the best of motives. But sure, there have been some that didn't, or that should've done something else.

For many years, I worked closely with lots of psychologists, and I came to the conclusion that there are basically two reasons that people go into that profession: a sincere desire to help others or an unconscious desire to figure out their own problems. I wouldn't be surprised if something similar holds for members of the clergy.

I'd say the same thing applies to the field of social work. At least, it's something I've noticed in the students I meet who are working towards a BSW. Whether that dichotomy still exists outside the classroom, I don't know. But it's definitely noticeable IN the classroom.

I agree with Kevin to a large extent. I also believe people are who they are based on their inner core. I believe this is based on the mind, because it stores all data from our past experiences, conversations, and observations and these things can greatly influence decisions. The inner core of the way we are as individual people comes from our parents, relatives, teachers, friends and people we decide to associate ourselves with. This is why (to me) it makes common sense that our self-image, self-worth, mental attitude and self-confidence rises and/or falls dependent to a large extent on that of our trainers and the things we are exposed to throughout our lives.

Do I think people can change? Absolutely. Just as bad people can change to good people, good people can change to bad people. I think much depends on how that person chooses to put their life together. To me, in order for a person's life to truly work, that person has to be open to change. However, your (in general) character is the only reference people have to who you are, although you may have changed. This is why I believe it is important for each of us to consider the end of our actions and/or words as we meet and interact with others. First impressions are lasting ones.

IMO, I think the bottom line is you have to know you need direction in order to receive it, which means you have to be willing to admit your weaknesses, shortcomings and failures, because each and every one of us has them. After all, how you start is only half of it. How you finish is the sum of your total life, I believe.