November Chaplains Meeting: Pastoral Care in Pluralistic Settings

On November 13, Chaplaincy and Care Ministry hosted our second monthly video meeting. This month we focused on ministry in diverse and pluralistic settings. It was a meaningful time filled with inspiring stories and great resources.

Most chaplains work in settings where they care for people of many faith backgrounds, or of no faith at all. Spiritual care is important for all people, even those who are not tied to a specific faith. During this meeting, chaplains shared their stories of caring for atheist, agnostic, and humanist people. Many chaplains, when encountering people like this, have one-line responses ready for people who say they are not religious. It’s important to be authentic, compassionate, and a good listener.

Resources

Here are some of the resources shared in relation to this topic:

• Association of Professional Chaplains Code of Ethics
• Canadian Association for Spiritual Care (specifically pages 1-2)
• Culture and Nursing Care: A Pocket Guide: This guide was published in 1997, and it was/is a wonderful aide.
• Spiritual Care at the End of Life: Does Educational Intervention Focused on a Broad Definition of Spirituality Increase Utilization of Chaplain Spiritual Support in Hospice?
• Multifaith Reference Manual 6th edition
• Just Stay...A Couple's Last Journey Together
• We also shared the prayer booklet Reflections for Hope and Healing, from Trinity Health