Spiritual Care: The Everyday Work of Chaplains

Chaplains are America's hidden religious leaders, required in the military, federal prisons, and Veterans Administration Medical Centers, and two-thirds of hospitals. A 2019 survey found that 21% of Americans had contact with a chaplain in the prior two years. Wendy Cadge's study focuses on Boston as a case study to show how chaplains have been and remain an important part of institutional religious ecologies, both locally and nationally. She interviewed over one hundred chaplains and shadowed them to chart their work historically.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 264 pages
Publication date: 12 January 2023
Publisher: Oxford University Press Inc

Chaplains are a vital and often overlooked component of the religious landscape in the United States. They are required in the military, federal prisons, and Veterans Administration Medical Centers, as well as in two-thirds of hospitals, most hospices, many institutions of higher education, and a growing range of other settings. Chaplains have a unique role to play in providing spiritual and emotional support to those in need, and their work is essential in promoting well-being and resilience among those they serve.

The chaplains of the U.S. House and Senate regularly engage with national leaders through public prayer and private conversation, demonstrating the importance of their role in shaping public policy and promoting dialogue. Chaplains have also been present at national protests, including the racial justice protests that took place across the country in 2020, highlighting their commitment to social justice and their role in providing support to those affected by social and political issues.

A national survey conducted in 2019 found that 21% of the Americans public had contact with a chaplain in the prior two years. This indicates that chaplains are reaching a significant portion of the population and are playing an important role in addressing the spiritual and emotional needs of individuals.

The COVID-19 pandemic has thrust chaplains into the spotlight, as they have been caring for patients, family members, and exhausted and traumatized medical staff fighting the pandemic in real time. Their work has been critical in providing support and comfort to those who are facing unprecedented challenges, and their role in shaping the response to the pandemic has been significant.

In her book, "Who Are Chaplains? What They Do Across the United States, How That Work Is Connected to the Settings Where They Do It, and How They Have Responded to and Helped to Shape Contemporary Shifts in the American Religious Landscape," Wendy Cadge explores the role of chaplains in the United States. She focuses on Boston as a case study to show how chaplains have been, and remain, an important part of institutional religious ecologies, both locally and nationally. Cadge has combed through the archives of major Boston institutions, including the city government, police and fire department, hospitals, universities, rest and rehabilitation centers, the Catholic church, and several Protestant denominations, as well as the Boston Globe, to chart the work of chaplains historically.

In addition to archival research, Cadge also interviewed over one hundred chaplains who work in greater Boston and shadowed them whenever possible, going on board container ships, walking through hospitals, and attending religious services. This research provides a rich and detailed account of the work of chaplains and their impact on the lives of those they serve.

One of the key findings of Cadge's book is that chaplains play a diverse range of roles in their settings. They provide spiritual and emotional support to patients and their families, offer counseling and guidance, and lead religious services and rituals. Chaplains also work to promote social justice and equity, advocating for the rights of marginalized communities and working to address systemic issues of inequality.

Another important aspect of chaplaincy is its connection to the broader institutional landscape. Chaplains work in a wide range of settings, including hospitals, prisons, schools, and military installations, and their work is closely intertwined with the mission and values of the organizations they serve. Chaplains often play a role in promoting cultural sensitivity and inclusivity, working to create a welcoming and supportive environment for all individuals.

Cadge's book also highlights the challenges that chaplains face in their work. They work in a highly diverse and complex environment, with a wide range of religious and cultural backgrounds, and must navigate complex ethical and legal issues. Chaplains must also balance their role as spiritual and emotional support providers with their role as advocates and activists, which can be challenging and requires careful negotiation.

Despite these challenges, chaplains continue to play an important role in shaping the religious landscape in the United States. Their work is grounded in a commitment to promoting well-being and resilience among those they serve, and their role in addressing social and political issues is critical in promoting a more just and equitable society.

In conclusion, chaplains are a vital and often overlooked component of the religious landscape in the United States. They are required in a wide range of settings, including the military, federal prisons, hospitals, and institutions of higher education, and their work is essential in promoting well-being and resilience among those they serve. Chaplains play a diverse range of roles in their settings, providing spiritual and emotional support, counseling and guidance, and advocating for social justice and equity. Their work is closely intertwined with the broader institutional landscape, and they must navigate complex ethical and legal issues. Despite these challenges, chaplains continue to play an important role in shaping the religious landscape in the United States and promoting a more just and equitable society.

Weight: 372g
Dimension: 240 x 156 x 16 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780197647820