Abstract:

Writing from a humanist perspective, the author argues that the right of the patient to receive spiritual care from someone who shares the same philosophy of life must be respected. The ‘religious’ chaplain should no longer be expected to act as ‘jack of all trades’. The task of the chaplaincy is not to bring people to God, but to help them find comfort or meaning. The author welcomes the fact that the NHS HDL (2002)76 Guidelines suggest no bar to humanists undergoing training as hospital chaplains.

Author: Ivan Middleton