bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
TOWARD A GENDER INCLUSIVE DEFINITION OF MARRIAGE
Authors: Crosby John F.
Published: March 2015

My purpose in this paper is to set forth a case for inclusion, without any restriction whatsoever, of gays and lesbians in the legal definition of marriage within the various jurisdictions within the United States of America. Historical and cross cultural definitions of marriage are usually based on two basic premises or components, structure and function. Structural definitions of marriage, with which most people and jurisdictions identify, are based on exclusion and inclusion, i.e. on who is eligible for inclusion and who must be excluded. Ordinarily the restrictions exclude those not having reached the age of majority, those who are not judged mentally competent, and those of the same gender. Functional definitions of marriage are based on the willingness of the partners to engage in the duties and responsibilities to each other and to all offspring regardless of their physical or mental fitness. I intend to defend the proposition that legal marriage for gays and lesbians is better defined and defended when based on function rather than structure. Specifically, this means that marriage is the union of those who 1.) without mental equivocation embrace their mutual commitment to support and care for each other; 2.) are of legal age; 3.) are of sound mind; and 4.) affirm their commitment to fulfill, to the best of their ability, the following functions as they pertain to the natural birth, legal adoption, or foster care of any and all children included in the marital union: These functions include but are not limited to: protection (physical and mental), economic, affect-giving, socialization, acculturation, education, and sexual access between the conjugal partners. Historically, there is no record throughout the history of humankind, of any state or body politic that does not profess a vested interest in the mate selection patterns of its young. This is not generally for the edification of the married, but rather for the assurance of the socialization and acculturation of the ascending generation.
The Forked Road Ahead
Authors: Hutchinson Sikivu
Published: March 2015

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Humanism in Sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Igwe Leo
Published: March 2015

Africa is a “deeply” religious society. Belief in God, the devil, spirits, and ancestors is strong and overwhelming. Faith in spiritual and supernatural beings drives and dominates the lives of the people and their popular explanations of phenomena encountered during the course of daily life. Hence traditional practices informed by religious dogmas and superstitions feature prominently in communities. And religious authorities wield enormous power and influence on education, legislation, morality, policies, decisions, and the entire life of the people. Historically there has been limited space for an alternative outlook and limited attention to reason, critical thinking, and common sense in public discourse. However, as I argue in this article, humanism in the African context is growing and gaining visibility. What I offer are the reflections of a humanist organizer and activist meant to offer brief commentary on humanism on the African continent.
An Uncompromising Humanism in Iran and Beyond
Authors: Namazie Maryam
Published: March 2015

Recent protests in Iran (and elsewhere in the Middle East and North Africa) have clearly shown the extent of humanism there. Whilst resistance to dictatorship and Islamism has always been in existence, the 2009 Twitter revolution in Iran gave people everywhere an insight into a social movement that is deeply humanist, modern, and secular. What it has also shown is the irrelevance and antithetical character of Islamism with people’s demands and desires. This is what many of us have been saying for a very long time. Recent events, broadcast via citizen journalism, however, have given the world an opportunity to see it for itself. There are several factors contributing to this rise.
Why Isn’t Humanism the Preeminent Belief of Humankind?
Authors: Hancock Jennifer
Published: March 2015

A central problem of the humanist movement is how best to promote the philosophy of humanism. What can we do to raise the profile of humanism in society? What can be done to identify unaffiliated humanists to bring them into our movement? How can we nurture society in a more humanistic direction? Is it possible to encourage more people to adopt a more rational approach towards problem solving and ethics even if they don’t embrace humanism? And finally, how can we best capitalize on the general interest in a post theist ethical framework? This essay explores new ways of thinking about these recurring problems, focusing on the opportunities and obstacles that challenge our movement, as well as the moral responsibility we hold as humanists to share our philosophy with others.
Morality, Altruism, and Religion in Economics Perspective
Authors: Montanye James
Published: March 2015

Recent brain imaging studies support sociobiology’s earlier claims about morality, altruism, and religion being rooted in evolved brain function. Despite these insights, however, neuroscience and sociobiology, like theology, provide incomplete answers to persistent what and why questions regarding the metaphysical aspects of human behavior. This essay addresses some unsettled issues along these lines by combining a priori economics principles with the standard consilience of natural science and moral philosophy.
Can Virtue Be Taught?
Authors: Radest Howard
Published: March 2015

2500 years ago, Socrates wrestled with the question: Can virtue be taught? And I’m still at it. I recall my experience as an Ethical Culture Leader, the head of the Ethical Culture Fieldston Schools, and Board Chair of the Ethical Community Charter School in Jersey City. Once more, I reflect on a life-long vocation: the problem of knowing, judging, deciding, and acting ethically. Can virtue be taught? Socrates answered “yes” and “no.” Figuring out what that means remains a continuing puzzle, which inspired this article.
Henry Ford
Authors: Sinclair Alistair
Published: March 2015

This paper contains (1) an outlined portrait of Henry Ford, warts and all, (2) a summary of his ‘humane capitalism’, the importance of which has been largely forgotten nowadays, and (3) a suggestion of its relevance to today’s economic problems. Ford’s importance as a humanist becomes obvious when his view of capitalism is compared with that of his predecessor, Andrew Carnegie. Ford reacted implicitly against Carnegie’s draconian capitalism in which poverty was seen as an unavoidable necessity. In Carnegie’s view, wages could be lowered at an employer’s whim. Ford overturned that view and made increasing wage levels the norm not the exception. He was in fact directly responsible for the development of the consumer society during the twentieth century.
Atheism... Plus What?
Authors: Carrier Richard
Published: March 2015

“Atheism+” or “Atheism Plus” was first promoted by atheist activist Jennifer McCreight, at the suggestion of one of her readers, to describe a movement that had been growing within New Atheism for several years. It is a movement for promoting moral values and the discussion of societal problems among atheists, and for making the atheist community more welcoming of, and responsive to, women and minorities.
Need Humanism Be Reasonable?
Authors: Chuman Joseph
Published: March 2015

This paper argues for a distinction between the Ethical Culture movement and other humanist organizations and provides a rationale for doing so. It is dedicated to the life and memory of my esteemed colleague, Dr. Matthew Ies Spetter, who died on 30 December 2012 at the age of 91. Dr. Spetter was Leader Emeritus for the Riverdale Yonkers Society for Ethical Culture, where he had served for 40 years. He also was Leader Emeritus for the New York Society for Ethical Culture, and he had led the Department of Ethics for the three Ethical Culture schools
Pragmatism and the Contribution of Neuroscience to Ethics
Authors: Racine Eric
Published: March 2015

Neuroscience has been described as a revolutionary force that will transform our understanding of common morality and of ethics as a discipline. To such strong naturalistic claims, critiques have responded with an arsenal of antinaturalistic arguments, often negating any contribution of neuroscience. In this paper, I review the terms of the debate between strong naturalists and anti-naturalists and offer a moderate (pragmatic) naturalistic approach as a constructive middle-ground position. Inspired by Dewey’s moral philosophy, I offer an alternate account of how neuroscience broadens our understanding of ethics and moral situations and thus supports a deliberative and iterative process of wisdom-generation.
Urban Sprawl and Existentialism in Thomas Pynchon’s The Crying of Lot 49
Authors: Prince Tracy
Published: March 2015

The Crying of Lot 49 is Thomas Pynchon’s profound commentary on existentialism and on America’s increasingly generic, brutal, and isolating urban landscape. Pynchon weighs both topics as he depicts the existential angst of a commodified, market-driven life filled with marketing jingles, unplanned sprawl as far as the eye can see, soulless subdivisions, endless freeways, and the resulting breakdown of community where people feel disconnected and alone and their lives seem empty and meaningless.
A Commentary on Ronald Dworkin’s Religion Without God
Authors: Sprintzen David
Published: March 2015

Ronald Dworkin’s posthumous book Religion Without God searches for the possibility of atheistic religiosity. Rather than clarifying the situation, this book does more to confuse it, and succeeds in undermining his expressed humanitarian goals.
Can Liberal Christians Save the Church?
Authors: Metzger James
Published: March 2015

In contrast to many traditional theologies, today’s progressive theologies offer believers an attractive ethic that is humane, pacific, and Earth-centered. And when God is spoken of, he is generally portrayed as non-coercive, deeply invested in the well-being of all, and attentive to the cries of any who suffer. On the one hand, then, humanists have good reason to celebrate this recent shift in thinking about the sacred and divine-human relations. Indeed, we share with progressive Christians a very similar set of core moral values. But, are progressive theologies really any more persuasive than earlier conceptions of the sacred? Do they offer better evidence for their claims? It is argued here that most all suffer from unresolved and rather serious epistemic issues that ultimately undermine their plausibility – and, therefore, their future viability.
Anxiety and the Emerging Child
Authors: Kazanjian Christopher , Choi Su-Jin
Published: March 2015

This paper utilizes a humanistic psychology theoretical framework and pays attention to the rampancy of anxiety affecting youth in the United States. This paper intends to explore the phenomena of anxiety and discuss how it could be perceived as an opportunity for growth if approached in a constructive way. Specifically, we argue that youth need to be able to meet their inner self in the phenomena of anxiety in an empowering way, rather than unconsciously fleeting its destructive affects.
Fatalism, Determinism and Free Will as the Axiomatic Foundations of Rival Moral World Views
Authors: Schlein Yair
Published: March 2015

One of the prominent questions of moral thought throughout history is the question of moral responsibility. In other words, to what measure do human actions result from free will rather than from being subordinate to a common “predetermined” law. In ancient Greece, this question was associated with mythical figures like Moira and Ananke while in recent times it is connected with concepts such as determinism and compatibilism. The argument between these two world views crosses cultures and historical periods, giving the notion that there are two types of ethical point of view that have assumed shapes during history. These points of view are mutually exclusive on the one hand, and on the other, they both stand as axiomatic standpoints of morality throughout history. The dialectical relationship between the two formulates the moral discourse throughout history.
Exploring Multiple Religious Identities through Mixed Qualitative Methods
Authors: King Katherine , Hemming Peter
Published: March 2015

This article offers a reflexive account of the process of researching religious identity with young people, and considers how combining methods may enable young people to explore their own identities in different ways. Drawing upon three participant case studies it explores the public–private spectrum produced as part of discussion groups, semi-structured interviews and an innovative online e-Journal research activity. As participants moved through each stage of the research process, the way in which they represented their religious identities shifted as they encountered differing social environments, became more practised at telling their own lives, or had evolved their own perspectives over time. Employing mixed methods contributes a more nuanced understanding of the role of religion in young people’s lives yet also raises important ethical implications surrounding participant confidentiality in research.
Tartan Buddhists
Authors: McKenzie John
Published: March 2015

The purpose of this article is to provide a sociological typology for understanding the different types of practitioners within the Tibetan Buddhist organization, Rokpa International, in Scotland. It will be argued that the empirically derived criteria and Weber’s (1978) sociological concepts of authority, power and status allow us to understand the tensions and mutually dependent relationship between the different types. In conclusion, it will be argued that, while this typology is not presented as a challenge to existing typologies, this article demonstrates the potential utility of these sociological concepts for understanding the practice and development of Buddhism in the West.
Collins-Mayo, S., and P. Dandelion (eds). 2010. Religion and Youth. Aldershot: Ashgate and Bailey, M., and G. Reddon (eds). 2010. Mediating Faiths: Religion and Socio-Cultural Change in the 21st Century. Aldershot: Ashgate.
Authors: Singler Beth
Published: March 2015

Collins-Mayo, S., and P. Dandelion (eds). 2010. Religion and Youth. Aldershot: Ashgate. xxi + 278 pp. ISBN 978-0-7546-6768-1. Pbk. £17.99. Bailey, M., and G. Reddon (eds). 2010. Mediating Faiths: Religion and Socio-Cultural Change in the 21st Century. Aldershot: Ashgate. xiii + 239 pp. ISBN 978-0-7546-6786-5. Hbk. £55.
Investigating Religious “Identity”
Authors: Power Kate
Published: March 2015

This article describes a fieldwork case study which integrates religious studies with various discourse analytic methods, to examine how contemporary Christian identities are represented in conversation. Based on interviews and focus groups with 46 residents of a small town in rural Canada, this research is primarily concerned with religious talk – in particular, with the “social practice” (Fairclough and Wodak, 1997: 258) of “talking [religious] identity” (Hadden and Lester, 1978). In this article, I will review briefly how “identity” is conceptualized in contemporary discourse analysis studies, before describing both the challenge of selecting appropriate linguistic methods for the investigation of religious identity, and the impact upon my research of adopting particular methods.
For Prayers and Pedagogy
Authors: Welch Christina
Published: March 2015

This short article contextualizes a subset of Northern European cadaver monuments of the late- Medieval/early-Modern era, known as transi imagery. It explores 37 English carved cadaver monuments (ECCMs) dating from between c. 1425 to 1558. By examining vernacular theology, perceptions of purgatory, and understandings of the body post-mortem, it supports current scholarly writing that these ECCMs were pedagogical in nature, prompting prayers from the living to comfort the deceased in purgatory. However, it controversially argues that ECCMs additionally provided a visual reminder to the living that purgatorial suffering was not just spiritual, but also physical during the wet stage of death (the period before the corpse became skeletal). Further, by drawing on fieldwork, this article provides the first comprehensive guide to the carved cadaver monuments that can be found in England.
“Our Dead are the Ultimate Teachers of Life”. The Corpse as an Inter-mediator of Transcendence
Authors: Kahl Antje
Published: March 2015

Today in Germany, religion and the churches forfeit their sovereignty of interpretation and ritual concerning death and dying. The funeral director is the first point of contact when death occurs. Therefore he or she is able to influence the relationship between the living and the dead. In the course of this development, the dead body, often referred to as dirty and dangerous, is being sanitized by funeral directors. Funeral directors credit the dead body with a certain quality; they claim that facing the dead may lead to religious or spiritual experiences, and therefore they encourage the public viewing of the dead – a practice which was, and still is not very common in Germany. The new connotation of the dead body is an example for the dislimitation of religion in modern society. The religious framing of death-related practises no longer exclusively belongs to traditional religious institutions and actors, but can take place in commercial business companies as well.
Dying your own way?
Authors: Dominguez Diaz Marta
Published: March 2015

This article explores how two religious traditions, Judaism and Islam, confer meaning on the phenomenon of mortality, and it examines how their adherents seek to make sense of death in 21st century Britain. This research scrutinizes the religious identities of these two groups within the context of British multiculturalism, and it proposes approaching the manners in which death is perceived and experienced by Muslims and Jews as identity markers. The article argues that death issues contribute to the processes of collective labelling, self-perception and definition, through the perspective of religion. This inquiry will try to elucidate how the study of doctrines and practices to do with death can provide a meaningful platform for exploring identity boundaries. What does it mean to be a Jew or a Muslim in Britain today? Can the ways in which Jews and Muslims relate to mortality help us to answer this?
Language as the Site of Revolt in Medieval and Early Modern England: Speaking as a Woman. By M C Bodden. New York: Palgrave Macmillan, 2011. Pp. 257; Early Modern Women in Conversation. By Katherine R Larson New York: Palgrave Macmillan, 2011
Authors: Sylvester Louise
Published: March 2015

Language as the Site of Revolt in Medieval and Early Modern England: Speaking as a Woman M. C. Bodden (2011) New York: Palgrave Macmillan, 257pp. Early Modern Women in Conversation Katherine R. Larson (2011) New York: Palgrave Macmillan, 218pp.
Gerontological chaplaincy
Authors: Mowat Harriet
Published: March 2015

Two recently completed studies form the basis of this article. These studies focussed on those who work with older people and older people themselves in terms of their spiritual needs and the implications of this for healthcare chaplaincy. Using the concept of successful ageing the article suggests a link between spiritual support with successful ageing and considers empirical data from residents and staff in the light of this. Staff were able to identify spiritual practices that helped them achieve balance between the demands of work and their own needs. Both groups talked about the importance of relationships with colleagues, family and friends and between staff and patients or residents. The article suggests that healthcare chaplains have an opportunity to develop particular support interventions based on researched need, for both older people and staff who work with older people and raises the question of the case for gerontological chaplaincy.
Reflecting on risk taking
Authors: Kelly Ewan
Published: March 2015

Qualitative research undertaken with bereaved parents who have ritually marked the life and death of their baby who has died in-utero is outlined. The significance for bereaved parents of sharing in the co-construction of naming/blessing ceremonies and/or funerals with a chaplain, as well as participating in the ritual itself is described. A short theological reflection on the risk involved for chaplains in entering into such relationships with bereaved parents is also offered.
HOLISTIC MEDICAL CARE
Authors: Williams Eleanor
Published: March 2015

Having previously looked at the need for doctors to begin to engage with a spiritual agenda with patients, and having identified that there is huge potential, but significant constraints, the unique contribution of healthcare chaplains is here considered in more detail, before examining ways in which the medical role in spiritual care can be developed, alongside closer collaboration with chaplains
CHAPLAINCY IN THE NHS
Authors: Johnston Derek
Published: March 2015

This article represents a response to the recent report form the National Secular Society which criticises the money spent on Chaplaincy services in the NHS and which recommends that these services be paid for by churches and faith communities.
24 HOURS IN THE CHAPLAINCY
Authors: Baxendale Rodney
Published: March 2015

As a means of establishing hard data on the usage of Chaplaincy real-estate in a large Acute Hospital, a 24-hour observation was carried out by an anonymous observer, in the Chapel, administration and Prayer-Room areas. An uninterpreted record of events was produced, which is summarised, and which gives an adequate basis for organisational debate and change. The limitations of the survey are outlined, and the scope for future surveys identified.
REFLECTIONS ON ASPECTS OF HEALTH, WHOLENESS, SUFFERING AND HEALING
Authors: Gordon Tom
Published: March 2015

In 2008, the Church of Scotland set up a working group to examine issues of health and healing in the context of the Church’s ministry and mission. This paper represents a contribution to the ongoing discussions from the perspective of hospice chaplaincy. It calls for a basic understanding of what it means to be healed and to be whole.
UPHOLDING THE PATIENT NARRATIVE IN PALLIATIVE CARE
Authors: Coates Stuart
Published: March 2015

What do chaplains do? The rising interest in relation to spiritual care leaves questions: what activities (if any) are intrinsic to chaplaincy? Where (if at all) does the spiritual merge with the religious? And how does this relate to the overall pursuit of holistic well-being? As an investi-gative and reflective exercise, interviews were conducted with palliative care chaplains. The re-sulting data suggests a focus of activity around the eliciting, holding and representing of the stories of patients and their families, all exercised with reference to the multi-disciplinary team.
EXPERIENCES OF MEDICAL CONSULTANTS IN SCOTLAND WITH A RELIGIOUS FAITH
Authors: Bunniss Suzanne
Published: March 2015

This article describes a work in progress and reports on some initial findings. Hospital consultants have been interviewed about their religious faith and how this integrates with their medical practice. The author suggests parallels with healthcare chaplains as consultant’s report the way in which they attempt to serve in a secular environment whilst managing their personal faith. The integration of faith and practice and the complexities of this relationship are explored.
CAN REDUCTIONISTS BE CHAPLAINS TOO?
Authors: Kevern Peter
Published: March 2015

This paper takes as its starting point Paley’s critique that the term ‘spirituality’ in health care is artificial, unnecessary and obscurantist; and his conclusion that healthcare providers should abandon it to focus their resources on exclusively materialist ways of addressing the same issues. Accepting the force of Paley’s critique and his conclusions, the author nevertheless argues that reductionist and ‘spiritual’ approaches to patient care are not mutually exclusive. They can be brought into a fruitful relationship through the use of resources that Paley himself commends. This means that his arguments can be understood to strengthen rather than weaken the case for a parallel chaplaincy provision; and help to define the role and purpose of chaplaincy in an avowedly secular organization.
FLU PANDEMIC AND POSSIBLE ETHICAL DILEMMAS
Authors: Hobden David
Published: March 2015

The author explores ethical principles and frameworks which may inform decision-making during a flu pandemic. Critical awareness of such ethical frameworks can aid healthcare chaplains in their engagement with pastoral issues
GIFT OF DESPERATION
Authors: Harkin Catherine
Published: March 2015

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WHAT DO CHAPLAINS DO?
Authors: Barnett David
Published: March 2015

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Community Chaplaincy Listening
Authors: Mowat Harriet , Bunniss Suzanne , Kelly Ewan
Published: March 2015

This article reports the first stage of a national programme instigated by the Healthcare Chaplaincy Training and Development Unit of NHS Education for Scotland and supported by the Scottish Government. In the first stage Chaplains were invited to join an action research project with the purpose of designing listening services in GP surgeries. Some of the chaplains were already offering listening services. Chaplains and researchers worked together to co – create and design a spiritual listening intervention based on prior experience and research evidence which was then introduced into four Health Boards in Scotland. Qualitative data about the intervention was then gathered by the researchers from chaplains, patients and referrers, usually GPs. This data shows that the intervention, in its first incarnation, was well received. The findings are reported and the next two phases outlined.
Reflective Practice Activity amongst Scottish Healthcare Chaplains
Authors: Kelly Ewan , Colthart Iain
Published: March 2015

This article outlines the results of a scoping exercise performed utilising an on-line questionnaire to gauge the breadth of reflective practice activity within the healthcare chaplaincy community in Scotland (those working 18.5 hours or more per week). The findings are thematically explored and some proposals for training, education and its evaluation are made.
Aspirations and anecdotes
Authors: Levison Chris
Published: March 2015

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Dementia Care
Authors: Stoddart Eric
Published: March 2015

In many ways, dementia has become a dominant modern cultural image of becoming elderly. Intricately bound up with popular ideas about this condition are notions of hopelessness, loss, meaninglessness and perhaps most profoundly, the suggestion that the person is wholly lost to the illness; that all that is left is a shell of the person who used to reside within it. This paper attempts to offer a challenge to some of these stereotypical ideas by presenting a model of dementia care which focuses on the development of the personhood of the individual rather than the deficits which are brought about by the ravages of the condition. It will be shown that even in the midst of confusion, there stands a person made in God's image, and as such in need of love, understanding and the warmth of human relationship.
Student Perspectives
Authors: Rodgers Mark , Evans Mark , Peat Derek
Published: March 2015

Three students offer their perspective on the new PG certificate in Healthcare Chaplaincy at Glasgow University
Chaplaincy Fetter From America
Authors: Brown Noel
Published: March 2015

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Spirituality, Transcendence and Pastoral Care
Authors: Due Noel
Published: March 2015

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“Her need was greater than my ethical dilemmas”
Authors: Foskett John , McConville Declan
Published: March 2015

Pastoral supervision is growing in importance as an essential part of the ministry of pastoral care and counselling. Pastors, lay and clerical, learn the art and science of care and counselling as much through their experience of ministry as through formal education. The verbatims of conversations and events in ministry area fertile resource for learning both for the individuals, who produce the verbatim, and for those in the supervision group learning from one another. The following verbatim is an example of one chaplain's work and of the dilemmas and demands placed upon him. The record of the interview is enlarged by the supervisee's own reflections and the reactions and comments of the group who role played the verbatim.
Developments in Healthcare Chaplaincy in the Netherlands and Scotland
Authors: Vlasblom Jan , Walton Martin , Van der Steen Jenny , Doolaard Jaap , Jochemsen Henk
Published: March 2015

Chaplaincy care has undergone a significant evolution in recent decades, and the end is not yet in sight. It has not always been a simple task to retain the essence of the profession during these changes. In order to gain insight into the core identity of spiritual care in the healthcare sector, we have analysed the journals of two leading professional associations, focusing on key issues, in order to allow the past to help us gain insight into the future. Our analysis of the Dutch journal Tijdschrift Geestelijke Verzorging (Journal for Spiritual Care) and the Scottish Journal of Healthcare Chaplaincy has shown that, although both journals have converging views on several key issues, there are also significant differences. The observations have resulted in different recommendations for professionals of the two countries. To spiritual care professionals in Scotland, recommendations are made to increase the focus on multicultural spiritual care, while the value of evidence-based practice, and working in accordance with best practice, is brought to the attention of their Dutch colleagues.
What Do Chaplains Do Now?
Authors: Simpson Jim , Collin Margery , Okeke Christian
Published: March 2015

Changes in the nature and language of chaplaincy in Scotland in the last decade have inevitably brought with it many challenges as chaplains endeavour to come to terms with new ways of working, increased responsibility and accountability and weightier expectations laid upon them. This article reports the findings of a thematic research project with data drawn from structured interviews with fifteen practising healthcare chaplains working in a variety of settings across Scotland. The project, a sequel to an earlier research study by Harriet Mowat and John Swinton in 2006, was carried out by a group of practising chaplains as a means of developing research skills and to provide further exploration into the continually changing role of chaplaincy in Scotland. The key findings are presented according to the order of the six interview questions, with areas of further research work highlighted at the end.
REFLECTIONS ON RELIGIOUS DOGMATISM IN THE CARE OF DYING AND BEREAVED PEOPLE
Authors: Gordon Tom
Published: March 2015

Faith and religious beliefs provide comfort and support for dying people and for those who are bereaved. In facing death and loss people find solace in a framework of familiar beliefs and religious practices. However, when religious thinking is restrictive, or when dogmatism is imposed, religion can cause fear and distress, thus making the process of dying and the journey of bereavement more difficult rather than easier. The author argues that religious and non-religious people should be freed from concepts and ideas which cause such distress and fear in order that true feelings are accepted and worked through. Rather than struggling with this only when the stresses of dying and bereavement are apparent, such a process should begin in religious thinking and in religious communities, when people are well, and when religious beliefs and practices can be shaped to help people face the reality of their own mortality.
HAVE ACADs A ROLE IN THE FUTURE OF THE HEALTH SERVICE?
Authors: Cowan Brian , Levison Chris
Published: March 2015

In the ever evolving NHS change is the one consistent factor. For some change is exciting, for others it’s threatening. No community likes to ‘lose’ its hospital, but what if change could bring a better local service? Brian Cowan reflects on the development of ACADs as a complimentary alternative to the traditional hospital site: a service and buildings redesigned around the patients. Chris Levison reflects on the practical implications the change could have on chaplaincy including: multidisciplinary team-working, spiritual needs, and closer community contacts. These papers were presented at the Chaplaincy Conference at Crieff in May 2000.
POST GRADUATE CHAPLAINCY STUDY
Authors: Brown Derek
Published: March 2015

In the changing world of Healthcare Chaplaincy there is no doubting the increase in whole time-chaplaincy appointments. Recent discussions with the Scottish Executive show a commitment to chaplaincy training: at least one full-time training officer is not far away. As chaplaincy develops we are moving into a world where appraisal, clinical supervision, and professional development are the norm. In palliative care in particular new chaplains are being appointed on the understanding there will be a commitment (on both parties) to further professional study. The choice of courses for such study is limited, though what is around would seem to be of good quality. Three courses that are available are appraised by recent graduates who give us an insiders view of the courses, the costs, and the commitment involved.
GOOD DEATH AND THE MODERN NOVEL
Authors: Durie Kate
Published: March 2015

This paper reflects whether contemporary fiction can be used to establish and refine any modern idea of a good death. It defines a good death initially as one which is nonviolent and sums up a whole life. It tests this against a series of examples, and looks at notions of preparedness and aptness, as well as some anxieties. A fuller reading of one novel suggest a good death entails additionally finding an appropriate language, the telling and ending of stories and the ordering of loves.
FUTURE OF ROMAN CATHOLIC HEALTHCARE CHAPLAINCY
Authors: Owens Kenneth
Published: March 2015

This article takes a past, present and future look at healthcare chaplaincy from the perspective of the Roman Catholic(RC) Church in Scotland. It explores the traditions and experiences of chaplaincy in the context of a changing National Health Service(NHS), a multi-faith Scotland, and a changing Roman Catholic community. It offers insight into the future focused on a broad understanding of Spiritual care and chaplaincy. The author concludes with positive advice and encouragement for the RC Church, its bishops, the NHS, and all organisations associated with healthcare chaplaincy.
22 ASYLUM SEEKERS
Authors: Coulter Ken
Published: March 2015

The area served by Stobhill Hospital in Glasgow has become the home for the majority of Asylum Seekers in Scotland, which has had a profound impact on the local community and the hospital. While there are religious issues, what hampers spiritual care most are communication problems. This article seeks to set practical concerns and experiences expressed by hospital staff, chaplains and parish clergy in a theological context and draws inspiration from European theologians who had to wrestle with the reality of a Europe with displaced people damaged by atrocity and genocide in the 1930s and 1940s.
CHAPLAINCY VOLUNTEER VISITORS SERVICE
Authors: Munro Gillian
Published: March 2015

In the ever changing world of healthcare, hospitals are experiencing shorter stays, and increased patient throughput. Spiritual care has also seen a marked rise in profile and chaplains are increasingly seeing fewer patients for more in depth work, often in a crisis, and find themselves increasingly responding to referrals from other members of staff. Add to that increasing opportunities to teach and its not surprising new approaches need to be developed Gillian Munro explains the development of a chaplaincy volunteer visitor service as one approach to change, and three visitors tell us of their experiences.
CHAPLAINCY VOLUNTEER VISITORS SERVICE
Authors: McDonald Kitty
Published: March 2015

In the ever changing world of healthcare, hospitals are experiencing shorter stays, and increased patient throughput. Spiritual care has also seen a marked rise in profile and chaplains are increasingly seeing fewer patients for more in depth work, often in a crisis, and find themselves increasingly responding to referrals from other members of staff. Add to that increasing opportunities to teach and its not surprising new approaches need to be developed Gillian Munro explains the development of a chaplaincy volunteer visitor service as one approach to change, and three visitors tell us of their experiences.
Putting Spiritual at the Centre of the NHS
Authors: Elliot Allison
Published: March 2015

The author presents a report as an overview of the Spirituality in Health and Community Care conference at Stirling Management Centre, Scotland, on 15-16 November 2001.
Where do we go from here?
Authors: Levison Chris
Published: March 2015

Reflecting on the conference presentations, speeches and reports, the Healthcare Chaplaincy Training and Development Officer and Spiritual Care Co-ordinator for Scotland looks to the future.
What does it mean to be a virtuous patient?
Authors: Campbell Alastair , Swift Teresa
Published: March 2015

This paper shifts the focus of biomedical ethics away from the dilemmas of doctors and towards patients and their responses to chronic illness. It explores the possible virtues needed to flourish despite ongoing pain and disability. An empirical study, investigating patients' perspectives on the role of character in illness, revealed that patients valued qualities such as courage, realism, self-respect, a sense of humour, hope and the ability to maintain good relationships with others. Such qualities may characterise the "virtuous patient". These findings carry a number of practical implications for the pastoral care of those suffering from chronic illnesses. These include working towards the empowerment of patients, and an appreciation of the healing force of humour and the value of communication, all of which assist patients in their efforts to maintain their self-respect, their sense of a role in their community, and a sense of purpose in their lives.
ABUSE OF POWER IN PASTORAL RELATIONSHIPS
Authors: Chalmers Murray
Published: March 2015

Pastoral Care, in a mental health setting as elsewhere, ideally offers understanding, comfort and help. But pastors are only human, and can in subtle ways, consciously or unconsciously, fall short of their own standards. This article discusses ways in which power can be abused in the context of pastoral relationships, and gives illustrations and examples from the author’s own experience in mental health chaplaincy.
EUROPEAN NETWORK OF HEALTH CARE CHAPLAINCY
Authors: Coutts Fred
Published: March 2015

The author describes the development of electronic communication which has enabled the development of the European Network of Health Care Chaplaincy. He argues that such electronic communities are real communities, but that in this case, the electronic community exists to foster a sense of community which reaches fulfilment in the face-to-face meeting of the participants.
question of identity
Authors: Swinton John
Published: March 2015

What does it mean to be a healthcare chaplain? The recent introduction of the chaplaincy guidelines has taken chaplains into the heart of the healthcare system and ensured that the National Health Service in Scotland has to think about and perhaps re-think the role of chaplaincy and its place within the system of healthcare delivery within Scotland. This presents a challenge not only to the National Health Service but also to chaplaincy. Chaplains will be called to account for who they are and what they do in a way that they have not previously had to. The question of the professional identity of the chaplain is thus crucial. This paper reflects critically on the identity of chaplaincy as a healthcare discipline and offers some reflective comments on the pros and cons of what it might mean for chaplains to develop an identity as “healthcare professionals.”
Healthcare Chaplaincy in Bulgaria
Authors: Vuchkov Jordan
Published: March 2015

In this article the author seeks answers to many questions about the past and the future of Healthcare Chaplaincy in Bulgaria. The Church has no official input into hospitals, but patients, their relatives, medical staff, and the whole of society needs pastoral care and spiritual support during times of suffering. Nowadays the treatment of patients in hospital is a complex and responsible process. It demands the combined efforts of the therapeutic team, and the valuing of human life and human dignity at the highest level. An empirical study, investigating the attitude of staff and patients to the necessity of Healthcare Chaplaincy, shows that the problem is important and its solution must be found as a top priority.
Standards and Competencies for Spiritual Care and Chaplaincy in Palliative Care
Authors: Mitchell David
Published: March 2015

Spiritual care and chaplaincy have come under considerable focus in recent years in Scotland and especially so within the field of Specialist Palliative Care. A combination of National Guidelines, Clinical Standards, Professional Standards, and a Competency Framework have come together to engender considerable discussion and an impetus for developing a framework for spiritual care, religious care and chaplaincy services and practice. The author reflects on the development of the standards and competencies, their format and integration and considers their impact on chaplaincy & spiritual care services in palliative care in Scotland.
SPIRITUAL CARE IN HEALTH CARE
Authors: Speck Peter
Published: March 2015

Effective spiritual care must truly interact with its recipients in order to discern need and to engage in a mutual process of exploration. Spiritual carers should be a resource in the individual's search for meaning and purpose, and a support through the sometimes painful re-examination of beliefs in the face of some life crisis. To be effective the carer must have personally engaged with the existential issues which arise. Support for spiritual caregivers is essential in order to increase self knowledge, address sources of anxiety, and work through the difficult feelings which engagement with another person at this level will arouse.
DAY HOSPICE CARE
Authors: Thomas Jacki
Published: March 2015

Stimulated by Downs(2003) article on Failure in Palliative Care the author reflects on the workings of a day hospice focusing on the difficult and challenging issues for patients and how the hospice setting can enable these issues to be raised and addressed. The issues are explored and illustrated using patient comments and experiences. Acknowledging a dearth of hospice day care research and literature the author seeks to motivate others and encourage a wider appreciation of day hospice and thereby influence future practice.
Chaplaincy time management
Authors: Fraser Derek , Gaadt Debra
Published: March 2015

In a personal reflection based on the use of a time management tool the authors seek to answer the question often asked of chaplaincy“ what do you do?” and the question that chaplains often ask themselves “just how do I spend my time?” The chaplaincy department in an acute hospital needs to be able to demonstrate its viability and worth along side other disciplines and services. It is no longer sufficient to depend on the good will and influence of senior staff that may be sympathetic to chaplaincy. If the department is able to argue for its own worth then it allows for a strong culture of direction and effectiveness.
unique role of a chaplain
Authors: Aldridge Anne
Published: March 2015

In the current NHS climate of budgets, target setting and accountability, the ‘unique role' of the chaplain can be misunderstood, undervalued. The future of chaplaincy is in the balance! Do chaplains move with the times – accept change and development, work towards professional status or do they maintain the status quo – remain important to the well-being of the whole hospital community but fail to articulate this and risk extinction or at best benign tolerance? More than ever society demands that employees prove their value through research, audit and refining of practice. 21st Century NHS chaplains are part of this! Alongside retaining their distinctive role as those who are accountable to their faith communities chaplains need to ensure they articulate their distinctive role as those who care for the spiritual. This involves time, energy and action and being in many roles simultaneously. It involves being prepared to assess and review practice and above all to change.
Professionalisation and Disclosure
Authors: Monteith W.
Published: March 2015

The fact that hospital chaplaincy is becoming more professional is to be welcomed. However, if ministry in a healthcare setting is to be successful, it must involve more than the exercise of professional skills. The chaplain must be seen as the equal of all, of whatever rank or professional status. Chaplaincy requires the involvement of a unique personality, and a degree of disclosure of the essential self which goes beyond the professional persona. The chaplain needs a certain freedom to use the self as a means of giving spiritual care. The author makes a plea for an understanding of the role of personal attributes and personalities in successful chaplaincy.
Buddhist perspective on Health and Spirituality
Authors: Harvey Conrad
Published: March 2015

This article gives a brief overview of some of the basic tenets of Buddhism. Its particular emphasis is upon Buddhist expressions of spirituality, as they are likely to be met with in a healthcare setting. Included are guidelines on diet, attitudes to medicine, and beliefs and traditions around death and dying.
Walk the Walk and Talk the Talk
Authors: Hughes Clifford
Published: March 2015

In this article, Clifford Hughes, singer, teacher, preacher, reflects on the experience of living through cancer of the larynx, and thus losing the voice which had been fundamental to his various careers. He writes of the pain of loss and the challenge of change, but also of the joy of finding that a life can be rebuilt, with help from loved ones and friends, from health care professionals, and from God.
Community nurses, spirituality and bereavement care
Authors: Lyttle C.
Published: March 2015

The study aimed to explore the perceptions of community nurses (health visitors and district nurses) in delivering a bereavement service to older people. It also aimed to gain an understanding of how bereaved older clients perceived bereavement visiting by community nurses. Qualitative semi-structured interviews were carried out with ten bereaved older people and twenty community nurses. Analysis of the interviews identified key concepts. A quantitative survey was carried out by questionnaire to two hundred and fourteen community nurses and achieved a return rate of one hundred and forty-three (66.8%). Community nurses interviewed stressed the importance of continuity of care, using intuition, and the importance of a client led service within the nurse/client relationship. They also identified, as helpful, having had a personal experience of grief. Bereaved older people interviewed identified key concepts of continuity, friendship and rapport within the client/nurse relationship. They had mixed perceptions regarding their own abilities to cope with grief as well as the impact of visits received from community nurses. Some bereaved older people perceived community nurses as skilled assessors of their grief. Community nurses surveyed by postal questionnaire demonstrated variations both in practice and in the administration of practice related to bereavement care. Friendship and rapport with the client group was found to be important as was spirituality, community nurse educational preparation and the role of voluntary organisations. Professional dichotomies in bereavement care were found to be present.