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Articles on Chaplains

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Chaplains talk with anyone, regardless of whether or not the patient has a religious affiliation – and some chaplains themselves are not religious. Jacob Wackerhausen/iStock via Getty Images Plus

Religious leaders without religion: How humanist, atheist and spiritual-but-not-religious chaplains tend to patients’ needs

As more Americans step away from organized religion, so do more chaplains – but they are prepared to offer spiritual care regardless of a patient’s beliefs.
A chaplain prays for a COVID-19 patient in Los Angeles while on a video call with the patient’s daughter in November 2020. AP Photo/Jae C. Hong

How the role and visibility of chaplains changed over the past century

Chaplaincy emerged as a professional field in the mid-20th century. In the years since, their roles have evolved and they have also come to include many diverse religious traditions.
During the pandemic, hospital areas designated for COVID-19 patients are called ‘hot zones.’ (Hannah Kirkham)

Hot and cold zones: Life and death in a Montréal COVID-19 hospital

The only chaplain in the COVID-19 section of a Montréal hospital offers spiritual care to patients and families, as well to staff, who have found themselves more intimately exposed to life and death.
Vice President Mike Pence joins military officers and a chaplain on Aug. 23, 2019 in a prayer for two Army men who died during operations in Afghanistan. AP Photo/Cliff Owen

How the US military has embraced growing religious diversity

When the US entered World War I in 1917, military chaplains catered to majority white and Christian soldiers. Today the armed forces recognize over 200 denominations and religious groups.
Southern Baptist Convention messengers hold signs during a rally protesting the convention’s treatment of women in 2018. AP Photo/Jeffrey McWhorter

Sexism has long been part of the culture of Southern Baptists

Recent media reports point to years of sexual abuse by Southern Baptist pastors. An expert writes why a long culture of women’s submission is responsible for this crisis.
Father Patrick Conroy. AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite

Why does Congress have a chaplain?

Following the controversy over the resignation of House chaplain Patrick Conroy, in this speed read, scholars explain when the tradition of legislative prayer was started and how it has sustained.
The Multi-faith Chapel at Hebrew Senior Life / Newbridge On The Charles, Dedham, Massachusetts. Randall Armor

The changing nature of sacred spaces

Even as congregations decline, chapels, meditation and prayer rooms are evolving as spaces of multi-faith worship and quiet reflection.
Ultimately, whether or not you consider Australia to be secular depends on the definition of secularism used. shutterstock

Is Australia a secular country? It depends what you mean

Australia has a form of secularism where religion is allowed in the public sphere. As long as religion remains one voice and one option among many, the nation will still be secular.

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