“Pandemic Theology: Listen, Lament & Labor” was written by one of IACC’s Board of Directors, Rev. Dr. Matthew Hoffman. This book is a result of his doctoral work where he surveyed healthcare professionals from throughout the United States to examine the spirituality and theology that emerged from their work on COVID units. Within this book is also a historical survey examining Christian voices and responses to pandemics, plagues and epidemics from the early church history to the present AIDS epidemic. This historical survey serves as a backdrop to present Christian responses to the most recent COVID pandemic. From this work arises a model of care that helps us answer questions such as “How is a Christian to respond during times of massive suffering?” as well as “how to be” at the bedside of a sick or dying friend.
Two Chaplain Positions Open with Texas Health and Human Services
One position is in Denton, TX and the other is in Corpus Christi. These postings are board-certification preferred, with a minimal of 4-5 units of ACPE CPE, M.Div., ordination, and ecclesiastical endorsement. Any interested candidates to please contact Rev. Dr. Paul D. Kraus, Chief of Chaplains, HHSC of Texas at 512-374-6438.
Consensus Statement: The Role of the Chaplain in Health Care
Role and Qualifications of Health Care Chaplains
The chaplain is the spiritual care specialist on the health care team. They support patients, families, their caregivers, and staff to draw on their spiritual, religious, emotional, and cultural resources, as well as their personal values to cope with their experiences in the health care context. They are unique and essential members of the interdisciplinary team with the goal of providing person-centered care.
The role and qualifications of health care chaplains in the United States have evolved significantly in recent decades. Originally, chaplains focused on providing religious interventions to those who could not access their own resources and were peripheral to the health care teams. However, the ever-evolving world of health care, including the increasing appreciation for the role of religion and spirituality, requires a professional spiritual care provider who can address complex spiritual, religious, emotional, ethical and existential needs that often produce spiritual distress and when properly addressed can promote health.
Spiritual distress can arise from such issues as a lack of meaning or purpose, isolation from one’s community and/or sense of the sacred, feelings of injustice, indignity, disrespect for personal/communal/cultural values, or a heightened sense of their own mortality. Unaddressed spiritual distress can lead to inappropriate use of health care resources, increased symptoms, reduced quality of life and reduced patient and family satisfaction. Chaplains have become the spiritual care specialists fully integrated into health care teams who focus on dealing with these issues. Yet there is wide variation in practice and no widely supported consensus statement clearly defining the role and qualifications of these health care chaplains.
This consensus statement was developed by a panel of chaplains and health care leaders from a wide range of spiritual traditions and health care related contexts. For a list of panel members see Addendum 1. The panel hopes that this statement will serve as a guide to health care chaplains and those who support them to promote the full integration of professional chaplains into health care. This statement is a call to action for greater commitment to the role of chaplaincy. It describes what fully trained professional chaplains can, and are trained to, contribute to health care institutions and those they serve. This statement is meant to be aspirational rather than a description of the status across all settings.
1 Spirituality is recognized as a fundamental aspect of compassionate, patient and family-centered care. “Spirituality is the aspect of humanity that refers to the way individuals seek and express meaning and purpose and the way they experience their connectedness to the moment, to self, to others, to nature, and to the significant or sacred.”
Puchalski C, Ferrell B, Virani R et al. Improving the Quality of Spiritual Care as a Dimension of Palliative Care: The Report of the Consensus Conference. J Palliat Med. 2009;12(10):885-904. doi:10.1089/jpm.2009.0142
Who is a professional health care chaplain?
The professional health care chaplain has master’s level education in an academic field related to chaplaincy care and has completed formal clinical training in chaplaincy care. The chaplain is accountable to a code of ethics that includes a commitment to appropriate professional boundaries and respect for the values and beliefs of those for whom they care. A professional chaplain has a command of a core knowledge base and array of spiritual-care competencies, including the ability to draw on the chaplain’s own spirituality. Board-certified chaplains have demonstrated advanced training, knowledge and skill according to a spiritual care standard and may have additional specialty certification, e.g., in hospice and palliative care.
The role of health care chaplains is unique and essential. They provide evidence-based spiritual care and support the continued development of evidence-based practice. They provide evidence-based assessment, counseling and advocacy. They support patients, families, caregivers and staff, irrespective of their faith tradition or spirituality, who experience spiritual, emotional, existential or moral distress or who want support and compassionate caring to promote resilience and health. They support ethical decision making. The chaplain is also a psychosocial-care generalist and collaborates with social workers and other mental-health experts to provide unified psychosocial-spiritual care.
As the essential, fully integrated spiritual care specialist on the care team, the chaplain develops and documents a spiritual care plan, provides input during clinical team rounds, educates clinical colleagues in generalist spiritual care, establishes comprehensive referral processes in response to spiritual distress and supports the spiritual well-being of team members both as professionals and persons. Chaplains often focus their care on high acuity and high-volume patient care areas but are also increasingly present in outpatient and telehealth settings.
Chaplains contribute beyond the care of individuals and families to support the institutional commitment to person centered compassionate care practices and policies at all levels of the organization. They support effective, efficient, and ethical use of institutional resources and serve as institutional liaisons to community spiritual and faith groups. They actively support institutional values such as dignity, respect, and equity and work to facilitate the institution welcoming patients, families, and staff of all cultures, races, religions/spirituality, ethnicities, sexual orientations, gender identities, ages, generations, disabilities, languages, nationalities, and immigration statuses.
As spiritually-based clinicians, leaders, educators, and advocates, professional health care chaplains champion caring for the whole person at the individual, team and system levels.2
For Information please contact
George Handzo
212-644-1111 Ext. 113
ghandzo@healthcarechaplaincy.org
2Adapted from the National Consensus Project Clinical Practice Guidelines for Quality Palliative Care, 4th ed, 2018.
Healthcare Chaplaincy Network: Chaplaincy Management Training Program!
Chaplaincy Management Training Program
Leading a successful chaplaincy department is filled with opportunities and challenges. Many directors have requested tools and training to provide successful leadership to support their staff and provide quality spiritual care to patients, family, and staff.
The Spiritual Care Associations’ Chaplaincy Management Training Program is designed to meet this need for current or aspiring directors of chaplaincy/spiritual care departments of any size. This includes both inpatient and outpatient operations as well as remote clinics. In addition to the online courses, instruction and webinar training benefits of the program, candidates will also have the opportunity to virtually meet other directors or aspiring directors and create a network of peers. (Click here for more information!)
Interfaith Chaplaincy as Interpretive Hospitality
by Peter Ward Youngblood
Department of Cultural and Religious Studies, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Sha Tin, NT,
Hong Kong, China; pwyoungblood@link.cuhk.edu.hk
Received: 27 February 2019; Accepted: 21 March 2019; Published: 26 March 2019
Abstract: Hospital chaplaincy must reconcile competing epistemologies of health and salvation
(Christian, clinical, holistic, etc.), but when done in interfaith situations this task becomes more
difficult. As current models of spiritual care are insufficient, this paper proposes a paradigm based
on Paul Ricoeur’s hermeneutics of translation, as adapted for comparative theology by Marianne
Moyaert. In particular, it looks at his idea of linguistic hospitality as a way to structure relations,
spiritual assessments, and pastoral interventions in interfaith chaplaincy without reducing the unique
strangeness of “the Other”. Furthermore, a practical, performative (ritual) hospitality can overcome
the epistemological and soteriological obstacles that have frustrated systematic theologies of religion.
Book Review: The Five Dysfunctions of a Team: A Leadership Fable, Patrick Lencioni by Chaplain Greg Slate
The Five Dysfunctions of a Team: A Leadership Fable, Patrick Lencioni
5 hours reading time
by Chaplain Greg Slate
In this book, Lencioni uses a method of presentation that actually reads more like a novel. He presents the fictional story of a Silicon Valley tech start up that began with great traction, growing quickly under the leadership of the founder. However, in just a few short years, the Board of Directors asks him to step down into a lesser leadership role because the company had lost momentum and was now a place in which the senior leadership was not working together on shared goals and while the company was beginning to lose market share to competitors.
The Chairman of the Board brings in a new leader that at first glance, does not seem to fit the role. She is a seasoned executive leader, but in an industry that is very different from the tech industry the company was operating in. She was also significantly older than a typical tech executive. For these superficial reasons, the existing executive team looked at her with great skepticism.
What was helpful to me in this book is that the author uses the narrative of the story to illustrate the various unhealthy operating methods of those in leadership. One example is that each executive had grown to only protect their individual areas of responsibility with little concern for how their process might mesh with the other areas of the company.
In the story, the leader, Kathryn, immediately implements several new processes designed to highlight the dysfunctional aspects of the current leadership model. Her method also included the expectation that some, or all of the current executives may not remain with the company. While this created some anxiety for her, she knew what needed to be done and did not shy away from leading them where she knew they needed to go. That place would be one in which each department would work in concert with the others so that they may pull together in a common effort to enhance to company position in the marketplace, rather than working on their own smaller goals that may be helpful only the leader personally, or to the department.
The story shows clearly that leading an organization into this type of culture change is particularly challenging and can leave the leader with some scars to show for the effort. One thing that I appreciated is that the principles shared by the author are applicable in any number of settings, not just a business environment.
As flawed creatures, all of us are capable of losing sight of the common goal and becoming focused on protecting our own smaller area of responsibility. I am encouraged that despite our sometimes limited viewpoint, the right leadership can model a healthy way forward that can set the tone for a more selfless way of operating so that all can feel a part of the success of the organization and appreciate the benefits, both emotionally and professionally.
Book Review: Perfectly Human: Nine Months with Cerian, Sarah C. Williams by Chaplain Greg Slate
Perfectly Human: Nine Months with Cerian, Sarah C. Williams
10 hours reading
Review by Chaplain Greg Slate
The hospital in which I work has a very large labor and delivery program. In fact, more babies are delivered at Saint Joseph Hospital than anywhere else in Colorado. Sadly, due to the large volume of deliveries, we also have a larger than average number of what used to be called miscarriages, now routinely referred to in clinical settings as a fetal demise.
As chaplains we are often called to provide comfort to grieving parents as well as completing necessary paperwork for the disposition of the remains of the fetus.
When I came across this book, my attention was grabbed initially by the title at first, because of the baby’s name, Cerian. It is Welsh, meaning fair or blessed. It is a name usually used for girls. When I dug a little deeper, I realized that it is the story of parents that despite receiving a diagnosis that assured the baby would not live, they chose to carry the child to full term. This flew in the face of the recommendations of her medical team to terminate the pregnancy. It was interesting to read about the reactions of the team members, ranging from confusion and frustration to others that were very emotional about the decision, feeling it was one of courage.
The author details many events and emotions that she encountered throughout the remainder of the pregnancy. This included sharing with the other children in the home and including them in the journey, helping them to feel that the entire family was on the journey together. She also details her own physical suffering throughout, which included extended nausea and weakness.
Also included is the sharing of emotions surrounding a very close friend that was also pregnant and delivered a healthy baby. The way the two women navigated the combination of joy and sorrow and being a support and encouragement for one another is very touching.
I am certain that stories like this are not extremely rare but they are rarely told. It is gratifying to read about a family that made a decision that was informed by their faith but also from a deep desire to give this child everything they could until they were not in a position to do so any longer. So many are unwilling to think of children prior to birth as fully human, often dismissing them as only “a blob of tissue”. I am happy to read about one family that felt that their terminally ill pre-born child was a person, deserving of care and love even though they would not live long enough to experience this in the normal way.
In the end, Cerian was born and breathed a few moments before dying, just as the medical professionals had predicted. They were certain of the outcome but they had no idea of the depth of love this child was given prior to that day.
Book Review: Failure of Nerve: Leadership in the Age of the Quick Fix, Edwin Friedman by Chaplain Greg Slate
Failure of Nerve: Leadership in the Age of the Quick Fix, Edwin Friedman
8 hours reading time
by Chaplain Greg Slate, BCC
I am always seeking to find the newest thinking on the topic of leadership. This book was suggested to me by a colleague with whom I worked at Denver Seminary.
Interestingly, I had not heard of Edwin Friedman at the time. This was difficult to understand as I began reading this book, realizing only then that Friedman was well known in many circles of power for his insights into the human condition.
Usually, I find authors that are willing to share their wisdom learned from personal experience especially helpful. Friedman did this very well, telling stories from his experience with leaders that came to him for counseling. Often, these were leaders, many of whom were serving in governmental posts in Washington, D.C., were struggling to cope with very complex situations in which their normal way of operating was no longer providing the type of results they had come to expect.
Friedman was clearly someone who had gleaned a tremendous amount of wisdom by working within systems and understanding how to operate in a more healthy way than he often observed.
His premise in the book seems to be that many in leadership don’t really understand the systems they are working within or are trying to lead. In many cases, the ability or the desire to push against the status quo in order to effect change has been lost. Friedman makes the case that often, a leader must be willing to in some ways go out on a limb, to be courageous in suggesting to others a new way forward. However, this would seem to be rare because many are unwilling to take that type of risk, concerned about the way they may be perceived if they potentially fail in the effort. Friedman makes the case that failure often provides learning that will inform future decision making and will set an example for others that the organization values creativity and a willingness to take acceptable risks in order to remain nimble and vibrant rather than always taking what is perceived to be the safe route ahead. It helps to create a culture in which failure is not to be criticized but in fact is part of the creative process and is in some ways celebrated.
I thought it was very interesting that this particular book was never finished being written by the author before his death. Those that knew him well took up the responsibility to look at notes left behind to complete the writing in his honor. This says a great deal about the impact that he had on his colleagues and in his family. I would definitely recommend this as a must read for all of those seeking a fresh way to engage mantel of leadership.
New Book Recommendation: Pastoral Care and Counseling: Care for Stories, Systems and Selves
In our search for ever increasing education in our field of Pastoral Care we want to make you aware of Dr. Philip Helsel’s newest book, “Pastoral Care and Counseling: Care for Stories, Systems and Selves” published through Paulist Press. Click below for more details!
http://www.paulistpress.com/Products/5390-9/pastoral-care-and-counselingbran-introduction.aspx
Words Have Consequences...a letter from FASPE
Words Have Consequences
A Failure of Ethical Leadership
Friends of FASPE:
How does an organization whose mission focuses on professional ethics and ethical leadership respond to the events of the past week? How does an organization that studies the perpetrators in the professions in Nazi Germany respond to the events of the past week?
The murders that took place in Pittsburgh and in Louisville, and the delivery of bombs to individuals and institutions, are not random, inexplicable, unpredictable acts of depraved individuals. We must now acknowledge that these unspeakable acts are part of a progression that began with a conscious rejection of the pluralistic and democratic norms that govern our daily lives and that define the way that we interact with each other.
Hate speech is unacceptable. And speech that promotes hate is dangerous. Yes, perhaps only depraved people actually convert that hate into murderous acts. But, we cannot ignore the reality that promoting hate has the consequence (intended or not) of hateful acts. One leads inexorably to the other.
We expect, we demand, that our leaders practice ethical leadership. They set the tone for our great country. They are our voice, our conscience and our clarion. Words and actions that promote hate reflect the absence of ethical leadership. This is not a partisan statement. We are permitted, even encouraged, to disagree (and argue) about the regulation of weapons, about abortion, about capital punishment, about immigration policy – that is the beauty of a democratic society. If the majority wants tax relief, we have tax relief. If a majority wants weapons regulations, we have weapons regulations.
However, we do not vilify the opposition. We do not criminalize the opposition. We do not intentionally make up facts, i.e. lie, in order to promote our political positions. We do not encourage violence against the opposition. That is unethical leadership.
Back to professional ethics and ethical leadership. Back to the professionals in Nazi Germany. FASPE does not seek analogies to Nazi Germany. To analogize or even to suggest a path of analogies can be destructive and unacceptable. It risks engaging in the demagoguery and hate that has become too much part of the discourse in America.
Instead, FASPE studies the perpetrators in Nazi Germany in order to display the role that our leaders, the professionals, must play in a civil society. The professional class in Nazi Germany did not object, they did not stand in the way. They enabled even by their silence. Staying quiet in the face of unethical behavior, large or small, is unacceptable.
FASPE asks that as a responsibility of professional ethics and ethical leadership, we, as leaders in our respective communities, speak out against the hatred that is clearly being condoned and encouraged. There is a direct line between speech that promotes hate and hateful actions. We must be clear and unequivocal in our non-partisan objection to this behavior. That is the lesson of history: the absolute requirement that the leaders and influencers in our communities, our clergy, doctors, teachers, journalists, lawyers, business executives – those and more – speak out against hatred. We must demand ethical behavior with our own voices and from our own pulpits, bully or otherwise.
We do not have to ask why anyone feels compelled to spew such hate. However, we can ask that we learn from history and demand a return to civility, to the rule of law, to the norms that we expect from our leaders.
David Goldman
Founder and Chairman, FASPE