Chaplaincy in Queensland Health, and private hospitals in South East Queensland: a study in the re-articulation of pastoral care within a framework of plurality and difference

Abstract

Pastoral care in our day has its origins in the Christian church and the religious (Soul) care of members. Pastoral care in the hospital has been, and continues to be articulated in the traditional terminology of religious care. This thesis argues that in our multicultural and multifaith society re-articulation of pastoral care is now required; taking account of the nature of belief, genuine valuing of story, and focused presence. Such benchmarks create authentic engagement through which pastoral care becomes capable of crossing religious boundaries to foster spiritual comfort. This thesis maps these factors – belief, story and presence - within the literature review, drawing on the experience of many researchers in pastoral care, and of those who in various ways have engaged with others in sharing their own lives, experiences and reflections. The review sources engage with pluralism, the differences between spiritual and religious care, the importance of authenticity and the way this might be discerned through a brief study of belief, story, and presence.