Military Perspectives on the Provision of Spiritual Care in the Australian Defence Force: A Cross-Sectional Study.

A module to explore perspectives on chaplaincy services was included in an online enterprise survey randomly distributed to members of the Australian Defence Force (ADF) during 2021. Up to eight questions were answered by 2783 active military personnel relating to their perception of chaplain activities and the impact of chaplaincy services. Of those military participants answering the question on religious status (n = 1116), a total of 71.6% (n = 799) of respondents identified as non-religious while 28.4% (n = 317) identified as holding a religious affiliation. Approximately 44.2% (n = 1230) of participants had sought support from a chaplain, of which 85.3% (n = 1049) found chaplaincy care to be satisfactory or very satisfactory. While the data suggest there is a lack of clarity around the multiple roles undertaken by chaplaincy, nevertheless respondents were just as likely to prefer chaplains for personal support (24.0%), as they were to seek help from non-chaplaincy personnel such as a non-ADF counsellor (23.2%), their workplace supervisor (23.1%) or a psychologist (21.8%). This evidence affirms that the spiritual care provided by military chaplaincy remains one of several preferred choices and thus a valued part of the holistic care provided by the ADF to support the health and wellbeing of its members

Complexities of Spiritual Care in Plural Societies

This volume contributes to an emerging field that could be referred to as "plural spiritual care and chaplaincy". It's innovative approach brings together contributions from a broad range of contexts and religious traditions and includes empirical work and conceptual explorations. It helps to fill the gap between practices and developments related to plural spiritual care and chaplaincy in the scholarly discourse

Chaplaincy and spiritual care in Australian ambulance services : An exploratory cross-sectional study

Ambulance staff wellbeing programs aim to support the bio-psycho-social and sometimes spiritual needs of paramedics. While evidence demonstrates strong connections between spirituality and/or religion to wellbeing outcomes, little is known about spiritual care in ambulance services or its impact. The aim of this study was to investigate paramedics’ perspectives on the role and value of Australian ambulance chaplains. A cross-sectional online study of registered paramedics in Australia was conducted between November and December 2022. Analysis of the 150 responses identified that paramedics viewed the chaplain’s role as one built on professional caring relationships that provided proactive and reactive care in paramedic workplaces. Chaplains were perceived to promote wellbeing by incorporating emotional, psychological, social and spiritual care, and assisting paramedics to access additional support. Perceived religiousness of chaplains and organisational factors were barriers to paramedics accessing chaplains, while pre-existing relationships and shared experiences positively influenced paramedics decision to seek chaplain support

The Experience of Health System Leaders in Meeting Patients\u27 Spiritual Needs

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to explore the experience of multidisciplinary healthcare leaders in creating a culture that meets hospitalized patients’ spiritual needs. My major research questions were: 1) Does the spiritual experience of hospital/health system leaders affect an organization’s ability to meet hospitalized patients’ spiritual needs? 2) Does the spiritual training of multidisciplinary leaders affect an organization’s culture? 3) Does the spiritual training of various levels of leaders affect an organization’s culture? 4) Does an organization’s culture impact its capacity to meet hospitalized patients’ spiritual needs? I gathered information from in-depth interviews of 22 current and former healthcare leaders from multiple levels with direct and non-direct care responsibilities at one secular hospital/health system, and two hospitals within one non-secular health system. Participants had received RISEN program spiritual education/training. In the course of the study, themes emerged that gave meaning to the collective healthcare leader experiences. Overall, few differences were noted between secular and non-secular leaders. Spiritual embodiment by top leaders is essential, while other leaders emulate the top leader. Spiritual beliefs and values are intentionally embedded in cultures through intentional presence, aligned structures and systems of accountability. All healthcare members contribute to spirituality for patients in meaningful ways, with pastoral care professionals and nurses have the most direct effect. Engaging physicians has unique considerations. Intentionally investing in the spiritual development of individuals positively impacts the culture. An intentional approach to educating staff is necessary. The result is that health system leader’s experiences influence meeting patients’ spiritual needs

Theological education in the light of a contemporary understanding of priestly formation and ministry: proposals for action.

The project provides a rationale for a systematic view of the role of theological education in a life-long approach to priestly formation. In particular, it examines perceptions and proposals for action in relation to theological education in the context of the contemporary understanding of Roman Catholic priestly formation and ministry. This contemporary understanding involves the concepts of collaboration and mission which should occur within an ecumenical dimension. The project is divided into three parts. First, the priestly ministry is set within the changing context of theological, historical and social awareness in modem England. The argument is presented that even in a secular context a residual interest in theological and religious questions increase in a society where clergy are generally trusted and well respected. The conjunction between theological theory and actual ministerial practice is. then confronted. The argument presented here is that these two realities must be seen in inter-relationship. I argue next that priestly ministry ought to be contextualised within a particular society. I make, therefore, observations about the 'place' of the Roman Catholic Church in English history and society and in relationship to the Church of England. Secondly, I present my research concerning inter-activity which is discussed on three levels: between priests and other professionals: doctors, teachers and lawyers, the clergy acting in ecumenical partnership and between priests and the lay faithful of the Church. The emerging picture reveals considerable revaluation in other professions in which, particularly in the case of medicine and teaching the clergy have an important role to play in terms of pastoral ministry and ethical focus. A complex series of inter-relationships emerge which demand on the part of priests, a broad intellectual and pastoral vision of priestly ministry, Thirdly, parts one and two provide the foundation for part three which offers the notion of the relationship between Jesus and his disciples as a paradigm for priestly ministry and formation. Various aspects of Gospel study are explored in the context of both initial and on-going formation. The purpose of this section is to give a clear Christological focus to priestly ministry. The concluding chapter presents proposals for innovative action regarding an holistic approach to theological education which covers both initial and on-going priestly formation. This action should enable the priest to present his own vocation and professionalism in a way that can be useful and supportive to other professionals and apply the ancient faith in a contemporary context

Exploring the role and value of chaplains in Australian ambulance services: A mixed methods study

University of Technology Sydney. Faculty of Health.This thesis by compilation explores the provision of chaplaincy and spiritual care in Australian ambulance organisations. Contemporary research has demonstrated that occupational and organisational pressures have resulted in paramedics experiencing higher rates of bio-psycho-social ill-health than the average population, resulting in ambulance organisations implementing staff wellbeing teams. A growing body of evidence demonstrates strong connections between people’s spiritual/religious beliefs and health outcomes, but to date, no Australian studies have examined the role of spiritual care in ambulance services or its impact on paramedic wellbeing. The aim of this exploratory sequential mixed-methods study was to explore the role and value of chaplains in Australian ambulance services. Qualitative findings from interviews with 17 paramedics and 13 chaplains were integrated with the 150 quantitative/survey responses to answer the research questions. While personal beliefs were important in determining whether paramedics would seek chaplain support, pre-existing relationships were also influential. The ambulance chaplain’s role included providing relational care to paramedics in their workspaces, and to bystanders at significant jobs. Incorporating not only spiritual care but emotional, psychological and social care, this proactive frontline role involved skills including listening, assessment and supportive conversations. Chaplain care was perceived to promote emotional, psychological and spiritual wellbeing, reduce barriers to help-seeking, and facilitate specialist referrals. How ambulance organisations implemented chaplaincy programs, including employing the right chaplains and providing clear role descriptions, influenced the effectiveness of chaplaincy programs. Conclusion Findings from this study show that ambulance chaplains have a valued and valuable role. With the right skillset and in the presence of professional caring relationships, chaplains can promote paramedic wellbeing in their workplaces, regardless of personal beliefs. However, the perceived religiousness of chaplains and poor organisational implementation of the role deters some paramedics from seeking chaplain support. To enhance ambulance chaplaincy programs, organisations should ensure minimum education levels for chaplains, that role descriptions and frameworks for practice align with contemporary evidence-based spiritual care, and that chaplaincy care is paramedic-centred

The Chaplain-Researcher : the perceived impact of participation in a Dutch research project on chaplains' professionalism

proefschrift Protestantse Theologische Universitei

Theological education in the light of a contemporary understanding of priestly formation and ministry : proposals for action

The project provides a rationale for a systematic view of the role of theological education in a life-long approach to priestly formation. In particular, it examines perceptions and proposals for action in relation to theological education in the context of the contemporary understanding of Roman Catholic priestly formation and ministry. This contemporary understanding involves the concepts of collaboration and mission which should occur within an ecumenical dimension. The project is divided into three parts. First, the priestly ministry is set within the changing context of theological, historical and social awareness in modem England. The argument is presented that even in a secular context a residual interest in theological and religious questions increase in a society where clergy are generally trusted and well respected. The conjunction between theological theory and actual ministerial practice is. then confronted. The argument presented here is that these two realities must be seen in inter-relationship. I argue next that priestly ministry ought to be contextualised within a particular society. I make, therefore, observations about the 'place' of the Roman Catholic Church in English history and society and in relationship to the Church of England. Secondly, I present my research concerning inter-activity which is discussed on three levels: between priests and other professionals: doctors, teachers and lawyers, the clergy acting in ecumenical partnership and between priests and the lay faithful of the Church. The emerging picture reveals considerable revaluation in other professions in which, particularly in the case of medicine and teaching the clergy have an important role to play in terms of pastoral ministry and ethical focus. A complex series of inter-relationships emerge which demand on the part of priests, a broad intellectual and pastoral vision of priestly ministry, Thirdly, parts one and two provide the foundation for part three which offers the notion of the relationship between Jesus and his disciples as a paradigm for priestly ministry and formation. Various aspects of Gospel study are explored in the context of both initial and on-going formation. The purpose of this section is to give a clear Christological focus to priestly ministry. The concluding chapter presents proposals for innovative action regarding an holistic approach to theological education which covers both initial and on-going priestly formation. This action should enable the priest to present his own vocation and professionalism in a way that can be useful and supportive to other professionals and apply the ancient faith in a contemporary context.EThOS - Electronic Theses Online ServiceGBUnited Kingdo

Importance of relating with God for spiritual well-being

The importance of relating with God for Spiritual Well-Being Twenty years of research in spiritual health/well-being culminate in this thesis. My PhD (1998), University of Melbourne, presented a Four Domains Model of Spiritual Health/Well-Being. This formed the theoretical base for several spiritual well-being questionnaires, presented in my EdD (2009), University of Ballarat. The main instrument, Spiritual Health And Life-Orientation Measure (SHALOM), proposed a novel method of assessing quality of relationships which are posited as reflecting spiritual well-being. These relationships are of each person with themselves, others, the environment and/or with a Transcendent Other (God). Instead of just investigating lived experiences, SHALOM asks for two responses to each item. Each respondent’s lived experience is compared with their stated ideals. Studies presented herein show that this double-response method, comparing ideal with actual, provides a statistically stronger measure of quality of relationships than lived experiences alone, thus spiritual well-being. Eighteen publications included in this thesis relate to studies of spiritual well-being in educational, healthcare and general community settings. A total of 52 studies, using SHALOM with 41686 people from 27 countries, have shown that, of the four sets of relationships measured by SHALOM, relating with God explains greatest variance in spiritual well-being, so is therefore most important. An international study with people involved with, as well as some opposed to, spirituality and religious education led to a generic form of SHALOM, in which the theistic words were replaced by ‘Transcendent’, with 19 alternatives provided from which to select preferred Transcendent, or none. This project revealed that relating with God, as Transcendent, provides greatest support for a person’s relating with self and others, in contrast to help provided by non-theistic and non-religious Transcendents and not believing in Transcendents. This research implies that researchers need to investigate relationship with God in any study of spiritual well-being, whether or not it fits their personal worldview.Doctor of Philosoph

Imams in Western Europe

As European Muslims and Muslims in the Middle East diverge, imams in Europe have emerged as major agents of religious authority who shape Islam’s presence in Western societies. This volume examines the theoretical and practical questions concerning the evolving role of imams in Europe. To what extent do imams act as intermediaries between European states and Muslim communities? Do states subsidise imam training? How does institutionalisation of Islam differ between European states