What even is a Chaplain/Faith Advisor?
We often get asked 'what even is a Chaplain or a faith advisor?
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It's a great question and one that doesn't have a 'neat' answer. Historically chaplains are Christian ministers who work within different institutions (like universities or hospitals) offering pastoral care and support for the staff and, in a university context, students. As university life has got more beautifully diverse, multifaith chaplaincy have become more common. Chaplains and faith advisors from differing faith traditions and religious communities now form teams offering a breadth of care and support for those who want it. Chaplains/faith advisors sit both inside & outside of the universities. They understand the university contexts but are not employed within it and so can often be a useful independant ear.
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Rev Ruth, our lead Chaplain, likes to talk about Chaplains being like Doulas. Doulas are traditionally women who accompany those giving birth. The doula does not offer clinical intervention, but draws alongside the person birthing, listening to their voice, advocating with and for them, and cheering them on. For us, Chaplains/faith advisors offer people accompaniment. A chance for people to be heard (in a none counselling role), to be cheered on in the joys of life, and supporting at moments of difficulty. Although Chaplains/faith advisors come from religious traditions their roles are not to try and persuade anyone to take on their beliefs, but rather to offer care and compassion to all - those of all faiths and none. The kinds of times people might seek a Chaplain/faith advisor out include;
When someone has died and they could do with someone to talk to
When someone is wrestling an ethical issue
When someone is feeling lonely or isolated
When someone of a particular faith is looking for guidance from someone within their faith community
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Alongside offering support to individuals, we accompany the universities themselves. Being people who can advise on key concerns which effect people of faith, or adding to the richness of university life by drawing attention to faith festivals or traditions, or simply being present to join in what it means to be part of community.