Holy Plot or Common Ground?

A Humanist Reflects

Authors

  • Ivan Middleton Humanist Society of Scotland

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1558/hscc.v6i2.24

Keywords:

humanist, chaplaincy, spirituality, spiritual care

Abstract

Writing from a humanist perspective, the author argues that the right of the patient to receive spiritual care from someone who shares the same philosophy of life must be respected. The ‘religious’ chaplain should no longer be expected to act as ‘jack of all trades’. The task of the chaplaincy is not to bring people to God, but to help them find comfort or meaning. The author welcomes the fact that the NHS HDL (2002)76 Guidelines suggest no bar to humanists undergoing training as hospital chaplains.

Author Biography

  • Ivan Middleton, Humanist Society of Scotland

    Ivan Middleton is a humanist celebrant and sectretary to the Humanist Society of Scotland

References

NHS HDL 2002 Guidelines on Chaplaincy and Spiritual Care in the NHS in Scotland. NHS Health Department Letter (2002) 76, Scottish Executive Health department, Edinburgh.

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Published

2013-05-15

How to Cite

Middleton, I. (2013). Holy Plot or Common Ground? A Humanist Reflects. Health and Social Care Chaplaincy, 6(2), 24-26. https://doi.org/10.1558/hscc.v6i2.24