When providing spiritual care, we often receive contradictory information, or points of view that have to be sorted out by going deeper and deeper. Sometimes we discern that one of the issues might be supported by a tangent mentioned in an initial conversation, requiring us to take a wholly different path in the conversation. This Forest Find put in dialogue two points of view that can converse with each other providing an unexpected path for your care practice.
A Closer Look at Movement Chaplaincy
Taking Chaplaincy Care to the Streets
The first chaplains served in conflict zones. They served on the battlefield in war. While most military battles for Americans have been in other countries, sociopolitical and economic battles are taking place in our streets daily.
There has been an increased interest in chaplains tending to the care needs of activists and organizers in justice movements. Given the current climate of political division, angst and the potential of violence, movement chaplains can play a unique role in caring for people during a protest or caring for a community traumatized by unrest.
Consider
If you find yourself in the middle of a protest or a civil disturbance and people are confused crying, distraught and fearful, might your chaplain muscles kick in to serve in this public sphere of uncertainty? Why or why not?