Suchergebnisse

Runcorn, D. (2018). The Language of Tears: Their Gift, Mystery and Meaning. Norwich: Canterbury Press, 144 pp. (pbk). ISBN: 9781786220912.

The second of two articles, this installment reflects on the way bereaved parents valued the support of a chaplaincy following the death of their baby. The article describes how some parents wanted options and others "authoritative action" and notes that co-creation of ritual is not always appropriate. Chaplains are described as authoritative in both religious matters concerning the eternal destiny of babies and spiritual matters of identity. The notion of a sharp divide between religious and spiritual care is questioned. A lack of clarity among chaplains as to their role is connected to the contradictory tensions of a society that has rejected religious authority and yet of parents wanting authoritative statements/recognition. Anthropological insights concerning ritual are drawn upon to help understand the chaplain's identity. It is recommended chaplaincy support be written into guidelines/protocols for the care of bereaved parents. Chaplains are encouraged to learn more about transferential or intersubjective responses.

This article explores the spiritual needs of bereaved parents and the way chaplaincy support helped meet that need. It argues that underlying all other need was a loss of control experienced by parents. Alongside this, three further themes are identified: a loss of meaning and purpose, a loss of self worth, and a desire to do something. Liturgy and ritual provided by chaplains helped meet each of the spiritual needs. The ceremonies performed by chaplains were most meaningful to parents when accompanied by the chaplain relating well to them. Of particular importance was the ability of the chaplain to draw alongside parents through attentive listening. As a contrast to the rotation of nurses and doctors, parents often viewed chaplains as a consistent or constant presence. It is recommend that, if possible, the same chaplain provides support to parents throughout.

This article explores the related issues of boundaries and dual relationships within health and social care chaplaincy. The article begins by noting a tension between an understanding of pastoral care as having unstated and flexible boundaries and the clear statements from professional bodies that boundaries help the effective functioning of caring and supportive relationships. In a discussion of boundary-setting issues in relation to the expectations of both patients and chaplains, the article touches on the use of social media, before looking in more detail at dual relationships. The article argues that, while chaplaincy boundaries may need to be flexible, an awareness of normal practice is vital, so that any extending of boundaries is done consciously. In relation to this, a number of trigger points are suggested. The article recommends that individual chaplains discuss boundaries within supervision, and that teams have clear policies and protocols which articulate expectations around team working. It further recommends that the profession develops more guidance around dual relationships, and that formal supervision standards are set and audited.

This issue of Health and Social Care Chaplaincy presents a wide range of topics relating to: (i) spirituality and spiritual care education, (ii) mental health care, (iii) hearing impairment, and (iv) COVID-19 in residential aged care. A number of book reviews are presented, as well as the annual overview of HSCC. Finally, we welcome a new HSCC Editor-in-Chief and remind readers of the upcoming European Conference on Religion, Spirituality and Health planned for 2024. Further, we provide advance notice of a forthcoming conference currently in planning – namely the inaugural International Moral Injury and Wellbeing Conference (IMIWC, 2024).

A diverse range of topics are covered in this issue of Health and Social Care Chaplaincy, namely: (i) end of life care, (ii) chaplaincy boundaries, (iii) moral injury, (iv) suicide, and (v) the increasingly important issue of electronic patient records. This issue also includes, once again, a number of book reviews. Finally, we welcome two new Co-Editors to the HSCC team, and note an upcoming European conference planned for 2024 focusing on spiritual care interventions.