Spirituality/Medicine Interface Project

Chaplaincy in Europe

Authors: Stavros Kofinas, DMIN

Abstract

Abstract:Chaplaincy is organized in Europe in various ways, depending on the cultural, religious, social and governmental aspects which shape healthcare. One of the uniting forces in bringing national chaplaincies together into one united body has been the European Network of Health Care Chaplaincy (ENHCC). Chaplaincy in Europe faces two major difficulties: 1) the professional status of the chaplain within the healthcare community; 2) preserving the patient's rights for spiritual care. These difficulties are described and note is given to how the ENHCC is dealing with them. Finally, special attention is given to how chaplaincy in Europe and the medical community interact and what is needed to bridge the gap between the two worlds of science and faith.

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References

1. Cretan Declaration. Available at: http://www.eurochaplans.org. Accessed March 1, 2006.
 
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†During the ENHCC Consultation in Lisbon (May 2006), special attention was given to palliative care. One of the future goals of the Network is to open channels in working closer with the EU and medical associations of Europe that are involved with this area of care.

*“Healthcare Chaplaincy” was preferred to “Hospital Chaplaincy” because it was more inclusive of facilities that cared for the sick.