When Americans picture a chaplain, many of them likely think of someone like Father Mulcahy, the Irish American priest who cared for Korean War soldiers in the classic TV show “M.A.S.H.” The reality is much more complex.
In episode 66, Wendy Cadge, founder and director of the Chaplaincy Innovation Lab, talks about the work of chaplains. She also discusses issues she has written about, including the evolution of the role of chaplains, unique positions like humanist chaplains, and the work of chaplains during COVID-19.
In this issue of A Public Witness, we interrogate the arguments about military chaplains in the recent confirmation hearing by the Senate Armed Services Committee. We also testify to the proper role of military chaplains and the problems with a misguided, sectarian approach favored by some
In airports, hospitals, and even government jobs, chaplains offer “spiritual care’’ to people of all walks of life. Read full piece
Word&Way Editor Brian Kaylor was a guest on the radio program “State of Belief,” which is hosted by Welton Gaddy. They talk about congressional chaplains, religious liberty, Christian Nationalism, and the riot at the U.S. Capitol. Listen to the program
Word&Way Editor Brian Kaylor argues in this guest piece at Roll Call that the historic appointment of U.S. House Chaplain Margaret Kibben obscures need to abolish antiquated position. Read full piece
Even while hospital chaplains rolled up their sleeves to join other frontline workers as some of the first to be gifted with human-made immunity to COVID-19, many reflected on the work that led them to the historic moment — jobs that are sometimes harrowing, sometimes
National Guard troops were deployed during this summer’s widespread unrest over racial injustice following George Floyd’s death. Now chaplains say they’re working on main lessons learned from those tumultuous times for whenever they may be mobilized again.
Prior to Election Day, members of our congregations and communities expressed fears of widespread violence at election sites. They expected intimidation and confusion. By the time the day was over, our on-the-ground network of poll chaplains relayed story after story of interventions deterring countless attempts
As millions of Americans went to the polls to vote today amid anxiety about the results, concerns about voter intimidation, and even worries about post-election violence, some clergy showed up as election chaplains to bring a calming presence and safeguard voter rights.