Chaplaincy for a Plural World

“Carmen Schuhmann and her team have assembled a groundbreaking contribution to the study of chaplaincy. They strike a balance between the vital theoretical underpinning of spiritual care and practical tools that all chaplains can use immediately. Drawing on the deep history of humanistic spiritual care in the Netherlands, they pose a critical question: how can humanistic spiritual care inform a capacitive definition of ‘a good life’ for both individuals and societies? Far beyond the Dutch context from which it arises, this book must be studied closely by all who seek to advance the profession of spiritual care.”

Michael Skaggs, PhD, director of programs at the Chaplaincy Innovation Lab

“The developing field of humanist and non-religious chaplaincy is fast paced and rich, though under-studied. This excellent volume is essential reading for everyone, from practitioners to students to researchers.”

Andrew Copson, chief executive of Humanists UK and president of Humanists International

“This book meets a critical need for collaboratively developed models of spiritual care based on chaplain-specific competencies. I urge those who teach chaplaincy studies and education to read this comprehensive, worldview-inclusive perspective on spiritual care and chaplaincy based on norms and competencies in humanist chaplaincy and illustrated through compelling case studies.”

Carrie Doehring, PhD, professor emerita of pastoral care and counseling, Iliff School of Theology, Colorado, USA

Carmen Schuhmann is associate professor of humanist chaplaincy studies at the University of Humanistic Studies in Utrecht, the Netherlands.

Annelieke Damen is assistant professor of humanist chaplaincy studies at the University of Humanistic Studies in Utrecht, the Netherlands.

Gaby Jacobs is full professor of humanist chaplaincy studies at the University of Humanistic Studies in Utrecht, the Netherlands.

Marishelle Lieberwerth is completing her master’s degree at the University of Humanistic Studies in Utrecht, the Netherlands.

Joanna Wojtkowiak is assistant professor of psychological and spiritual aspects of existential care at the University of Humanistic Studies in Utrecht, the Netherlands.