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HISTORY AND THEOLOGY OF CHAPLAINCY
Chaplaincy has a long-standing tradition, with its roots possibly dating back to St. Martin de Tours. It is known for offering pastoral care to specific communities and institutions, with its terminology and underlying theology evolving to meet the needs of different times and contexts.
History of Chaplaincy
The term chaplaincy has deep Christian heritage, particularly associated with prison and military chaplaincy, as well as service to notable individuals. In a 12th-century apse in the Basilica of St. Clement in Rome, there is a depiction of a tonsured man referred to as cappellano, possibly linked to the clerical function of overseeing the shrine. The word chaplain originates from the Latin word for cloak, referring to the story of Martin, later known as St. Martin (316/336 – 397), Bishop of Tours. As a Roman soldier stationed in Amiens, Gaul, he famously shared his cloak with a beggar, an act that became central to the chaplaincy’s symbolic heritage.
Chaplaincy historically catered not only to special communities and institutions but also to prominent individuals, such as monarchs and bishops. Chaplains often served as confessors and spiritual directors to these figures. Today, there are 33 Honorary Chaplains serving Queen Elizabeth II. In England, the Royal Household has an Ecclesiastical Household, founded in 1437, which includes the College of Chaplains. This body is led by the Clerk of the Closet, an Anglican bishop, and includes chaplains from various roles, such as the Chapel Royal and the armed forces. Rev. Canon Paul Wright currently serves as the domestic chaplain to the monarch at Buckingham Palace.
Chaplaincy: Nomenclature and Theology
The Christian roots of chaplaincy have prompted some resistance to the term in multicultural contexts, leading to the introduction of alternative phrases such as pastoral services, spiritual care, spiritual health, and spiritual direction. However, these terms often have broader, less defined boundaries, focusing more on the individual rather than institutional service. In the 1990s, the UK introduced the term sector ministry, though it was short-lived. In contrast, the term chaplaincy has persisted in both the UK and USA, while in Australia, Spiritual Health Victoria has adopted a term to encompass pastoral care and chaplaincy in healthcare.
Chaplaincy distinguishes itself from parish or local community pastoral care by focusing on specialized institutions, such as the military, prisons, or hospices, or specific populations, like youth, migrants, prisoners, or the elderly. It is typically associated with trained religious professionals, such as priests, monks, or imams. In the healthcare sector, spiritual care is described as offering a supportive, compassionate presence to people during significant transitions, illness, grief, or loss. This care often includes attentive listening, identifying the person’s spiritual resources and needs, and providing faith-based chaplaincy, counseling, and religious services. Chaplaincy, as an essential part of holistic care, has now expanded globally.
The Foundation of Peniel College of Chaplains
Dr. Leo Ekwerike, the founder and Commander General of the Peniel College of Chaplains, established the college on April 4th, 2022. His aim was to provide spiritual care and safety to military and security personnel. The college was officially affiliated with the Macedonia Ambassador Chaplain Corps (CHAP-CORPS) on December 10th, 2022, strengthening its recognition and purpose.
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