What Can Chaplains Teach About Cross-Cultural Religious Literacy?

Abstract

This essay considers how chaplains embody the core tenets of cross–cultural religious literacy. This work begins with empathy and humility and in its ideal supports individuals and institutions in their mission driven work. Every day chaplains and spiritual care providers work across many axes of difference, ideally embodying the mutual engagement which builds mutual respect, mutual reliance, and resilience. This essay provides a brief description of chaplains and their work as well as changes in their training and preparation needed to better prepare them to do this everyday work of covenantal pluralism.