A Light in the Darkness: The Transformative Power of Chaplaincy 

In life’s darkest moments, a compassionate presence can be the difference between despair and hope. Anglicare chaplains are this presence, offering spiritual care, emotional support, and guidance in a variety of settings - from hospitals to workplaces and beyond.

At Sutherland Hospital, Lisa Russell, one of Anglicare’s chaplains, exemplifies this role. When a staff member and their spouse tragically passed away while on holiday, Lisa was part of the incident response team that supported the hospital staff.

“Chaplaincy care in this kind of setting involves providing a compassionate presence that enables a person to be heard and ‘held’,” Lisa recalls.

Alongside nursing staff and Employee Assistance Program workers, Lisa supported around forty staff members, offering prayer, counselling, and a listening ear. “Sometimes just providing a ‘physical presence of care’ was all that was needed.”

The role of chaplains reaches across all walks of life, serving people of all faiths and backgrounds. Whether in hospitals, prisons, workplaces, or communities, chaplains provide:

• Spiritual Care:  Facilitating spiritual practices or offering prayers.
• Emotional Support:  Providing comfort during times of grief or crisis.
• Counselling:  Offering guidance in navigating personal dilemmas.
• Advocacy and Mediation:  Ensuring spiritual needs are respected and advocating for individuals.
• Community Building:  Helping foster a sense of community and belonging.
• Crisis Response:  Offering immediate support during emergencies or end-of-life situations.

Chaplains walk alongside people during their most challenging times, offering a listening ear, comfort, and understanding. Their presence provides support and reassurance, helping individuals find a sense of hope when they need it most.