University Chaplaincy as Relational Presence: Navigating understandings of good and effective chaplaincy in UK universities

Aune, Kristin; Peacock, Lucy; Guest, Mathew; Law, Jeremy

Abstract

Chaplains are embedded in the culture and life of many universities and are a key part of university support for religious students. Yet university chaplaincy has rarely been researched by social scientists. This article explores the role of chaplains and chaplaincy in universities in the United Kingdom (UK), investigating understandings of what makes for good and effective chaplaincy among the different groups involved or working with chaplains. Case study research in five universities, comprising interviews with chaplains, university managers and representatives from religious bodies, and a survey of students, reveals an approach to chaplaincy upon which many participants agree, based around a combination of relational skills and presence. Conceptualizing this as relational presence, the article argues that relational presence reflects the UK’s three-dimensional religious landscape, where religion is regarded as “vicarious”, and reflects the values of young people who attend universities.

Citation

Aune, K., Peacock, L., Guest, M., & Law, J. (2023). University Chaplaincy as Relational Presence: Navigating understandings of good and effective chaplaincy in UK universities. Journal of College and Character, 24(3), 197-216. https://doi.org/10.1080/2194587X.2023.2224573

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: May 23, 2022
• Online Publication Date: Aug 10, 2023
• Publication Date: Aug 10, 2023
• Deposit Date: Jun 11, 2022
• Publicly Available Date: Aug 15, 2023
• Journal: Journal of College and Character
• Print ISSN: 1940-1639
• Electronic ISSN: 1940-1639
• Publisher: Taylor and Francis Group
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 24
• Issue: 3
• Pages: 197-216
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/2194587X.2023.2224573
• Public URL: https://durham-repository.worktribe.com/output/1202827
• Publisher URL: https://www.tandfonline.com/journals/ujcc20