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

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

Authors

Kristin Aune

Lucy Peacock

Jeremy Law



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 Mar 28, 2024
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

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