Interfaith Spiritual Care

Interfaith Spiritual Care is a holistic approach to well-being that supports an individual’s or group’s spiritual, emotional, and existential needs through empathetic, trauma-sensitive presence, dialogue, and reflection. It creates space for thoughtful exploration of self and existence — supporting individuals in finding meaning and purpose, integrating life’s hardships, and clarifying their beliefs about life’s foundational questions.

Interfaith spiritual care providers (often called chaplains) are trained to respect and support the spiritual and belief-related needs of those they serve without imposing their own personal beliefs. This work centers the individual’s lived experience, values, and evolving understanding, while honoring the diverse religious, spiritual, secular, and philosophical traditions people may draw from.

Spiritual care is distinct from psychotherapy and does not replace licensed mental health treatment, though it may complement it. If clinical mental health care is needed, appropriate referrals are encouraged.

If you would like to learn more about Interfaith as a guiding perspective, you can explore the Order of Universal Interfaith Declaration of Faith: https://ouni.org/declaration-of-faith/.