Chaplains and Spiritual Advisors

A growing number of hospitals have Pagan chaplains and all hospitals are required to take into account spiritual support appropriate to the individual. It is entirely possible to arrange visits from someone who you respect and like in your own Pagan group, someone who doesn’t need theological explanations. They will be your Spiritual Advisor for as long as you're in hospital. They can help both you and the ward, speaking with the ward staff, answering their questions and, if the need arises, acting as your advocate.

Non-Pagan hospital chaplains are most often Church of England and absolutely approachable. I have never met one who had a concept of eternal damnation or of God as a man on a cloud in a dress. They are trained to offer spiritual support to everyone, whatever the belief or lack of it. I have always been treated with respect and friendship and learned a great deal from them about service. Do not be afraid of them, they are there to serve you and are very likely to help you get appropriate Pagan support.

Very occasionally a Pagan may be subjected to a member of staff who uses Christianity to abuse their power. The Head of Chaplaincy, almost always a member of the Church of England, is the perfect person to deal with this. As a Pagan chaplain I refer these (rare) incidents to my CofE boss and he diplomatically and determinedly deals with it in a way a senior manager is empowered to do. If this happens to you don’t try and deal with it yourself, ask to speak to the Head of Chaplaincy and let them deal with it.