Health care chaplaincy in the Nordic countries: Transformations and perspectives

Abstract

In this article we present some developmental patterns in the 100 years long history of of health care chaplaincy in the Nordic countries, particularely in Norway. We argue that a shift is gradually taking place from what can be regardes as a religious service model to an existential care model. This can be seen within the context of specialization and professionalization both in health care and chaplaincy, as well on the background of pluralization in society. We point at some challenges for chaplaincy regarding delimitation and the relationships between religious and secular anchoring of chaplaincy, the routines for referrals to chaplains, implementation of chaplaincy and inter-disciplinary work in hospitals, and the need for continuous work on knowledge development and research.