Chaplaincy for Justice Movements

Jake Fahey, ChIME 2019

Most of us agree that breath is life. Without our breath, we can't breathe, and we can't live. The wisest of souls throughout history have pointed to the breath as the bridge to our highest selves, to abiding love within us. However, we live in a world where not all groups of people are given the same opportunities to breathe fully, to access this vital resource of vitality and thrivation. Is there a role as chaplains in this unequal treatment of our siblings? What stand can we take in our life in this very moment, in this very breath?

There is an historical strand of chaplaincy in the United States and abroad that has been doing such spiritual labor. This comes from a tradition of community care and nonviolence in the face of injustice and oppression. As chaplains in a world where power structures and systems inflict immeasurable harm, I believe we have a responsibility and a call to stand with the afflicted, speak prophetic truth to power, and offer love and care in the ways we are able.

Join me in an exploration of spiritual care and justice work past, present, and future, as we reflect together on how we can align ourselves and our chaplaincy with movements for transformational change no matter where our specific calling is leading us. May we foster the conditions to create more room for more of us, as more breath brings more life and more love.