Chaplaincy groups join together to form collaborative care group

Published: 2007-08-16

SCHAUMBURG, Ill. (CNS) -- Six pastoral care organizations have formed the Spiritual Care Collaborative, a new group that will recognize trained, qualified spiritual caregivers who serve as chaplains, pastoral educators and counselors. The chair of the collaborative effort, Art Schmidt, a chaplain at St. Francis Hospital in Federal Way, Wash., said in a statement that the group will expand public awareness about the work of chaplains. It represents, he said, "an unprecedented opportunity to work together to enhance recognition of common standards for our professions and to unite resources toward the accomplishment of common goals." The incorporated group is composed of the American Association of Pastoral Counselors in Fairfax, Va.; the Association for Clinical Pastoral Education in Decatur, Ga.; the Association of Professional Chaplains in Schaumburg; the Canadian Association of Pastoral Practice and Education in Halifax, Nova Scotia; the National Association of Catholic Chaplains in Milwaukee; and the National Association of Jewish Chaplains in Whippany, N.J.

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