The Art of Interfaith Spiritual Care: Integration of Spirituality in Health Care Regardless of Religion or Beliefs - Paperback

by Walter Blair Stratford (Author), Garth T. Read (Preface by)

Relationships between people are frequently compromised as a result of religious viewpoints, but appropriate spiritual care requires bridges to understanding that will allow for trust and justice to become visible. The pattern for this book is shaped on the recognition that, while religious expressions differ markedly in their presentation, we can discern at the core of all religious expressions a supposition of sacred presence. It is therefore helpful for us all, in the daily events of our lives, that we approach people of other faiths with a degree of humility, recognizing that neither we, nor they, have a final answer to the question of faith. The book is divided into four parts, each part containing some chapters, in which elements of interfaith care are considered. Part one explores the complexities of interfaith engagement. Part two discusses ways for caring for each other in the search for meaning. Part three claims that spirituality is most difficult, if not impossible to define, but can be visible in a variety of experiences. The fourth part explores ways in which all that has gone before may be put into practice as spiritual care.

Author Biography

Walter Blair Stratford has been a minister in the Uniting Church in Australia since its inception. Additional to parish ministry, thirteen years were spent in hospital chaplaincy and a number of other years as secretary to the Queensland state ecumenical council. Both prior and subsequent to retirement, he has participated in teaching and in supervising the church's pastoral care training program. His continuing involvement in interfaith activity has led to authorship of this book.