Hospital Chaplaincy in the Twenty-first Century

Reviews / Votes

Reviews of the first edition: 'The book I wanted to read when I first became a healthcare chaplain. As a novice chaplain, I wanted acquainting with the historical background of my new profession; a handle on the politics behind the emerging professional agenda of chaplaincy; and direction in understanding what spiritual care means in a non-religious environment.' Reviews in Religion and Theology (reviewer Steve Nolan, UK) 'Swift's book is for church historians, practical theologians, chaplains, health care professionals, and those embattled in the debate over society's role in health care. Americans have been privy to a front row seat as politicians, insurance providers, lobbyists, assorted special-interest groups, and medical professionals debate health care in the USA. This is a must -read book if that debate is of interest to you.' Journal of Religion, Disability & Health (reviewer Willard W.C. Ashley) 'This invaluable book will stand the test of time. Health care professionals will find it a constant point of reference as they wrestle with the issues both locally and nationally. Most importantly, there is a challenge here to the churches to take chaplaincy seriously as the frontier ministry it is.' Paul Ballard, Cardiff University, UK 'A fascinating book written by a serving chaplain. ... provides a valuable insight into the opportunities and difficulties in 21st century chaplaincy. It deserves to be required reading for all those entering the profession.' Theology (reviewer Derek J. Fraser) '[Swift] has ignited the debate about what is truly of value in healthcare chaplaincy and how that value can be appreciated, understood, and evidenced by both the faith communities and by the NHS.' Journal of Practical Theology (reviewer Mia Hilborn) 'With the NHS facing more and more calls on its resources from an ageing population, chaplains do need to follow Swift's advice. This book should help them gain new confidence in the value of th Reviews of the first edition:

"This invaluable book will stand the test of time. Health care professionals will find it a constant point of reference as they wrestle with the issues both locally and nationally. Most importantly, there is a challenge here to the churches to take chaplaincy seriously as the frontier ministry it is." - Paul Ballard, Cardiff University, UK

"The book I wanted to read when I first became a healthcare chaplain. As a novice chaplain, I wanted acquainting with the historical background of my new profession; a handle on the politics behind the emerging professional agenda of chaplaincy; and direction in understanding what spiritual care means in a non-religious environment." - Steve Nolan in Reviews in Religion and Theology

"Swift's book is for church historians, practical theologians, chaplains, health care professionals, and those embattled in the debate over society's role in health care. Americans have been privy to a front row seat as politicians, insurance providers, lobbyists, assorted special-interest groups, and medical professionals debate health care in the USA. This is a must-read book if that debate is of interest to you." - Willard W.C. Ashley in Journal of Religion, Disability & Health

"A fascinating book written by a serving chaplain. ... provides a valuable insight into the opportunities and difficulties in 21st century chaplaincy. It deserves to be required reading for all those entering the profession." - Derek J. Fraser in Theology

"[Swift] has ignited the debate about what is truly of value in healthcare chaplaincy and how that value can be appreciated, understood, and evidenced by both the faith communities and by the NHS." - Mia Hilborn in Journal of Practical Theology

"Swift, who is an expert in hospital chaplaincy on the basis of his own practice, teaching, and management of the professional group in England, focusses on the current crucial challenge for hospital chaplaincy: will it become a fully fledged caring profession, or will it remain a church/religious service sponsored by government?" - W. Smeets in Journal of Empirical Theology