Atheist Prison Chaplain Appointed

[naomi24]

An unnamed woman has been appointed Head Chaplain to a prison. The Cambridge dictionary defines a Chaplain as //a Christian official who is responsible for the religious needs of an organization// ,….but this woman isn't Christian or religious in any other sense so it's difficult to imagine how she can empathise with those who are.

https://insidetime.org/rise-of-the-godless-chaplains/

Can an atheist capably fulfil such a role? It seems to me that this lady is no more than a clerk employed to arrange meetings between other people.

[douglas9401]

The chaplain lacks religion just as the prison lacks punishment.

A good enough fit.

[davebro]

I suppose it's just someone else to talk to from outside the institution. Otherwise non-religious cons would be denied whatever spiritual or moral guidance is available to those who have a religion.

[roopower]

Don't see too much of a problem, she heads up a team of chaplains from various faiths. She can listen to those who don't believe in God either but need to talk to someone. Bit of a fuss about not a lot.

[barry1010]

As stated she is a chaplain manager, organising a team. If a prisoner wants to talk to someone of a particular faith she can organise the meeting.
I am a Christian and have no problem with a wider definition of the term in this context.

[Peter Pedant]

//... is no more than a clerk employed to arrange meetings between other people.//

erm I cant see Naomi apply for that job then....

Yeah you committed christians - you can hire a humanist officiator for funerals, for those who doan wanna say 'Oh Lord we commit your son/father/nanny to your divine care and everylasting gloire...."

no one knew that xc me

oh you did - - you just pretended you didnt because it is funnier

made out she could fulfil pastoral functions ( and by God ( pun intended) the 'victs need them) without the lardy dah, mudda of god bit - I suppose

[nailit]

Theres been a time or two, when imprisoned, that Ive needed an outside hand, so to to speak, and the only available help inside a prison has been a chaplain.
Having an atheist chaplain ( ie: one who does not judge, ) can only be a good thing,

Ive had a few experiences with prison chaplains that have been less than desirable
(Although I remember one who went out of her way to help, and if God helps, then God bless her, she was an angel)

But the rest have been an embarresment....

[nailit]

//but this woman isn't Christian or religious in any other sense so it's difficult to imagine how she can empathise with those who are//
Why?
The (nominally) Christians, Muslims etc who are incarcerated can ask to see a priest, pastor, iman rabbi etc.
What is wrong for an atheist prisoner asking to spend time with another atheist for some 'time out'?

Once spent some time on remand (false charges, later got dropped)
And needed some space to off-load. The only way was to ask to see a religious minister.
Minister on duty at the time, on my wing, was a female C of E Vicar.
And she was a godsend (no pun intended)

BUT...How much easier it would have been to be able to ask to see an atheist councillor, which is basically what prison chaplains are.

[david small]

A terminological inaccuracy surely.

[nailit]

//but this woman isn't Christian or religious in any other sense so it's difficult to imagine how she can empathise with those who are//

Naomi, she doesn't have to!
Prisons have a multiplicity of faith representatives.
An atheist Chaplain is to be welcomed for us criminal unbelievers ;-)