Chaplains’ work extends to casinos

Chaplains are now as likely to work in casinos, sports clubs and financial centres as in hospitals, prisons and the military, according to a comprehensive audit of UK chaplains. 

The survey, undertaken by the think tank Theos, shows that chaplains are often regarded as figures who keep an organisation honest and highlight questions of justice.

The report documents one instance of a challenge made by a sports chaplain to the club’s decision to choose a controversial shirt sponsor. It also found that chaplains at the Canary Wharf business complex in east London are beginning a process of looking at ethics in finance, as well as providing consultancy on faith issues to the businesses on the estate.

The role of chaplains in the aftermath of a trauma was illustrated with the example of what happened after the collapse of the roof of the Apollo Theatre in London’s West End in 2013. According to the theatre owner, the chaplain and a colleague were invited to do a blessing of the reopened theatre.

The Theos report, entitled “A Very Modern Ministry”, found there are around 15,000 chaplains currently working in the UK. With traditional churchgoing in decline, it says, chaplains are assuming an increasingly important role in society. “The proverbial man in the street seems as – perhaps more – likely to meet a chaplain in his daily life today as he is to meet any other formal figure,” says author Ben Ryan. 

The project, which included a detailed mapping of chaplains in Luton, found their role often went beyond the spiritual. Chaplains were also often used to fill gaps in welfare provision.