wfn.org | Faith traditions discuss endorsement policies for chaplains

[NewsDesk <NewsDesk@UMCOM.ORG>]

Nov. 30, 2001 News media contact: Linda Green7(615)742-54707Nashville, Tenn.
10-71B{563}

By Kathy Gilbert*

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) - Representatives for 17 faith groups have taken the
first steps in developing a common definition for endorsing chaplains and
those in related ministries.

More than 20 representatives met Nov. 18-20 to discuss their procedures for
endorsement in a ministry of chaplaincy, pastoral counseling or clinical
evaluation. Also represented were the endorsing bodies of the Congress on
Ministry in Specialized Settings. Endorsement is an official declaration by
a denomination or faith group that a person has met its standards to serve.

The group adopted two documents: a definition of endorsement and guidelines
for changing endorsement from one faith group to another

The gathering was an opportunity to create a network, said the Rev. Patricia
Barrett, with the United Methodist Board of Higher Education and Ministry's
Section on Chaplains and Related Ministries.

"We all relate to the same external public. We can be a better presence if
we have a common vocabulary," said Martin W. Feldbush of the Seventh-Day
Adventist Church.

"Each of us has our own church polity and church structure, but we all
relate to the same public. This gathering was an opportunity to come
together as a community," said George Langhorne of the American Baptist
Churches USA.

The participants will take the adopted documents back to their faith groups
and will meet again Nov. 17-19, 2002, in Nashville.
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*Gilbert is a staff member of the Office of Interpretation at the United
Methodist Board of Higher Education and Ministry.

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United Methodist News Service
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