Centre for Spiritual and Pastoral Care Studies

The purpose of the Centre for Spiritual and Pastoral Care Studies is to provide an environment where people can explore together their own spirituality and learn how to develop ways of meeting the spiritual and pastoral needs of self and others.

The aim of those affiliated to the centre will be to encourage an approach to care which is sensitive to client context and will nurture all dimensions of human wellbeing. Thus the spiritual, relational, physical and emotional as well as the environment on which we live are all considered important facets of health.

There is increased attention directed towards spirituality in health, education and the environment. Health carers, teachers, chaplains, clinical and pastoral practitioners all value core qualities such as love for others, compassion, creativity, sensitivity and the ability to find meaning in human relationships. The Centre is designed to provide education and research opportunities for professionals and organisations to develop ways of meeting the spiritual and pastoral needs of self and their clients.

The ethical foundation of the Centre is based on the intrinsic worth of the individual, who is both a reflection of common humanity and a unique person seeking to develop and use his or her particular qualities and skills. This respect for others includes respect for those who adhere to a faith and also those who do not belong to a faith community. Within the Centre, moral principles such as equality, honesty, love, peace, justice and compassion are valued as students learn to practice as spiritual and pastoral carers.