INCARNATION CATHOLIC CHURCH

121 W. Glenoaks Blvd. * Glendale, CA 91202 * 818-242-2579 * FAX 818-507-4976

IN THEORY 27 January 2007

A recent show on National Public Radio focused on chaplains in the workplace. The interview was at the Tyson pork processing plant in Iowa and featured a chaplain who is a Lutheran but ministers to all denominations or to those with no faith tradition at work. The idea was to support staff and keep employees happier. Overall, management was happy and found the chaplains to be effective. But not everyone is thrilled by the idea. Some oppose the practice, saying the workplace is not the kind of house of worship a chaplain should be working in. What do you think?

Employers have much leeway in creating the kind of work environment they deem supportive to their mission. If employers find that having chaplains promotes productivity and helps maintain a positive and pleasant workplace, then it should be their right to hire them.

Chaplains are often available to public servants such as police officers and fire fighters or employed by health care facilities. A religious presence as part of a support staff can assist individuals, especially in stressful situations. The key word here is ≥available≤. I believe it can be helpful to have chaplains present to those who need and seek spiritual direction. Personally, I wouldnπt want to be in a situation where I felt proselytizing was part of the package. We have to acknowledge in most work situations there are usually present individuals of numerous faith backgrounds or no faith background at all. Competent pastoral ministers can bring comfort and encouragement while being sensitive to the needs of the particular individual.

Father Paul J. Hruby

Pastor

Church of the Incarnation

Glendale