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Chaplains

Chaplains serve communities in places beyond traditional settings, including schools, hospitals, prisons and more.

What is a chaplain?

Chaplains are people appointed by the Church to work in all kinds of places outside the normal life of the congregation. There are chaplains in hospitals, workplaces, prisons, the armed forces, shopping centres, rural areas, colleges, universities and schools to name but a few. In all these places chaplains try to show God’s love through offering care and support, and by representing Christian values and beliefs.

Chaplains share the great privilege of discovering what God is doing out there – beyond the Church. In our diverse society, chaplaincy has to show the greatest sensitivity and respect. Christian chaplains often work in ecumenical teams or alongside colleagues from other faiths.

Chaplains’ conference

As the senior member of diocesan staff responsible for chaplains across all sectors within the diocese, the Archdeacon of Oxford hosts a chaplains’ conference every year, with opportunity for questions and discussion and building community through sharing the eucharist and lunch.