What is Chaplaincy?

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There is a wide variety of different types of chaplaincy:
  • Hospital/Healthcare Chaplaincy
  • Hospice & Palliaitive Care Chaplaincy
  • Military Chaplaincy
  • Prison Chaplaincy
  • Professional and Business Chaplaincy
  • Disaster Relief Chaplaincy
Chaplaincy is at its core an interfaith (or no-faith) ministry of presence. While it is possible for a chaplain to be called upon to visit with a patient, inmate, worker, etc, of their own tradition, more often than not chaplaincy is about ministering to a person of a different tradition (or no tradition) by meeting them where they are, offering a non-anxious, non-judgmental supportive presence. In many ways, Buddhist chaplains can thus make excellent interfaith chaplains since it is familiar to Buddhist practice to be in the moment as a non-judgmental presence -- practicing "don't know mind" or beginner's mind.
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​Chaplaincy Supported by BCE

​At this time BCE is not specifically supporting Military or Prison chaplaincy, but if you are interested in pursuing such chaplaincy careers and are seeking endorsement, then please do contact us. We will be working towards becoming a Buddhist Chaplaincy endorsing body for the US Military; however, this will take some time. Additionally, for all other kinds of chaplaincy, BCE is currently offering endorsement, education and support.