A Nexus of Eyes: The Praxis of Chaplaincy in One Faith Based Educational System Through Emerging Emic Perspectives

Abstract

<p>Internationally chaplaincy as a whole,</p> <p>and school based chaplaincy in particular, is</p> <p>morphing into new forms within emerging national</p> <p>uncertainties, and cultural diversity. Drawing on</p> <p>their work in Ireland, King and Norman (2009)</p> <p>believe that the role of school chaplains everywhere</p> <p>needs to be carefully realigned and rethought.</p> <p>This paper seeks in part to address this</p> <p>situation, unpacking the initial ‘emic-journey’ of</p> <p>a three year multi-case study research agenda</p> <p>that seeks to holistically investigate how key</p> <p>stakeholders in three faith based schools</p> <p>understand the role and practice of school</p> <p>chaplains. In this instance, the stakeholders</p> <p>included administrators, chaplains and students.</p> <p>The multi-case study approach and the stratified</p> <p>sets of respondents were deemed to be the best</p> <p>‘goodness of fit’ as Parekh’s (2000) axiom clearly</p> <p>states an understanding that one group’s place</p> <p>within an organisation needs to be considered not</p> <p>in isolation, but as intersecting forces that act as a</p> <p>“locus of identity.”</p>