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Wednesday 31 May 2023 12:38pm

Chaplains Ecumenical  - image
The Ecumenical Chaplains. From left to right, front row Mike Summerfield, Rev Olivia Dawson, Sheila Mark, Krystle van der Salm and Rev Shari Roy. Back row: Richard Brown and Steve Downey.

People visit the University's chaplain team for all sorts of reasons.

It is not always about faith, ecumenical chaplain Rev Mike Summerfield says.

Chaplains also offer general pastoral support to anyone who needs a listening ear or someone to talk things through with, he says.

“People come to us with questions about where they are in their life, how to address challenges they are facing, or even just someone to talk to if they're feeling lonely.”

Ecumenical chaplain Rev Olivia Dawson says everyone is welcome at the 'Upper Room', regardless of their spiritual leaning or faith.

Based in the Union Building, the pair are part of the Campus Chaplains team, which provides spiritual and emotional support to staff and students across the University and on Otago's Te Pukenga campuses.

“While we are fluid and all work together, we represent three faith groups, ecumenical, which includes the Māori Chaplaincy, Catholic and Muslim,” says Rev Dawson. “We are trained to minister to all, whatever your denomination or religious tradition.”

Among the work the chaplains do is helping people practise or connect with their faith and engage with faith communities.

“We offer a safe, confidential space for people to explore religious, social and moral questions and offer non-judgmental guidance, counsel, encouragement and comfort,” says Rev Dawson.

Chaplain Sheila Mark, who is based at Otago's Christchurch Campus, says nothing is off the table for discussion.

“When it comes to the types of issues that staff and students can approach me with, nothing is off the table be it feeling overwhelmed by study or work, family issues, emotional distress, grief, or just needing a listening ear to process something immediate.”

Māori chaplain Rev Shari Roy says sometimes it's about seeking a different spiritual viewpoint.

“I have been approached by those who desire a karakia to use for a particular event in their lives or even just to discuss issues from a Māori spiritual perspective.”

Chaplains - catholic muslim - image
The Catholic Chaplains (top row) Amy Armstrong and Father Mark Chamberlain. The Muslim Chaplains (bottom row) Haizal Mohd Hussaini and Dr Shakila Rizwan.

Haizal Mohd Hussaini, Muslim chaplain, says he is often approached by academics and students to help in an educational or advocational capacity.

“I have had staff approach me to ask about how they can better support their Muslim students and colleagues, while students approach me to advocate for them when it comes to appropriate prayer spaces or exemptions for religious reasons.”

At the end of the day, Rev Dawson says, it is about connectedness, how balanced peoples' wellbeing is and where they see themselves in the bigger picture.

“And where our expertise ends, we will point you in the right direction. We work collaboratively with several departments on campus such as Student Health and can refer you to the appropriate team for additional support.”

To support the spiritual wellbeing of kaimahi and tauira there are a number of spaces like Muslim prayer rooms and multifaith and meditation rooms on the Dunedin campus.

Resources, created and maintained by the chaplains, are also available, such as blessings for a home, morning meditation, Matariki service, hymns and more.

Rev Summerfield says any of the chaplains can be called on for ceremonial activities such as a prayer before an event or blessing of food or spaces.

“We are also available to accompany academics or managers who have to make difficult announcements, such as the loss of life or jobs.”

Rev Dawson encourages anyone seeking support to reach out to a chaplain as a neutral, confidential avenue of care.

“When you're physically sick, you know you need to go to a GP. For your mental health, you would visit a therapist. Your spiritual wellbeing is just as important. That's what we are here for.”

To contact the Campus Chaplains, click here.

~ Kōrero by Sandra French, Internal Communications Adviser

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