ABSTRACT
This chapter looks at how the care service is often described, and what those descriptions appear to be saying from a non-religious perspective. Descriptions such as 'chaplaincy' and 'spiritual care' are shown to lack clarity, fail to adequately describe how needs are met, and act as a deterrent to some people accessing the care service. Just as the appearance of a sculpture can change when seen from different perspectives, so can the meaning of a communication. Here some communications are considered from a non-religious perspective. Chaplains have played an important role in both the development and provision of pastoral, spiritual, and religious care in institutions. Improved communications have still to be developed, so there is an inadequate body of proven good practice to draw on. Careful consideration should be given to the wearing of religious dress. Offering the choice of non-religious care on a form is one thing; delivering the resources to make that choice a reality is quite another.
