ABSTRACT
The emphasis on religion is partly historical and traditional. Non-Christian provision had to operate within the Christian traditional and cultural model. Another reason for the emphasis on religion is that the overwhelming majority of people working and volunteering in pastoral/spiritual care and 'chaplaincy' departments are religious. Religious care is vital for some people, and this care can take many forms. Whilst religious care is a vital part of the care service, it is just one part of a much more holistic pastoral, spiritual, and religious care service. The biggest discrepancy between the prisoner and 'chaplain' populations is in the non-religious category. Most school pupils do not go to independent fee-paying schools or schools with a religious character. Some of this is specifically provided within the teaching curriculum, for example within spiritual, moral, social, and cultural education. For some people, being able to receive that religious care can be an essential part of their wellbeing.
