ABSTRACT
Chaplaincy has been hugely significant for the development of practical theology as a discipline, and this is clearly reflected in the history of the journal that is now called Practical Theology. In this chapter, the author draw on an earlier piece of research into the history of the journal (Roberts 2020) to explore those foundations and highlight some of the resources for thinking theologically about chaplaincy today. The significance of a study and of Wilson’s life and work more widely is discussed and celebrated in Contact 131. The practical theological engagement with chaplaincy that the people see flourishing in this volume is built on the strong foundations outlined. The symbiotic relationship between chaplaincy and practical theology is clearly well-established and shows no sign of waning: the ground is as fertile as it ever was.
