ABSTRACT
Most religious activity in universities is organised and managed through chaplaincies. To understand how universities have responded to religious diversity, it is useful to begin the investigation by considering the activities that take place in chaplaincies. This chapter begins by looking at the background, funding, and identity of chaplains themselves. In 1998 all chaplains surveyed were Christian and over half had their salaries met by their Churches or denominations. But many chaplains report working with students (and staff) of all faiths and taking responsibility, if only notionally, for the religious welfare of the entire institution. Historically, most institutions have relied upon Churches and denominations when it comes to employing chaplains. Surrounded by general apathy about religious activity and assumptions of continuity, the gradual transition from Church/denominational funding of chaplaincy posts to entire or partial institutional support appears to have gone unnoticed in the world of higher education.
