Dr Sonya Sharma and Dr Sheryl Reimer Kirkham have done some interesting research into the experiences and practice of chaplains (or spiritual care providers in the Canadian context). Their prayer project looked at where and how prayer featured in the health care environment, taking a broad rather than a theological definition of prayer. In another project they focussed on the experience of female healthcare chaplains and this led to an exploration of the intersectionality between race and and gender. Sonya and Sheryl emphasise the importance of recognising our own positionality in our practice and we discuss together the dimensions of difference and sameness and the search for similarities through which we can build our connections. We end by thinking about what the research offers in terms of improving practice at institutional and individual levels. Research by outsiders looking on on our practice not only offers a critical perspective, but connects what we do with wider agendas and debates.
