Theology and Religious Studies: Spiritual Care

The VU Spiritual Care programme prepares students to become chaplain (geestelijk verzorger) on behalf of a denomination, or to become non-denominational spiritual caretaker. Uniquely at VU, the Islamic, Buddhist, Hindu, Christian Orthodox, and Jewish authorities for spiritual care are partners in the Spiritual Care programme. Students who opt for non-denominational spiritual care study in an interfaith group. (Non-denominational spiritual care refers to the absence of a religious authority as partner in the programme; that does not exclude the possibility for these students to dedicate themselves to their own tradition.)

A particular strength of the program is thus the student’s formation in a particular tradition as well as the meeting of faith traditions. Diversity is a characteristic of program and faculty which is crucial to prepare for the professional settings of spiritual care. A professional internship in the Netherlands forms an important part of the program. The Spiritual Care modules are taught in Dutch.