Abstract
Chaplaincy services in the United States face persistent constitutional scrutiny rooted in tensions between the Establishment Clause and the practical need for spiritual and emotional support in public institutions. This paper examines the evolution, challenges, and constitutional validity of publicly funded chaplaincy services, with particular emphasis on emerging secular chaplaincy models that address religious pluralism while serving diverse populations. Drawing on constitutional law scholarship, empirical studies of chaplaincy effectiveness, and philosophical analyses of secularism, we argue that properly structured secular chaplaincy services—including those receiving public funding—serve legitimate governmental interests without violating constitutional principles. Evidence demonstrates that chaplains contribute measurably to mental health outcomes, crisis management, institutional functioning, and community cohesion across healthcare, educational, correctional, military, and legislative settings. We address James Madison’s concerns regarding congressional chaplains by distinguishing historical establishment-oriented practices from contemporary pluralistic models emphasizing individual autonomy, non-coercion, and equal access regardless of religious belief or non-belief. The study proposes that secular chaplaincy, understood as professional provision of existential, ethical, and emotional support respecting diverse worldviews, represents a constitutional approach to meeting universal human needs for meaning-making and spiritual care. We conclude that public funding for secular chaplaincy services withstands constitutional scrutiny under properly applied Establishment Clause jurisprudence, particularly when services employ inclusive frameworks, avoid religious favoritism, and demonstrate measurable contributions to legitimate governmental objectives including health, welfare, and public order.
Presenters
Anthony MazzaProfessor, College of Arts and Science, Division of Behavioral and Social Sciences, University of the District of Columbia, United States
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
KEYWORDS
Secular chaplaincy, Establishment Clause, Religious pluralism, Constitution, Public funding
