A humanist will lead a team of priests as the first atheist head chaplain in the history of the NHS

[Rob_BW]

The move by the Buckinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust comes as more patients need non-religious guidance at hospitals, reports the Times.

At 28, Lindsay van Dijk is one of the youngest chaplains in the NHS and will lead three priests from the Church of England, Baptist and evangelical denominations as well as 24 volunteers from a variety of religions.

Carolyn Morrice, the trust's chief nurse, said Ms van Dijk was picked for her leadership skills, but also said patients are asking for more support that is not linked to a specific faith.

She said: 'It wasn’t specifically about religious support, it was: "How can you support us when we’re feeling vulnerable?"'

As a humanist, Ms van Dijk believes life is giving meaning by seeking happiness and helping others find happiness too. Humanists do not believe in God or an afterlife.

The British Social Attitudes survey last year found that 53 per cent of Britons had no religion, and secular campaigners have praised the decision to appoint Ms van Dijk.

Buckinghamshire NHS trust appoint atheist as head chaplain for first time in history | Daily Mail Online

 

[carpro]

Ridiculous.

 

[church mouse guy]

Larry Black at Larry's Country Diner in Nashville says that the phone at the atheist prayerline just rings and rings and rings....

 

[Saved-By-Grace]

This is very sad indeed, and further shows the speedy decline of the UK, to the works of satan. The UK was once greatly used by the Lord for His Work. This is the devil at work, because the "church" has failed to preach the True Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ.

 

[Salty]

I understand that the driver they have assigned to this "chaplain" has never driven nor has a drivers license.

 

[David Kent]

I understand that the driver they have assigned to this "chaplain" has never driven nor has a drivers license.

Ha Ha

It is a driving licence.