Understanding, Integration and Transformation: A Canadian Ethnographic Study on the Goals of Theological Reflection in Pastoral Care and Counselling

Summary/Abstract What are the goals of theological reflection in the praxis of pastoral care and counselling in Canada? This qualitative study is ethnographic in design. A review of the literature is presented noting themes especially in the work of Stephen Bevans (2004), Robert Kinast (2000) and Elaine Graham, Heather Walton and Frances Ward (2005). Researchers interviewed 75 participants in four categories: chaplains, pastoral counsellors in the Canadian Association of Pastoral Practice and Education (CAPPE), community clergy, and students after internship in a theological reflection course. Interviews were audiotaped, transcribed and then coded for themes. Understanding and meaning, integration and transformation emerged as the strongest themes. Our discussion includes the topic of what ought to be normative goals for theological reflection, focusing on the question: ‘Could theological reflection be faith seeking understanding, integration, and transformation equally?’