Humanist, 28, will lead a team of three priests after being appointed first atheist head chaplain in the NHS
By Dianne Apen-Sadler, Mailonline:
A humanist will lead a team of priests as the first atheist head chaplain in the history of the NHS.
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.
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