Chaplain receives PhD for research

By Corporal Simone Liebelt

Chaplain Lindsay Carey.

A RESERVIST chaplain has been awarded a Doctor of Philosophy for undertaking the world’s largest comparative research on pastoral care, chaplaincy and ethics.

Chaplain Lindsay Carey, from No. 21 Squadron at RAAF Base Williams, will be presented the PhD by La Trobe University early next year.

His research is the most extensive study to be done on the pastoral care role of chaplains involved in ethical issues, and the first international comparative study between two countries (Australia and New Zealand) that successfully analysed the role of chaplains involved in ethical decision making.

“It is the first time that an assessment of chaplaincy involvement in ethical issues has been undertaken in this magnitude and to an applied science PhD standard,” Chaplain Carey said.

In reviewing his research, Professor John Swinton from Aberdeen University, Scotland, commented that “the findings offered new and previously unconsidered possibilities and options for chaplaincy at interpersonal, societal and political levels and, as such, made a significant contribution to the field”.

During eight years of study, Chaplain Carey travelled extensively around Australia and New Zealand and undertook research work in the United Kingdom.

He said although he was glad the project had reached a conclusion, it was only the beginning.

“There is much more research in pastoral care, ethics and the role of the chaplain to be undertaken,” he said. “I
will continue to do chaplaincy research, given that I am the only research officer for the Australian Health and Welfare Chaplain’s Association.

“Since completing my PhD, I have been appointed as state chaplain manager for Mission Australia (Victoria and Tasmania), and they have already been using both my knowledge and research skills in chaplaincy and ethics.”

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