Is “Secular Chaplain” a Contradiction? Care Beyond Religion
- Ashley Beaty-Perry
- Oct 9, 2025
- 2 min read
I often get asked: How can there be such a thing as a secular chaplain? It sounds like a contradiction — secular meaning “not religious,” and chaplain being a word many immediately associate with religion.
It’s a great question. So let me take a moment to explain what a chaplain is, and why being a secular chaplain makes perfect sense.
👉 You can also watch the full video version here: Is “Secular Chaplain” a Contradiction? Care Beyond Religion
Chaplains vs. Religious Leaders
Pastors, priests, rabbis, and ministers are leaders within a specific faith tradition. Their work centers on teaching, preaching, and guiding people within that religion — often encouraging people to deepen their beliefs or bring others into the faith.
A chaplain’s role is different. We’re not here to evangelize or convert. Instead, chaplains meet people where they are, offering emotional and spiritual support on that person’s terms.
If someone finds hope and meaning in their religion, a chaplain will walk with them there. But if someone does not want religion in their life — or if they find meaning in nature, science, the arts, or human connection — a chaplain will meet them there too.
The heart of chaplaincy is person-centered care: helping people ask their own questions, find their own answers, and not feel alone in their journey.
What It Means to Be a Secular Chaplain
Some chaplains come from religious backgrounds. Others, like me, are secular, humanist, or atheist chaplains. That doesn’t mean we can’t care for religious people. It simply means that our own grounding isn’t in a faith system.
Instead, we bring care and presence without adding religion where it’s not wanted. For many people, that feels like such a relief — to know they can receive compassionate support without anyone pushing beliefs onto them.
Our job is not to prescribe meaning but to support you as you discover what is meaningful in your own life. Whether your hope comes from community, creativity, nature, philosophy, or something else entirely, a secular chaplain is there to walk with you.
You’re Not Alone
At the end of the day, secular chaplains are here to make sure you know you’re not alone on this human journey. We accompany people through hard times, hold space for the questions that matter most, and remind you that your way of finding meaning is valid.
💬 I’d love to hear your thoughts. Had you heard of secular chaplains before? What does “care beyond religion” mean to you? Share in the comments — I’d love to continue the conversation.
💛 Ashley
Your secular chaplain
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