Conceptual Model

The Institute is conceived as a dynamic organization, fully engaged in the intellectual lives of the university and the larger community and driven by interdisciplinary scholarship, research and practical application. Application will be achieved through specific activities such as curriculum and teaching, relationships and partnerships (local, national and international), advocacy and policy, and programs and products.

The ultimate goal of the Institute is to cause a shift in healthcare in the direction of counter-reductionism and acceptance/reconciliation with spirituality, religion, pastoral care and palliative care.

We also will aim to achieve a corresponding shift in theological and pastoral education in the direction of more relevant and effective practices and reconciliation with the medical (empirical) model.

The larger hope is that care of seriously ill and dying patients, their families and communities ultimately will be greatly improved by this transformation and thinking.