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On Saturday 13th September, 2014, the Buddhist Council of Victoria and the Ecumenical and Interfaith Commission of the Catholic Archdiocese of Melbourne co-hosted a conversation on “Care in Prisons and Hospitals” at the Buddhist Society of Victoria’s centre in Malvern East.

The “chaplaincy” model of pastoral care which predominates in institutional settings such as schools, prisons, aged care facilities and hospitals, is Western in origin and historically Christian. Nevertheless, Buddhists, along with members of other faiths, are today invited and expected to be able to supply hospitals and prisons with carers in the role of chaplains.

The conversation proceeded on the understanding that while there are significant points where the Catholic and Buddhist practice of care for persons who are sick or imprisoned overlap, there are also divergences, such as in the understanding of the meaning of illness and suffering and the meaning of justice and karma.

About 45 people from Buddhist, Catholic and other religious backgrounds attended the day, including both professional chaplains and those who were curious to participate in the interfaith dialogue aspect of the program. Venerable Hojun Futen and Rev. Dr John Dupuche co-moderated the conversation, and speakers included Mr Brian Welsh (Catholic chaplain at the Albert Hospital), Venerable Miao Bo (Fo Guang Shan, Melbourne), Dr Thel Thong (Cambodian Khmer community), Ms Marg Hayes (Catholic Prison Chaplaincy).

The seminar, which ran from 9am to 2pm, was designed in such a way to facilitate deep discussion among the participants and give plenty of opportunity for questions and exploration of the topic. As it was such a beautiful Spring day, participants were also able to converse at length over a vegetarian lunch outside in the sunshine.

Thanks especially to Peggy Page and David Schütz for their invaluable assistance in organising the day.