Abstract:
In German-speaking countries the term spiritual care becomes more and more popular, not
only in the realm of palliative care but also amongst pastoral care takers. In this article I argue
that favouring of the term ‘spiritual care’ is not only a tribute to the changing situation in
German-speaking countries, but also a way pastoral care takers want to deal with the challenges
they face in a secular, multicultural society. I will discuss whether the use of the term ‘spiritual
care’ is a way to ‘lower the profile’ of pastoral care and trying to be less explicit about the
institution the pastors represent and the worldview they hold. This might look like an easy
escape but does not foster the interaction in a multi-cultural space.
