Thierfelder, Constanze2018-03-122018-03-122017-11-13Thierfelder, C., 2017, ‘Pastoral care (Seelsorge) and spiritual care in Germany’, HTS Teologiese Studies/ Theological Studies 73(4), a4803. https://DOI.org/ 10.4102/hts.v73i4.4803.0259-9422 (print)2072-8050 (online)10.4102/hts.v73i4.4803http://hdl.handle.net/2263/64205In 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.en© 2017. The Authors. Licensee: AOSIS. This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution License.Spiritual carePastoral careMulticultural societyInteractionTheology articles SDG-03SDG-03: Good health and well-beingTheology articles SDG-04SDG-04: Quality educationTheology articles SDG-05SDG-05: Gender equalityTheology articles SDG-10SDG-10: Reduced inequalitiesTheology articles SDG-16SDG-16: Peace, justice and strong institutionsArticle