Mission

We offer exceptional spiritual care to patients, families, staff and faculty which enhances the understanding and delivery of patient centered care to a diverse community. We do this through education, advocacy, sensitivity and mutual dialogue. We engage in research that advances the field of spiritual care.

Vision

We will be widely recognized for innovation and excellence in the provision of spiritual care, education and research in the integration of spirituality and medicine. We will partner with the medical team to add value to patient’s experience by the provision of spiritual care. We will develop and inspire community and global faith leaders.

We value a sacred attentiveness to:

• Persons
• The Spirit
• Respect for Diversity
• Community
• Justice
• Life Transitions*

*Birth, health challenges, recovery, healing, medical care to community and vice-versa, end-of-life, death and bereavement.

History

Spirituality has been a part of patient care in the Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions since Johns Hopkins vision took physical shape in the building of The Johns Hopkins Hospital in 1889.

Johns Hopkins, founder and benefactor, was raised in the Society of Friends (better known as the Quakers). The hallmark of Quaker spirituality is the affirmation of the individual’s "Inner Light," rather than an emphasis on creeds or religious practices. All human beings are understood to have the presence of God within themselves for the experience of God as well as spiritual and moral guidance.

Today, we know that spirituality includes many faith traditions and practices as well as value systems of meaning making. However spirituality is expressed, it is clear that people depend upon spirituality to cope with life’s difficulties and tragedies, as well as a lens for decision-making.

At Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center, spirituality is part of the health care team’s array of resources to enhance patient and family-centered care. Full-time chaplains, support staff, clinical pastoral education (CPE) interns, as well as a network of volunteers, community clergy and lay people from a variety of religious traditions, are available to provide spiritual care, sacramental ministries, end-of-life decision-making consultation, mediation of family conflict and other support services to patients and families of all faiths.