Abstract
This issue marks the fulfillment of 75 years of ongoing publication. Entering our 76th year, we celebrate the remarkably dynamic and expansive the field of pastoral and spiritual care. No longer centered in North America, it has rapidly become a global reality. We chronicled this reality by publishing a special issue early in 2021 focused on the current COVID-19 pandemic recording spiritual concerns and experiences shared well beyond geographic boundaries. The Journal of Pastoral Care Publications Inc. embraces this expansion. More thematic global concerns will be incorporated into the The Journal going forward.
As with most evolution and transition, a tension exists between what was and what is yet to be. Such is the case with institutional mergers, with family shifts, and, most clearly within many formal religions. Most clergy serving in congregations are exquisitely aware of this tension as their communities wrestle with shifts in liturgy, music, and ritual practices.
The Journal of Pastoral Care & Counseling’s rapidly evolving global reach also experiences such challenges. Research models vary globally, and spiritual and religious practices often vary from one area of the world to another. Presenting this variety of perspectives and practices to the readership in ways interesting, instructive, and meaningful has become an important component in generating each issue. In this issue, Sarah Stanford and Carolyn Timms’ Australian Chaplains and their Professional Quality of Life offers insights particular in one setting that may differ from those elsewhere. Similarly, Wachul Oh’s A Korean Woman’s Spiritual Transformation of Han through Four Levels of Transference in Self Psychology opens a portal to Western perspectives.
This expansion is thrilling. The awareness of and growth in the field of pastoral and spiritual worldwide represents a powerful example of tradition and change within a professional discipline. Models of training, supervision, research, and intervention will likely evolve over time, challenging or augmenting those of the past.
As JPC&C begins its 76th year of ongoing publication, this expansion will be represented in many ways. We open our expanding portals to welcome the uncertainties to come knowing that the traditions and foundations of the field remain sufficiently sound to withstand the novelty brought on by change.
One element that will change going forward in the publication of our 75:4 issue, the generator of our Study Credit section will retire. Mark Durkin has prepared this reader option for over two decades since February 1998. We are grateful to him for his contribution to our readership and thank him for his thoughtful dedication to strengthening the field. Plans are underway to review this section of JPC&C. More to come going forward.