DISMANTLING STRUCTURES OF OPPRESSION IN PASTORAL CARE (PS-2870)

This course is co-taught by Paul Gaffney and Laurie Garrett-Cobbina. Pastoral care is often focused on individual or congregational problems, but much of what harms and impedes us as social, political and spiritual beings stems from the larger structural maladies at work in our lives. This course examines the social and spiritual structures of homelessness, incarceration and mental illness within our lives, church and society. Together, we will broaden and deepen pastoral caregivers' knowledge and skills needed to respond effectively to oppressed and marginalized persons. The course helps religious leaders reflect on the ways their own social location impacts their caring service and gain familiarity with resources and processes available to support pastoral caregivers in these contexts. [12 max enrollment]