Elizabeth Morton
photo by Kevin McIntyre

​The unique role I’ve played in people’s lives over the years has had many names: spiritual adviser, mighty encourager, listening artist, companion at the crossroads, life transition doula, intuitive guide, inner awareness coach, ‘my personal minister,’ and ‘just a really nice person to talk with.’

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I call myself ‘secular’ because I have no religious affiliation or agenda. I call myself ‘chaplain’ because, for the past twenty years, it is the word that best encapsulates all of those names above. I’ve come to understand that the way that I listen and respond is helpful to people. So I'll keep doing it.

 

The individuals I’ve served have had a wide range of beliefs and backgrounds. They include atheists, agnostics, seekers, mystics, social justice oriented Christians/ Catholics, and survivors of spiritual abuse. They’ve described themselves as ‘spiritual but not religious,’ interfaith, inter-spiritual, eco-spiritual, spiritually curious, closeted Christian, Unitarian, pagan, or “I don’t know what to call myself.” Some are artists. Some are queer. Some are elders. Some are addicts. Many are folks in the entertainment industry (of which I am a part). Some are public figures. Some are folks going through a seismic life change. Many are people who wrestle with their own contradictions. (Don't we all?)​​​​