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Though an inclusive definition of ministry (that incorporates lay and clerical

dimensions) remains elusive at a universal level, a different picture emerges within
the local Church. Indeed in The Sign We Give the Bishops’ Conference make clear

their acceptance of a ‘collaborative ministry’, that involves both laity and clergy
(1995:4-5). Evoking Evangelii Nuntiandi, the Bishops define lay ministry as ‘ecclesial

ministries (that) are capable of renewing and strengthening the evangelising vigour of
40
41
the Church’ (1995:7) . Here lay participation is defined in explicit ministry terms ,
and as a result the local perspective appears in tension with the universal (1995:16).
The Bishops advise however that the global Church is still discerning the implications
of Vatican II, and is unable to authenticate its official teaching while it continues to

work out its mission at the level of praxis (1995:8).

iv) Defining chaplaincy
It is appropriate at this stage to briefly determine how changing perceptions with
regard to ministry may have influenced our understanding of chaplaincy as this is a

significant expression of ministry within the police service. The term ‘chaplain’ is
subject to canonical definition as being ‘a priest’ who is given the pastoral care of a

‘community or particular group of Christians’ 42 (Can §564), and as such he has an
overtly sacramental function (Can §566). In these absolute terms a chaplain cannot

be a lay-person. Once more however the Bishops of England & Wales express a
different understanding stating;

‘that often when people hear the word chaplain they immediately think of a
priest fulfilling this role but.....the concept has grown as our understanding of
ministry has developed and many others are now also undertaking chaplaincy
work’ (1996:10).

They likewise acknowledge that chaplaincy work itself has changed moving beyond
sacramental boundaries to incorporate pastoral care, spiritual accompaniment,

evangelisation, catechesis and liturgical celebration (1996:12-13). The shortage of
priest-chaplains is not seen as the primary reason for this growth but rather the

‘growing sense of ministry and mission among the People of God....and also a

40 EN §73.
41
Eucharistic ministers, catechists, teachers, school governors and bereavement counsellors are identified as lay
ministries (1996:13).
42 The Code mentions specifically hospital, prison, sea-faring, lay religious, migrant and military communities (Can
§566-569).