Cura animarum in the twentieth century and beyond : toward the development of an ethical framework for the practice of pastoral counseling

The purpose of this study is to demonstrate the appropriate role of pastoral care and counseling in pluralistic society and to contribute to the development of an ethical framework for the practice of pastoral counseling. A survey of the history of pastoral care establishes that moral guidance traditionally has been the distinctive dimension of such care. The inevitability and appropriateness of value considerations in counseling contexts is discussed. The issues of paternalism, informed consent, and competence are considered in light of their contribution to an ethical framework from which pastoral counseling can function.