In an era where the landscape of healthcare and end-of-life decisions is rapidly shifting, the role of spiritual caregivers has never been more vital—or more complex. This May, Atlantic School of Theology is honoured to host the Hayes Symposium, titled "Faithful Presence: Pastoral Ministry in the Context of MAiD."

Leading this two-day workshop is Dr. Gloria Woodland, Director of the Centre for Education and Advancement of Spiritual Care and Associate Professor of Chaplaincy Studies and Spiritual Care at MB Seminary. A dedicated advocate for the transformative power of chaplaincy, Dr. Woodland brings a deep passion for “incarnational ministry”—the belief that God is not only present in our suffering but actively compassionate within it.

In the following interview, Dr. Woodland shares her insights on what it truly means to “come alongside” families in distress, the hurdles clergy face when denominational positions meet raw human reality, and why restorative “Postvention Care” is essential for the long-term health of our faith communities.

The symposium is titled “Faithful Presence: Pastoral Ministry In the Context of MAiD”. What does it mean for a chaplain or minister to truly come alongside a family when they might be feeling deeply conflicted?  

The Faithful Presence will create a place of trust and safety where an honest expression of feelings is welcomed, without judgement. The Faithful Presence will hear the cry of the heart and accept it as it is. When a chaplain or minister comes alongside, they are not coming to fix, or set straight the situation, they are coming to bear witness to the suffering and to be a reminder of God in the suffering.

You’ve mentioned that God is not just present in life’s varied circumstances, but active. Where do you see God’s active compassion manifesting in the difficult conversations surrounding end-of-life decisions?  

God’s active compassion manifests itself through incarnational ministry. As we listen, consider what we are hearing, and respond, we are the active reminder of God’s compassion. As the minister or chaplain makes space for questions that are generally not welcome to be expressed and allows for a full expression of emotions, the tenderness of a God who receives his children as they are is revealed. 

Many denominational leaders feel caught between official church positions and the raw reality of pastoral care. What is the biggest hurdle clergy face when trying to develop a pastoral response to MAiD?  

I think there are two big hurdles clergy face. The first is preparedness. Many do not think about the pastoral response to MAiD – what is required or needed until they get the call to come. Some have not gained an understanding of MAiD and the situation they may be called to, or their theological position in action. As representatives of God, we need to think this through and build understanding and preparedness before we are in the moment.                                                       

The second hurdle is a balancing of expectations. Denominational position and limitations, theological understanding, pastoral response, personal comfort levels are all in tension. Knowing where they need to draw the line or how far they can accompany an individual or family in the MAiD process is a challenge. If they follow their pastoral heart, will they be going beyond the denomination’s limitations. If they step back, will they be seen as not caring or fulfilling the pastoral role. How does their held theology translate to their pastoral role?

The symposium covers “Postvention Care”—a term many may not be familiar with. Why is the care provided after a person’s decision for MAiD so critical for the health of a faith community?  

I consider Postvention Care to be restorative and rebalancing to the faith community.  Moral residue develops within individuals and the body of believers when they faithfully minister in situations that go against what they believe to be right or what they hold sacred. Faithful ministry can be draining, and we, as taught by the example of Jesus, must take time for renewal and rebalancing. Time for reflection on what has happened and how we feel emotionally and spiritually can lead us to a deeper place of well-being, strengthening us for continued service.

The goal of Postvention is to strengthen emotional, relational, and spiritual resiliency to lower indicators of distress, (guilt, hopelessness, withdrawal etc.) so as to support the individual in adaptive coping.

What do you most want attendees of the symposium to walk away with after attending the symposium? 

I would like them to leave the symposium with a deeper understanding of the impact of MAiD, the importance of spiritual care for individuals and families navigating the MAiD process, and confidence that they can come alongside as a Faithful Presence.

I would desire them to see the importance of creating space for intense emotions, to open themselves to hearing the cry of the heart, and to have a willingness to demonstrate God is present and active.

I am looking forward to the opportunity to share with the participants at the symposium.

Interested in attending Hayes 2026? 

Find out more.