Hayes Symposium 2026

Pastoral Ministry in the Context of MAiD

This year’s gathering features Dr. Gloria Woodland, who will lead a two-day workshop titled, Faithful Presence: Pastoral Ministry in the Context of MAiD.

Drawing from her extensive work and experience, Dr. Woodland will guide participants through thoughtful, pastoral, and practical approaches to accompaniment in this complex area of ministry.

This workshop will increase participant awareness of patient, family, and healthcare worker perspectives and build skills for coming alongside pastorally.

The understanding of Scripture, theology, and denominational positions on MAiD will be considered as one develops a pastoral position for response.

Of particular interest to denominational leaders and those who counsel pastoral caregivers will be the lessons on Postvention Care and the information on how to support ministering individuals impacted by a person’s decision for MAiD.

Date and time: May 13 & 14, 2026, 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

Cost: Early bird $175 | Regular $225 | Student $125

Location: AST Chapel

About the presenter:

Dr. Gloria Woodland is the Director of the Centre for Education and Advancement of Spiritual Care and Associate Professor of Chaplaincy Studies and Spiritual Care at MB Seminary. 

Gloria has a passion for the ministry of spiritual care. She believes that the ministry of Christian chaplains is to reveal that God is present in the varied circumstances of life, yet even more to share that God is not just present, but that he is active.

She desires that her interactive classes be places of discovery so that students will be effective in coming alongside others and sharing the compassion of Christ, in the actual circumstances of life.

Gloria holds a Doctor of Ministry degree with a specialization in Pastoral Counselling from Providence Theological Seminary. In addition to her teaching, Gloria is privileged to be a speaker for national and international conferences and to consult on the inclusion of spiritual care in not-for-profit organizations.

Register here: Hayes Symposium 2026