International Ecumenical Pastoral Care and Counselling Movement Reflections on the Congress held in San Francisco between 19-17 August 1983

Abstract

In this paper the author attempts to present the International and ecumenical Pastoral Care and Counselling movement which has been developing for over ten years and presently is becoming more and more dynamic and important. It was originated in protestant centres in West Germany where psychotherapeutic techniques, especially those based on group dynamics, were introduced to pastoral work. From its very beginning the movement is open to contacts with all Christian and Judaic denominations not excluding co-operation with other religious denominations. The 2nd International Congress of Pastoral Care and Counselling held in San Francisco between 10-17 August 1983 gives an occasion to present the problems of the movement. This paper, however, does not have the character of the proceedings from the congress. It constitutes an attempt to present a profound analysis of the fundamental principles of the movement, its theological-psychological foundations and an assessment of the methods applied in practical activity. The authors also give their personal reflections on the ecumenical values of the movement, possibilities of applying the methods in different religious social environments and on the movement’s prospects.