June 24, 2025

For more than 100 years, the diocese has had a special relationship with the Johns Hopkins Hospital. On June 24 we gathered to give thanks to God for the many ways this relationship offered care to patients, physicians and staff at the hospital, and to learn how the program has changed over the generations. We honored the nearly 40 years of leadership of Dr. John Payne, Hopkins physician and member of Memorial Church in Bolton Hill, who chaired the committee that oversaw this relationship. Along with Dr. J. Alex Haller, who died in 2018, Dr. Payne offered faithful guidance as chaplains offered compassionate pastoral care and were trained up as pastors for ministry throughout the Church. Bishop Carrie Schofield-Broadbent expressed gratitude to God for the work of this committee and invited those involved in this ministry to be recognized.

Other remarks were offered by Ms. Mary Klein, diocesan archivist; the Rev. Dr. Paula Teague, retired director of spiritual care and chaplaincy at the Johns Hopkins Health System; the Rev. Dr. Kristofer Lindh-Payne, canon to the ordinary; Mr. Thomas Y. (Ty) Crowe, II, director of the Johns Hopkins Hospital Spiritual Care & Chaplaincy Department; and, the Rev. Dina van Klaveren, canon for development and stewardship. Following the reception, the Rev. Joe Hart presided at Holy Eucharist in the Cathedral of the Incarnation, with the Rev. Caroline Stewart offering a homily that reflected on chaplaincy ministry and vocation.

There are many factors leading diocesan leadership to adapt an approach to providing pastoral care for the years ahead, including shorter hospital stays, multiple medical centers, and a need for more flexible chaplaincy experiences for those seeking ordination. If you are receiving hospital care, please let your clergy know, and consider contacting the Spiritual Care/Chaplaincy department at the hospital. As many shared during the reception, including Bishop Carrie, there is healing when a chaplain is present with us to pray during moments of great need. Financial contributions that have already been made to the Johns Hopkins Chaplaincy program over the past year will continue to be utilized in supporting pastoral care at multiple hospitals and settings, and the training of chaplains in pastoral care.