The growth of Muslim involvement in chaplaincy in numerous Western countries over recent decades has been the catalyst for the emergence of a new international field of research, namely, Muslim Chaplaincy Studies. Although the demography of Muslim communities is variable, as is the economic, political, historic, and social contexts in which they live, there are nevertheless some common issues facing Muslim chaplains as they develop their profession.
EFI at the Forefront of Muslim Chaplaincy: Reflections from the University of Fribourg Conference
From 24–26 June 2025, the University of Fribourg in Switzerland hosted the international conference “Muslim Chaplaincy: Practice, Research and Recognition”, convening scholars, practitioners, and institutional leaders to explore the evolving landscape of Muslim chaplaincy across Europe. Among the key contributors was Enhancing Faith Institutions (EFI), whose presence underscored its growing role in shaping the future of spiritual care and institutional resilience.
The conference, organized by the Swiss Centre for Islam and Society in collaboration with Cardiff University, featured keynote addresses and parallel panels on themes such as professionalization, theological challenges, and the integration of chaplaincy into public institutions. EFI’s engagement reflected its commitment to bridging research and practice, particularly through its pioneering initiative: the European Muslim Chaplaincy Association (EMCA).
EMCA: A New Chapter in European Muslim Chaplaincy
Launched under EFI’s leadership, the European Muslim Chaplaincy Association (EMCA) is a transformative platform dedicated to professionalizing and supporting Muslim chaplaincy across Europe. EMCA aims to:
- Establish professional standards through training, certification, and continuous development.
- Advocate for institutional recognition of Muslim chaplains in healthcare, education, prisons, and the military.
- Foster interfaith collaboration and policy dialogue to ensure inclusive spiritual care.
- Empower chaplains with resources, networks, and representation at the European level.
EMCA’s presence at the Fribourg conference marked a significant milestone in its mission to elevate Muslim chaplaincy from fragmented practice to a recognized and respected profession. By engaging with academic and practitioner communities, EFI and EMCA are helping to shape a more inclusive, resilient, and spiritually responsive Europe.
www.efiorg.eu
