Author: SojournChaplaincy

Dear Friends,

As people celebrate Pride Month around the world, Sojourn Chaplaincy extends our heartfelt solidarity and celebrates the vibrant spirit of the LGBTQ+ community. This month serves as a powerful reminder of the ongoing fight for equality and the importance of affirming every individual’s inherent dignity and worth.

At Sojourn Chaplaincy, caring for marginalized communities, including our LGBTQ+ siblings, is not merely a program; it’s a core tenet of our faith and history. Our commitment is deeply rooted in the belief that all people deserve compassion, respect, and spiritual care, especially those who have been historically underserved and oppressed. We remain steadfast in our mission to walk alongside those on the margins, offering solace, support, and advocacy.

In particular, we recognize that our transgender siblings are facing unprecedented challenges. Across the country, trans people are experiencing systemic attacks on their rights, their identities, and their very existence. In these difficult times, our resolve to stand with and for the trans community is stronger than ever.

We are incredibly proud of our Transgender Spiritual Care Initiative (TSCI). Launched in 2017 under the leadership of trans and gender non-conforming clergy, the TSCI is a groundbreaking program – the first of its kind in the nation. It trains chaplains, clergy, and healthcare providers to advocate for and with transgender patients, equipping them to provide gender-affirming spiritual care in healthcare settings, religious institutions, and other environments. As the multi-faith spiritual care department at San Francisco General Hospital, serving the city’s most marginalized residents, we are uniquely positioned to lead this vital work.

We are committed to taking the TSCI into the future, expanding its reach and impact to ensure that trans individuals receive the compassionate and affirming spiritual care they deserve. We believe that true change happens when we work together. 

We love thought partners and collaborators in our work. If you feel called to be involved in supporting the LGBTQ+ community, particularly our transgender siblings, or in advancing the mission of the Transgender Spiritual Care Initiative, we encourage you to reach out to us. We can breathe life back into this crucial program with your financial support. Your passion and partnership can make a profound difference.

With gratitude,

John McLean Wolff, MDiv

Director, Sojourn Chaplaincy 

Estimados amigues:

Mientras se celebra el Mes del Orgullo en todo el mundo, en el programa Sojourn Chaplaincy extendemos nuestra más sincera solidaridad y celebramos el vibrante espíritu de la comunidad de personas lesbianas, homosexuales, bisexuales, transgénero, queer y otras orientaciones sexuales e identidades de género (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer plus other sexual orientations and gender identities, LGBTQ+). Este mes sirve como un poderoso recordatorio de la lucha continua por la igualdad y la importancia de afirmar la dignidad y el valor inherentes a cada persona.

En Sojourn Chaplaincy, la atención que brindamos a las comunidades marginadas, incluyendo a nuestros hermanos y hermanas LGBTQ+, no es solo un programa, sino un principio fundamental de nuestra fe e historia. Nuestro compromiso está profundamente arraigado en la creencia de que todas las personas merecen compasión, respeto y atención espiritual, en especial aquellas que han sido históricamente desatendidas y oprimidas. Nos mantenemos firmes en nuestra misión de caminar junto con las personas marginadas y ofrecerles consuelo, apoyo y defensa.

En particular, reconocemos que nuestros hermanos y hermanas transgénero se enfrentan a desafíos sin precedentes. En todo el país, las personas trans sufren ataques sistemáticos contra sus derechos, sus identidades y su propia existencia. En estos tiempos difíciles, nuestra determinación de apoyar y defender a la comunidad trans es más fuerte que nunca.

Estamos increíblemente orgullosos de nuestra Iniciativa de Atención Espiritual Transgénero (Transgender Spiritual Care Initiative, TSCI). Presentada en 2017 bajo el liderazgo de clérigos trans y no conformes con el género, la TSCI es un programa innovador y el primero de su tipo en el país. Capacita a capellanes, clérigos y proveedores de atención médica en la defensa y apoyo de pacientes transgénero, y los prepara para brindar atención espiritual que afirme el género en centros de atención médica, instituciones religiosas y demás entornos. Como departamento de atención espiritual multirreligioso del Hospital General de San Francisco, que atiende a los residentes más marginados de la ciudad, estamos en una posición única para dirigir esta labor vital.

Estamos comprometidos a llevar la TSCI hacia el futuro y a ampliar su alcance e impacto para garantizar que las personas trans reciban la atención espiritual compasiva y de afirmación que se merecen. Creemos que el verdadero cambio sucede cuando trabajamos juntos.

Nos encanta tener a socios y colaboradores en nuestra labor que compartan ideas. Si siente el llamado a participar en el apoyo a la comunidad LGBTQ+, en particular a nuestros hermanos y hermanas transgénero, o bien, en la promoción de la misión de la Iniciativa de Atención Espiritual Transgénero, le animamos a que se comunique con nosotros. Con su apoyo financiero podemos revitalizar este esencial programa. Su pasión y colaboración pueden hacer una gran diferencia.

Con gratitud,

John McLean Wolff, MDiv

Director, Sojourn Chaplaincy

親愛的朋友：

在全球各地慶祝同志驕傲月之際，Sojourn Chaplaincy獻上我們誠摯的團結之意，並一同慶賀LGBTQ+社群那充滿生命力的精神。這個月份是為爭取平等權利持續奮鬥的重要提醒，我們更因此再次看見肯定每個人與生俱來尊嚴與價值的重要性。

對Sojourn Chaplaincy而言，關懷邊緣族群（包括我們的LGBTQ+兄弟姊妹）不只是一項計劃，而是我們信仰與歷史的核心信念。我們一直堅信，每個人都應該享有同理、尊重和靈性照護的環境，特別是那些歷年來持續遭到忽視或受壓迫的群體。我們會持續堅守使命，以便陪伴在社會邊緣族群身旁，進而為他們帶來慰藉、支援和倡議措施。

我們特別看見跨性別兄弟姊妹目前面臨了前所未有的挑戰。在全國各地，跨性別族群正遭遇對其權利、身分甚至生存能力的系統性攻擊。在這艱難的時刻，我們支援跨性別社群的決心比以往任何時候都更加堅定。

我們深深以「跨性別靈性照護措施 (Transgender Spiritual Care Initiative, TSCI)」為傲。TSCI於2017年啟動，由跨性別與非常規性別的神職人員領導，是全國首創的突破性計劃。它致力於訓練院牧、神職人員和醫療保健服務提供者，協助他們成為跨性別患者的倡議者，並在醫療機構、宗教機構及其他場域中提供性別肯認的靈性照護服務。身為San Francisco總醫院的多信仰靈性照護部門，我們有幸服務本市最邊緣化的居民，也因此特別具備領導此項重要工作的條件。

我們承諾將TSCI推向更遠的未來，同時拓展其觸及範圍與影響力，以確保跨性別族群能夠獲得他們所應有，富有同理心且肯認其身分的靈性照護。我們相信，真正的改變源自於彼此攜手合作。

我們歡迎其他思想夥伴與協作者加入我們的行列。如果你感覺有意支援LGBTQ+社群，特別是跨性別兄弟姊妹，或者想推動「跨性別靈性照護措施」的使命，誠摯邀請您與我們聯絡。有了您的財務支援，我們就能為這項關鍵計劃注入新生命。您的熱情與配合精神，將帶來深遠的影響。

謹致謝意，

John McLean Wolff神學碩士 (Master of Divinity, MDiv)

Sojourn Chaplaincy主任

Dear Friends and Supporters,

Since our founding in 1982, Sojourn Chaplaincy has been dedicated to a singular, profound mission: providing compassionate spiritual care to the patients, families, and staff of San Francisco General Hospital. Our history is one of showing up for those most in need, particularly during times of societal fear and prejudice, as demonstrated by our foundational work during the HIV/AIDS crisis.

Today, that legacy calls us to speak and act with clarity and conviction. We witness with deep concern the challenges faced by many we are honored to serve: immigrants who are valued members of our community, individuals asserting their right to reproductive freedom, and transgender people seeking to live authentically and safely. Sojourn Chaplaincy stands firmly in solidarity with these individuals. Their fight for dignity and fundamental human rights is a cause we embrace as central to our spiritual calling.

Many of the people who walk through the doors of San Francisco General Hospital are directly impacted by these issues. They are our neighbors, our friends, and the diverse individuals who make up the fabric of this city. Our commitment, fueled by faith, is to offer them unwavering spiritual and emotional support, respecting their journeys and affirming their inherent worth. This is not a departure from our mission, but a direct expression of it. Caring for those who are marginalized or whose rights are threatened is a core tenet of our spiritual heritage.

We believe that access to compassionate care, including spiritual care, is essential, especially when individuals are navigating difficult health decisions, facing discrimination, or experiencing vulnerability. Our chaplains strive to create a sanctuary of support within the hospital, a place where all are met with understanding and respect.

As we navigate these complex times, your support is more crucial than ever. It allows us to continue being a steadfast presence, ensuring that no one in our hospital community feels alone or forgotten. It empowers us to uphold our values and serve all who come through the doors of The General with the dignity they deserve.

We are deeply grateful for your partnership in this sacred work. Thank you for standing with Sojourn Chaplaincy as we reaffirm our commitment to serving the most vulnerable and championing a community where all are cared for. We welcome any questions or conversations about our ongoing efforts and future priorities.

With heartfelt thanks,

John McLean Wolff, MDiv

Director, Sojourn Chaplaincy

Methods to Help Our Mission:

1. Your employer may be able to match your donations to Sojourn! Find Sojourn Chaplaincy on your corporate giving platform (CSR).
2. We are currently searching for two additions to Sojourn’s board of directors. We hope to find people with one (or more) of these areas of expertise: Finance, Marketing, Fundraising/Development, and Medicine/Public Health.
3. Forward this email to friends and family who may be interested in supporting our mission.
4. Donate with the above links.

Estimados amigos y colaboradores:

Desde nuestra fundación en 1982, Sojourn Chaplaincy se ha dedicado a una misión singular y profunda: proporcionar una atención espiritual y compasiva a los pacientes, las familias y el personal del Hospital General de San Francisco (San Francisco General Hospital). Nuestra historia consiste en dar la cara por las personas que más lo necesitan, especialmente en tiempos de temor y prejuicios sociales, como se demostró en nuestra labor fundacional durante la crisis del VIH/SIDA.

En la actualidad, ese legado nos convoca a hablar y actuar con claridad y convicción. Somos testigos con profunda preocupación de los retos que enfrentan muchas personas a las que tenemos el honor de servir: inmigrantes que son miembros valiosos de nuestra comunidad, personas que hacen valer su derecho a la libertad reproductiva y personas transgénero que tratan de vivir con autenticidad y seguridad. Sojourn Chaplaincy se solidariza firmemente con estas personas. Su lucha por la dignidad y los derechos humanos fundamentales es una causa que consideramos esencial para nuestra vocación espiritual.

Muchas personas que cruzan las puertas del Hospital General de San Francisco se ven directamente afectadas por estos problemas. Son nuestros vecinos, nuestros amigos y las diversas personas que forman el tejido de esta ciudad. Nuestro compromiso, impulsado por la fe, es ofrecerles un apoyo espiritual y emocional inquebrantable, respetando su trayectoria y afirmando su valor inherente. No es un alejamiento de nuestra misión, sino una expresión directa de esta. Cuidar de las personas marginadas o cuyos derechos se ven amenazados es un principio fundamental de nuestro patrimonio espiritual.

Creemos que el acceso a una atención compasiva, incluida la atención espiritual, es esencial, especialmente cuando las personas se enfrentan a decisiones de salud difíciles, a la discriminación o la vulnerabilidad. Nuestros capellanes se esfuerzan por crear un santuario de apoyo dentro del hospital, un lugar donde todos se reúnen con comprensión y respeto.

A medida que enfrentamos estos tiempos complejos, su apoyo es más crucial que nunca. Nos permite seguir siendo una presencia constante, garantizando que nadie en nuestra comunidad hospitalaria se sienta solo u olvidado. Nos empodera para defender nuestros valores y atender a todas las personas que entran por las puertas del Hospital General con la dignidad que merecen.

Estamos profundamente agradecidos por su colaboración en esta sagrada labor. Gracias por acompañar a Sojourn Chaplaincy mientras reafirmamos nuestro compromiso de servir a las personas más vulnerables y defender una comunidad en la que todos sean atendidos. Aceptamos cualquier pregunta o comentario sobre nuestros esfuerzos actuales y nuestras prioridades futuras.

Con el más sincero agradecimiento,

John McLean Wolff, MDiv

Director de Sojourn Chaplaincy

親愛的朋友和支持者們：

自1982年成立以來，Sojourn Chaplaincy一直致力於一項獨特而深刻的使命：為舊金山總醫院 (San Francisco General Hospital) 的患者、家屬和員工提供富有同情心的精神關懷。正如我們在人類免疫缺乏病毒 (Human Immunodeficiency Virus, HIV)/後天免疫缺乏症候群 (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome, AIDS) 危機期間的奠基性工作所展現的那樣，我們的歷史是為最需要幫助的人挺身而出的歷史，尤其是在社會充滿恐懼和偏見的時期。

今天，這項傳統呼籲我們以清晰和堅定的態度發言和行動。我們深切關注著我們有榮幸能服務的許多人所面臨的挑戰：他們是社區中受重視的移民成員、是維護生育自由權利的個人，也是尋求真實安全生活的跨性別者。Sojourn Chaplaincy堅定地與這些人站在同一陣線。他們為尊嚴和基本人權而戰，是我們所擁護的事業，也是我們精神感召的核心。

許多走進舊金山總醫院的人都直接受到這些問題的影響。他們是我們的鄰居、我們的朋友，也是構成這座城市的多元個體。我們秉持著信念，致力於為他們提供堅定不移的精神和情感支持，尊重他們的人生旅程，並肯定他們內在的價值。這並非背離我們的使命，而是對使命的直接體現。關懷被邊緣化或權利受到威脅的人們是我們精神傳承的核心宗旨。

我們相信，獲得富有同情心的照護（包括精神關懷）至關重要，尤其是在個人面臨艱難的健康抉擇、面臨歧視或經歷脆弱時。我們的牧師致力於在醫院內創造一個提供支援的庇護所，一個讓所有人都能得到理解和尊重的地方。

我們度過這些複雜時期時，您的支持比以往任何時候都更加重要。它讓我們能夠繼續堅定不移，確保醫院社區中沒有人感到孤獨或被遺忘。它使我們有能力維護我們的價值觀，並為所有進入總醫院大門的人提供他們應得的尊嚴服務。

我們衷心感謝您在這項神聖工作上的合作。感謝您與Sojourn Chaplaincy並肩作戰，我們重申我們致力於服務最弱勢群體，並倡導一個所有人都能得到關懷的社區的承諾。我們歡迎任何有關我們正在進行的工作和未來優先事項的問題或對話。

衷心感謝，

John McLean Wolff神學碩士 (Master of Divinity, MDiv)

Sojourn Chaplaincy主任

We hope you will join us for an evening of food, music, and storytelling. For over 42 years Sojourn Chaplaincy has been healing hearts through innovative spiritual care. Help us celebrate Sojourn’s legacy of Generations of Compassion at this fabulous event!

Get tickets here!

Rev. Claire Chuck Bohman, Sojourn’s Executive Director, was awarded the 2024 Hero and Heart Award from the San Francisco General Hospital Foundation on February 8, 2024, at its Hearts in SF 2024 Gala. This award was presented to Chaplain Claire for their years of service supporting the patients and staff of Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital and Trauma Center. Chaplain Claire is the first chaplain to receive this honor in the history of the foundation. The Board and Staff of Sojourn Chaplaincy congratulates Chaplain Claire on this well deserved honor. Thank you, Chaplain Claire, for being a champion for Sojourn Chaplaincy and its mission to heal hearts through innovative spiritual care.

Pictured above from left to right: Recipients Dr. Andre Campbell, Rev. Claire Chuck Bohman, and Dr. Hali Hammer, and ZSFG CEO, Dr. Susan Ehrlich.

Since 1982 Sojourn has practiced the mission described in its name: “to stay with for a time.” We offer compassion and understanding to patients and their loved ones as well as to the staff at SFGH. Our vision: Comprehensive spiritual and emotional support for everyone who needs it.

Sojourn Chaplains offer support through a skilled response to suffering. Chaplains work alongside patients, families and staff to support them in reconnecting with their inner resources that will carrying them through the challenges they face.

Sojourn provides a critical element of San Francisco General Hospital’s holistic care. SFGH staff members are skilled in providing resources for physical, mental and emotional health. Sojourn completes the circle, by attending to the spiritual needs of patients, families and staff.

Dr. Jeanne St. Pierre, former Unit Chief of the LGBT Psychiatric Unit at SFGH writes: “Often in a day I realize the inadequacies of modern medical treatments for trauma, schizophrenia, substance dependence, and other causes of emotional suffering. At those times I am particularly grateful for the Services of Sojourn chaplains. Chaplains offer kindness and understanding to those who will likely never be cured, yet do not need to be alone with their pain.”

In 2013, California led the nation in banning Transgender exclusion in health care plans. This made it illegal for Health Insurance Companies to deny transgender people access to lifesaving healthcare. After years of organizing and struggle for access to healthcare, California insurance companies can no longer discriminate against trans people. This has opened the doors to access to health care that many Transgender Californians have never had before.

The Trans Spiritual Care Initiative was born when Sojourn Chaplains were approached by Trans members of their spiritual communities about challenging experiences with Chaplains. These experiences ranged from problematic at best to disturbing.  Sojourn Chaplaincy’s chaplain training program was born during the epidemic as a ministry for people dying from AIDS.  During these painful times, we learned how important justice rooted training is for Chaplains and Spiritual Care providers.

Here at Sojourn at the Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital, we serve many trans and gender variant patients–some of whom are the most marginalized in the trans community. Training around gender diversity has become an important part of our Chaplain training.  We are developing this curriculum to improve our care for trans and gender variant patients at ZSFG.  We are also developing this training with the hope that it become a resource for Chaplains, Spiritual Care Departments, clergy and healthcare providers across the country  who would like to improve their services and provide more culturally appropriate care for gender variant patients.

In a time when the trans community is facing so many challenges and an increasingly hostile political climate, we believe it is critical for the faith community to stand up and take leadership to support LGBT rights.  We are hopeful that the Trans Spiritual Care Initiative will create critical new resources to help Chaplains and other spiritual care practitioners provide better care and develop deeper relationships with the trans community.  As spiritual people, we know that relationships are powerful.  As Chaplains, we know that bearing witness to the suffering of others can create openings for solidarity rooted in personal connection.  We launch this initiative with a prayer for healing and justice for the trans community.  May we be open to the divine gifts that are possible when we open to witnessing the pain and struggle of all members of our human family and work toward a more just world.

Sojourn Chaplaincy is honored to announce we are recipients of a Hearts Grant from the San Francisco General Hospital Foundation.  The San Francisco General Hospital Foundation has given Sojourn Chaplaincy $3,800 to support our work providing multi-faith spiritual care to the patients, families and staff of ZSFG.  This money will go specifically to efforts to make our Prayer and Meditation room more accessible to people of different faiths and spiritual traditions.  One dimension of this grant is to create a chest accessible for staff and visitors to store Muslim prayer rugs, Buddhist Malas, and other religious supplies.

We are thrilled to receive this generous grant and for all the support of the SFGH Foundation.  Deep bows of gratitude to all the Officers, Members and most of all the donors of the SFGH Foundation.  Thank you for supporting our work and for supporting the spiritual and emotional needs of the patients, families and staff of ZSFG!

Feeling inspired?  You can also support the great work of Sojourn!  Gifts of all sizes are invaluable.  We are able to provide quality spiritual care and training for spiritual care providers because of donors like you.  Please give to Sojourn today.  All gifts are tax deductable.

Blessings and Gratitude.