Goodbyes and New Beginnings at Sojourn – a letter from Chaplain Claire Bohman

Beloved Sojourners,

After a decade of service, I am writing to announce that I am passing along the torch of leadership at Sojourn Chaplaincy.  I want to begin with a deep bow of  gratitude to each of you for the opportunity to serve as the Executive Director of Sojourn Chaplaincy. As I prepare to step down from my role as Executive Director of Sojourn Chaplaincy, I want to take a moment to reflect on the incredible journey we’ve shared and express my deepest gratitude to each of you.

Our mission at Sojourn has always been to provide compassionate, inclusive and innovative spiritual care to those in need, and this would never have been possible without the unwavering dedication of our volunteers, staff and the generous support of our donors. You have been the heart and soul of this organization, offering your time, resources, and kindness to patients, families, and staff during some of their most vulnerable moments.  In the midst of major traumas, gun violence, homelessness, an epidemic of overdose—even a worldwide pandemic, you have been a key part of Sojourn’s weaving deeply into and building a powerful root system of connection here at the General.
Together, we’ve built a community grounded in empathy, respect, and hope. From bedside visits offering spiritual counsel here at the General to training chaplains around the country in providing care that’s rooted in compassion, affirmation and love Sojourn’s reach has grown to stretch far beyond this city. In a time when empathy, compassion and respect seems to becoming increasingly sparse, I can’t emphasize how revolutionary this work of truly showing up for one another is.

I came into Sojourn during a transition and as I depart, Sojourn is in a place of transition once again.  In the last three months, we have experienced significant budget cuts, the death of our beloved board president, Jim Forsyth, and a reduction in staffing.  From some vantage points, this could seem like a crisis for the organization. However, at the same time, the city has invested more resources in hiring two new full-time chaplains and remains steadfast to supporting Sojourn moving forward.

While I am sad to be departing, I am clear that the challenges we are facing as a nation are a key part of the call I have been getting towards justice work outside the hospital.  I am thrilled to announce that Chaplain John McLean Wolff is stepping into the role of Sojourn’s Program Director. John’s been with Sojourn since 2017 and has a powerful vision for the organization moving forward.  I can’t think of anyone I’d rather pass this torch along to.  You’ll hear more from John soon.

I want to take a moment and offer my deep gratitude to the late Jim Forsyth, one of my key partners and mentors in this ministry. Jim was a fierce champion and supporter of Sojourn. He led the board quietly and was one of those teachers that stood back and gently pushed but also wasn’t afraid to step in strongly offering support when needed.
Jim touched the lives of so many of us in Sojourn over the years. He brought wisdom, experience, pragmatism to challenging times. He is greatly missed and we give thanks for the ways his spirit lives on here at Sojourn.

While this chapter in my journey of ministry is coming to an end, I am confident that Sojourn Chaplaincy will continue to thrive, thanks to the incredible foundation you have helped create. The mission we share is larger than any one person, and I leave knowing that it remains in capable, compassionate hands. 

Thank you for trusting me to lead this organization and for being steadfast partners in our mission. I am forever grateful for the support, collaboration, and friendships that have grown over the years. I look forward to witnessing Sojourn’s continued impact and look forward to when our paths will cross again in the future.

With Deep Love,

Rev. Claire Chuck Bohman MDiv BCC

Executive Director, Sojourn Chaplaincy February 2025