The Department of Social Development has appointed a Chaplain. He is Canon Samuel Knight of the Anglican Church. In commenting on making such a service available to staff, Commissioner Sanford Richardson reminded:
“In Anguilla social work continues to be delivered in an increasingly diverse and stressful environment. Social workers are human beings. They are also spiritual beings. It is important to ensure that all persons working in public institutions have access to services that meet their needs and receive the highest standard of care, including spiritual.”
Meanwhile, in his first session with the staff to commence the New Year 2016, Canon Knight reminded the staff that their primary duty was to care:
“Think of yourselves as ministers of God – a caring ministry… care for those who come to the office. Upgrade the work to a ministry of God not just an office of Government.”
In addition to his theological training and pastoral experience, Father Knight’s academic qualifications include a Master’s Degree in General Counselling from Marygrove College, Michigan.
As part of his work with the staff Canon Knight is expected to provide spiritual edification for internal staff; minister to staff through individual and group sessions; provide spiritual counselling to staff on request and offer up invocation for staff functions and activities such as workshops, retreats and other special occasions. Canon Knight is in his third year of pastoral work here in Anguilla.
His role as Chaplain is on a voluntary basis and is a direct result of one of the annual objectives of a member of staff of the Department of Social Development.
Sanford Richardson
Commissioner, DSD
(Published without editing by The Anguillian newspaper.)
