The prophetic nature of pastoral counselling

The role of pastoral counselling is explored in the light of the increasing interest among secular therapists in spirituality and the escalation in th e number of clients presenting themselves with spiritual issues. Definition s are offered of spirituality, sexuality and religion as well as of pastora l counselling itself. The development of pastoral counselling is contrasted with the upsurge of Christian counselling in the latter years of the 20th century. The central influence of Carl Rogers is examined and it is argued that his late embracing of the spiritual dimension makes him, once more, a potential source of inspiration for pastoral counsellors in the years ahead . The critical tasks of integrating science and religion and of communicati ng across inter-faith boundaries require both an emphasis on contemplative and mystical experience and a radically evolving theology. Rogers' 'person of tomorrow' is seen as a possible blueprint for the pastoral counsellor of the future who can be assured of a difficult path and much hostility and m isunderstanding.