A profile of the Rev. Margaret A. Muncie, chaplain at St. Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital in New York, by Jan Hoffman in the New York Times is moving and well-written. The Rev. Ms. Muncie is a skilled pastor who works with people who follow many different religious paths and she does so with respect and sincerity. She represents an example of the strength of a trained clergyperson who understands her own theology and the faith perspectives of others. She also demonstrates compassion that cuts across difference and gets to the humanity of people in compromised positions due to illness, grief and the uncertain health outcomes that weaken our hope and make us feel alone.

Jan Hoffman writes with an understanding that reveals the complexity and humanity of Chaplain Muncie. Despite my criticism of media in the post preceding this, I cite Ms. Hoffman's work as an example of good journalism. I was emotionally moved by her profile while not feeling I had been manipulated or otherwise led to a place I didn't want to go. It's a good example of writing about a Mainline clergyperson and the expression of pastoral skills and personal faith written without taking us into the controversy or sensationalism that is too often the picture of the mainline church.

It's good reading and inspiring work.