The place of religion in public life continues to be a much-debated topic in Western nations. In the UK this has led to the scrutiny of religious provision in public organisations, including chaplains in health care. This book charts the changing role of hospital chaplains and examines through detailed case studies the realities of practice and the political debates which either threaten or sustain the service. This second edition includes a new introduction and updated material throughout the book covering changes in: fresh insights about chaplaincy, including those in relation to New Atheism and the developing debate about secularism and religion in public life; latest research findings and references to new publications.