Traditionally a cleric (can be used as a word for a: minister, priest, pastor, rabbi, purohit, or imam) or a lay representative of a religious tradition, attached to a secular institution (such as a hospital, prison, military
unit, intelligence agency, embassy, school etc. The chaplain'
s role is supportive, serving as a counsellor and guide to the
psycho-spiritual needs of the staff and patients. Originally a priest or minister who had charge of a chapel, now an ordained member of the clergy who is assigned to a
special ministry