In a recent editorial published in The Waterways Journal, SCI emphasizes that pastoral care is all-encompassing—not limited to emergencies, tragedies, or moments of crisis. Chaplains are here to support the whole person and to offer a compassionate, confidential presence whenever something is weighing on a mariner’s mind or heart. A concern does not have to […]
Read MoreThe Seamen’s Church Institute brought a message of collaboration and care to the 121st Annual Gulf Intracoastal Canal Association (GICA) Seminar, held August 5–7, 2026, in New Orleans. SCI Supervisory Chaplain the Rev. Grace Pardun joined SCI Chaplain the Rev. Geoffrey Davis and licensed clinical social worker and certified trauma professional Mandy Culbreath, MSW, LCSW, […]
Read MoreBy Michelle McWilliams, MSW Chaplain, International Seafarers’ Center, Port of New York & New Jersey From the June 2026 Quarterly Activity Report During this quarter, one of the more significant interactions I had was with Pat, a Filipino OS aboard a car carrier. Back at the end of March, Aileen, the ISC’s evening driver, called […]
Read MoreEarlier this month, the Seamen’s Church Institute (SCI) reaffirmed its commitment to supporting mariners throughout every stage of their careers through its participation in O-Week at Texas A&M Maritime Academy. O-Week introduces incoming cadets to the routines and traditions of the Corps of Cadets while building the skills and discipline essential to maritime life. Throughout […]
Read MoreSCI recently welcomed its first Chaplain Associate serving the Port of Jacksonville, Florida, an important milestone in expanding the organization’s Chaplain Associate network. Pictured during training in New Orleans, Chaplain Associate Josh Burns (left) joins SCI Chaplain the Rev. Geoff Davis (right) as they visit with a mariner at American Commercial Barge Line. Expanding SCI’s […]
Read MoreSCI’s Ministry on the River is pleased to announce that the Rev. Charles Uhlik will join the organization as Chaplain serving the Upper Mississippi River region, based in St. Louis. Beginning September 30, he will expand SCI’s chaplaincy presence along the inland waterways, providing dedicated pastoral care and support to mariners from St. Louis northward […]
Read MoreBy Matthew Morse, Esq. Director, International Seafarers’ Center From the June 2026 Quarterly Activity Report The Seamen’s Church Institute (SCI) is pleased to continue its strong partnership with SUNY Maritime College through active SCI Chaplain participation in the 2026 SUNY Maritime Summer Sea Term (SST). This yearly voyage represents a vital period of hands-on training […]
Read MoreAs SUNY Maritime College’s 2026 Summer Sea Term (SST) continues, the Seamen’s Church Institute (SCI) is proud to mark the sixth consecutive summer that SCI Chaplains have served aboard in support of cadets during this transformative maritime training experience. A cornerstone of the academic journey for cadets pursuing U.S. Coast Guard licenses, the Summer Sea […]
Read More“Wait! I’ve met you before!” a young man in the front row exclaimed as I introduced myself to the class of new hires. It took me a beat and then I was brought right back to where we met for the first time. It was a few months ago that we sat around the table […]
Read More
