Reconciling as a Primary Pastoral Act of Spiritual Care

Hiltner's shepherding perspective offered a primary reference point for pastoral theologians. This paper examines how the reconciling function of that perspective guides the care proceeding from it for Black persons experiencing medical crises. I analyze connections in the work of Archie Smith with Black persons involved in the healthcare system to show how Black persons draw upon spiritual resources and other resources implicit to the Black community itself in order to reconcile lived experiences with sickness.