RAF CHAPLAINCY
WORLD FAITHS CHAPLAINCY
GRANTHI( SQN LDR) MANDEEP KAUR, RAF RESERVIST CHAPLAIN( SIKH)
World Faith Chaplaincy emerged in the British Armed Forces in 2005 with the introduction of four civilian Chaplains along with an existing Jewish Chaplain. It was an historic and positive step in the history of Armed Forces Chaplaincy, and these four new Chaplains were very proud to be in this role, being the trailblazers with a challenging path ahead. This was not only new for Defence but also for my own community where the Chaplaincy concept is very new. For me there was another element too, of being both a Sikh Chaplain and a female too! In the military I was questioned very often: but you are a female? Can you be a Chaplain from your tradition? These questions gave not only an opportunity to speak about my faith but also for the other person to listen. That experience of listening and working out fresh understandings happened in a variety of ways as the world faith Chaplains began their work.
Prejudice is nothing new. According to the Greek philosopher Plato,‘ it is only men who are complete human beings and can hope for ultimate fulfilment; the best a woman can hope for is to become a man’( Plato, Timaeus 90e). Guru Nanak( 1469-1539), founder of the Sikh faith, in sharp contrast, gave a revolutionary view in His scriptures, ' why call her evil from whom are great men born, and without woman none could exist. The eternal Lord is the only One; O Nanak Who depends not on woman.'( Guru Granth Sahib, p. 473). Guru Nanak declared that there is only one Creator for the whole humanity who loves all people. So he preached oneness, brotherhood and equality of mankind and the whole world to be as one vast multi-cultural society. In summary, Guru Nanak preached that religion is not a set of rituals.
It is practised only when one’ s belief is actually put into practice for the welfare of society.
These values continue to be the motivational and essential spirit in all my work as Sikh Chaplain in the Military. For me, the Chaplaincy is not only about providing moral, pastoral and spiritual support to my flock, but also being the voice to the voiceless, a source to develop fair principles / policies for all and stream of knowledge to all.
World Faith Chaplaincy in the Military is a path with a cause, a calling and a mission. It has brought friendship, hope and assurance not only to service personnel but also amongst Chaplains from all different faiths and backgrounds. Chaplains have been the best faith education tool and their contributions can be witnessed through the positive change in the behaviours from junior to senior command on understanding of Faiths. Twelve years have gone very quickly and I personally feel that it has brought new challenges, tests and experiences as time progressed. Needless to say there is still some way to go.
A Chaplain in the Armed Forces from any faith today can be a friend, a mentor and a non-judgemental listener but if that friend has the same values and faith then it becomes the icing on the cake.
RABBI FLT LT SAMUEL DE BECK SPITZER, RAF RESERVIST CHAPLAIN( JEWISH)
Broadly speaking, military chaplaincy has been a rather surprising and yet natural progression for me within my personal journey of faith Ministry. It provides the space to offer a service of care beyond the scope of personal belief or individual denomination and offers all personnel the opportunity to access pastoral or spiritual counsel. It has thus far allowed me to build bridges across potential divides and naturally caters both for those of faith and equally, for those with no religious affiliation.
In this regard, military chaplaincy has truly come a long way. Whilst all Chaplains have a background in and have received formal training from, a recognised institution of religion, their service within the RAF reaches far beyond any specific religious framework. Ironically, I find that this helps to reinforce and to expand faith, whilst humbly focusing on our common humanity. Chaplaincy within the RAF can include solving administrative matters, emotional counselling therapy, signposting, conflict resolution, addressing professional or personal issues and sometimes just offering an empathic ear. I feel that world faith Chaplaincy has flexibly paved the way to offer additional philosophical and ethical perspectives in an ever changing and divergent society. Gratitude and blessing come to mind when reflecting on being a part of the Chaplaincy team.
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