Religion News Service
LONDON, UK, Tuesday 7, 2004: The British Ministry of Defense will soon start advertising in the national and religious press for qualified people to serve as Buddhist, Hindu, Muslim and Sikh chaplains to the British armed forces. Some 300 Christian chaplains already minister to the 210,000 personnel of the Royal Navy, the army, and the Royal Air Force. These chaplains are given commissioned rank as officers. There are also honorary Jewish chaplains. The four chaplains to be appointed will, however, be civilian employees of the Ministry of Defense. Each will be responsible for ministering to about 740 adherents of the minority faiths in all three services. Ivor Caplin, a member of Parliament and one of the junior ministers at the department, said: “It is our aspiration to have armed forces which are representative of UK society as a whole. As such, we hope to encourage people throughout society to join, to make their distinctive contributions, and to achieve their full potential. We genuinely welcome all faiths into the armed forces and will make proper provision for their spiritual needs. These chaplains will also assist with promoting a greater understanding of faiths within the armed forces and help break down any barriers which might deter people from different faiths from joining.” Nearly 18 months ago, Defense Secretary Geoff Hoon dismissed a request for a chaplain for the estimated 300 Muslims in the British armed forces. At the time, Hoon said the numbers did not yet justify a full-time chaplain.
Media enquires regarding this program may be sent to Rachel Yeomans in the Ministry of Defense Press Office on 020 7218 5083. Alternatively, contact the MOD Press Office by e-mail: press@dgics.mod.uk. The MOD’s online news service, UK Defence Today, may be found at here.