When I was a rookie minister in Newfoundland I supervised seminary students who weren't much younger. Four of us took on this role and we met monthly, along with our students, to share experiences and learn from one another. One of the students on an adjoining charge was Jim Short, and when he was ordained Jim served the Newfoundand congregations I had left to return to Ontario.
There is an interesting interview with Jim in the latest United Church Observer. http://www.ucobserver.org/faith/2010/11/interview_jim_short/ While he continues to serve a congregation in BC he has also done stints in Afghanistan as a chaplain. I have always been interested in military chaplaincy, in part because my late father-in-law served as a chaplain's assistance during WW2 and on his return to Canada he began studies for the ministry.
It strikes me that while there are obvious tensions between Jesus' call to be peacemakers and serving in the military, the ministries of chaplains are essential. The article mentions that Jim was awarded a Chief of Defence Staff Commendation for his ministry as a "soldier's padre." It seems appropriate that on this Sunday when many United Churches including ours will acknowledge Remembrance Day we can keep chaplains in our prayers along with all others who serve in the military.
Any comments on the role of chaplains?
When I read the word "chaplain," my thoughts immediately move to September 11th/2001 and that terrible but remarkable image of NYCFD chaplain Rev. Mychal F. Judge being pulled from the wreckage of the World Trade Center by rescue workers. He was the tragedy's first identified victim.
ReplyDeleteUpon news of the attacks, Judge raced to the World Trade Center and began to assist the injured and dying, even administering last rites. He himself was killed from flying debris when the first tower collapsed, and that famous photo was taken as he was extracted from the rubble.
These men and women have a remarkable and important role to play. We should admire and respect their bravery and commitment.
Thanks Ian. Wonderful example.
ReplyDeleteI would think that the role of the chaplain would be one of the most important roles a minister could partake in. They volenteer to go to the worst possible places, witness the worst mankind can offer, yet be a reminder that god's love is everywhere.
ReplyDeleteWhen I read the blog today, I couldn't help but think of Father Mulhaney from the TV show Mash. I'm sure that he wasn't the typical padre, but he always was there to comfort, reassure, and often add a little comic relief. Beneath it all, however, there was a man of great faith trying his best to help others make some sense of this crazy war that was going on around them. It doesn't matter to which religion you belonged, having a padre around, somehow grounded you when you most needed grounding. I'm sure that this holds true for our soldiers today.
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