A Courageous Chaplain in Turbulent Times

                                         Margaret Grun Kibben

I have a lot of time for those who serve as chaplains in various institutions because the role requires a responsiveness and openness which is different from congregational life where the flock tends to be more stable. It many settings chaplains are not only ecumenical, they are multi-faith and even non-religious, providing spiritual support to those who may be suspicious of organized religion yet desiring to draw on strength beyond themselves when they are most vulnerable. 

On Sunday, January 3rd, Rear Adm. Margaret Grun Kibben, a Presbyterian minister was instated as the first female chaplain for the United States congress. She was well aware of the tense and divided political climate of her nation and that when she went to Capitol Hill on January 6th, the Feast of the Epiphany there would likely be rancour. She couldn't have known that a violent mob would invade the house and send the proceedings into chaos. As the insurrection became apparent Kibben offered an extemporaneous prayer which she only vaguely recalls now. According to a Religion News Service piece which quotes Kibben:

 "It was a matter of asking for God’s covering and a hedge of protection around us,” she said, remembering the House recorder was diligently documenting her words as she prayed. “And that in the chaos, the spirit would descend in the room to offer us peace and order. That we would look to care for each other, even as we are under stress.”

After the House Chamber was vacated and members were led to safety the former naval chaplain prayed again, preceded with scripture: 

She began by reading from the Bible’s Psalm 46, the same passage she had included in her scheduled prayer before the House that morning. “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change, though the mountains shake in the heart of the sea.”

We know that some of the insurrectionists carried banners and signs which were Christian in content, even though their actions were evil and destructive. Their behaviour was antithetical to the message of the gospels and was a terrible example of the worst of religion co-opted for another agenda. It's good to know that Kibben was present in the midst of the chaos and inviting those she served into a place of spiritual calm, whatever there political or religious affiliations might have been. 

God be with her during these turbulent times.