In the Progressive Episcopal Church, certification as a military chaplain for duty in the reserves or on active duty with the Armed Forces of the United States is available to highly-qualified priests in our jurisdiction through the Ordinariate for Military and Civil Chaplaincy.
To be certified in this highly respected ministry, priests must be validly ordained in the Apostolic Succession, be a graduate of an accredited seminary, and have completed advanced training for the military chaplaincy. Even then, certification is not automatic.
The candidate for certification must convince their local bishop, the Director for Military and Civil Chaplaincy and the Presiding Archbishop that they are fit for duty as a chaplain. This is accomplished through personal interviews and whatever testing is deemed necessary.
Responsibilities of a Military Chaplain:
Military chaplains are responsible to God and their conscience. Beyond that, they are responsible to uphold their oath of office as a military officer. This includes defending the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic.
Military chaplains have great influence over the troops in their care. Their actions speak louder than their words. They must lead by example.
A military chaplain also has a responsibility to his or her Church and to the promises made at his or her ordination. But that is the extent of your duty to the Church. It is decidedly subordinate to your primary duty — ministering to those entrusted to your care.
A military chaplain must be prepared to provide for the free exercise of religion for all the members of the Armed Forces who come under their care, regardless of denomination or religion. They must be able to provide a wide range of religious services and pastoral care to those in uniforms and to their families, regardless of faith preference.
A Message from the Director for Military and Civil Chaplaincy
My Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
Thank you for visiting the webpage for the Ordinary for Military and Civil Chaplaincy. I pray that you find what you are seeking.
The chaplains that serve in the Uniformed Services have a very exciting and dynamic ministry. One that can take you all over God’s creation, placing you in locations and situations where you are able to see and experience the wonder of our Lord first hand.
The clergy that serve here have set the standards for others to follow. From our clergy serving in the military all over the world, to the clergy serving in your community as Police, Fire, or EMS chaplains, we welcome you to experience a ministry that is unlike any other on earth.
I speak from personal experience, having served a chaplain for many years, both in the military and public service sectors, this is the most rewarding opportunity to serve our Lord, but understand that it also the most difficult.
As the Director for Military and Civil Chaplaincy, I offer you the challenge of becoming a chaplain, I offer you the opportunity to serve our Lord, I offer you the opportunity to become a chaplain, serving those who serve. I offer you the opportunity to be called “Padre” by those who depend on you, your fellow brothers and sisters.
Come and be a part of this ministry, where you can make a difference.