What a strange title the Padre's cap badge carries - the words given by Constantine to his soldiers at the battle of - the point at which, according to many, the decline of the Christian church began with its replacement by Christendom. Just one of many paradoxes and ambiguities than an Army Chaplain has to face.
In the course of my Sabbatical I have kept the Padre-ing going albeit at an ambient level. Having said that, a Burns Night, a ski trip, a visit to soldiers on Ops, a baptism, a funeral, a pastoral visit and a few cups of tea on an have all given me pause for thought.
Here are my interim conclusions on what is involved in the ministry of the Padre
Its is spiritual - in the face of death and the other challenges of life, the Padre is there to act as a witness to God's love and strength by his or her deeds as well as, when appropriate, his or her words.
It is moral - in view of the nature of the military task, which frequently involves difficult and marginal judgements made in a split second, the Padre along with the Commander and others, provides a framework and reference point by which correct and appropriate decisions can hopefully be made.
It is pastoral - in view of the peculiarly social nature of the organisation, with people living, sleeping and fighting together 24/7 sometimes for long periods, the demands made by operational tours, the problems related to any group of - mainly - young men etc etc. the vital importance of a listening, sympathetic and reliable ear is obvious. It is what makes the title 'Padre', first used during the Peninsular War, such an appropriate one.
It is practical - in view of the hostile and difficult environment in which soldiers frequently operate, often with many home comforts absent and with the chain of command taken up with more 'important' matters, the Padre has the time and maybe resources to provide that little something extra that makes a difference.
It is relational - everybody from the lowly recruit to the highest ranking officer needs sympathy and friendship. Many positions can be very lonely indeed. The Padre, uniquely positioned as he or she is, can provide that support, at least in part.
(The picture shows me taking my first ever field service - at very short notice - in Germany back in 2004)
For more information on the work of the chaplain albeit from a naval angle check out this link to a recent Times article
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/court_and_social/article5903716.ece
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