Armed forces broadens multi-faith services
Newly appointed Buddhist, Hindu, Muslim and Sikh chaplains were officially welcomed to their new roles today by defence secretary John Reid.
They were recruited last year as part of the armed forces’ drive to widen the provision of religious support for serving officers and their families.
The four new chaplains, one for each faith, all took up their posts last month, and each will provide support to the Royal Navy and the Royal Air Force, as well as the army.
Welcoming the chaplains, John Reid said: “We are committed to providing an environment that welcomes and encourages people throughout society to build a successful military career.
“Ensuring that they enjoy spiritual support is integral to this, and the chaplains will make a huge contribution to service personnel and their dependents.”
The armed forces currently have 300 Christian chaplains and one honorary officiating Jewish chaplain.
