Resolutions

Study of the Church’s Just War teachings and engagement with experts and military chaplains generated several proposals for additional directions the Church could take to build on the accomplishments of the project. 

A029 Support for Military Chaplains

Resolved, That the 80th General Convention commends the ministry of The Episcopal Church’s military chaplains, who bravely tend to the spiritual and religious needs of United States Armed Forces service members as pastors, priests and preachers; and be it further

Resolved, That the Bishop Suffragan for Armed Forces and Federal Ministries, in addition to tending to chaplains serving in federal prisons and hospitals, continue to uphold The Episcopal Church’s leadership role in forming and supporting military chaplains to respond to the challenges facing today’s military personnel, including extended exposure to violence, injustice, hatred and hardship; and be it further

Resolved, That the General Convention commend the office of the Bishop Suffragan for Armed Forces and Federal Ministries for its recruiting efforts, especially among those representing the diversity of this church, celebrating the results achieved to date, including the fact that more than 15% of active chaplains are bilingual and/or originally from cultures representing the diversity of The Episcopal Church; and be it further

Resolved, That the General Convention affirms the 2001 “Declaration of the Episcopal Church’s Understanding of Ministry to the Armed Forces”, including Episcopal military chaplains’ commitment to love and serve members of all faith groups, and to ensure access to the free exercise of religion within the constraints of military service; and be it further

Resolved, That Congregations engage with military chaplains so as to learn from their experience with global mission and interreligious dialogue, and from their example as an embedded servant ministry proclaiming and portraying the Gospel beyond the church; and be it further

Resolved, That the Standing Commission on World Mission collaborate with the Standing Commission on Liturgy and Music to choose an appropriate day for observance of the Church’s military chaplains and consider developing a collect and suggested lectionary for observance of Military Chaplains Day for authorization by the 81st General Convention.