General Assembly warned Church of Scotland military chaplains ‘could disappear’

The General Assembly has been warned that Church of Scotland military chaplains "could more or less disappear" unless more people can be recruited.

In a speech, convener of the Chaplains to HM Forces Committee Rev Scott Brown, described this as "a disaster".

"Our ability to recruit Church of Scotland ministers to serve as military Chaplains is no longer just an identified risk, it is now a big issue," he said.

"Our numbers are at historic lows, in the regular force, two in the RAF, three in the Royal Navy and 13 in the Army, with up to 50% of the latter expected to retire in the next few years.

"We have gaps in our reserve forces too."

The former Chaplain-of-the-Fleet highlighted that this shortage came at a time when "our Armed Forces…are being asked to do more and more".

He urged those who might be interested in exploring ministry in the Forces to get in touch with him or members of the committee to find out more about the vital role.

During the speech, Mr Brown paid tribute to the work of military chaplains:

"Today is an opportunity again to give our thanks to those who serve in this unique community, that in the highs and lows, they may know that they are held in the prayers of the church, and that we as a General Assembly values highly what they do.

"The chaplain is fully a part of the military, but somehow outside it too, and the sailor, soldier or airmen and women sees a minister or priest or rabbi, someone who cares, who listens, and is the friend and advisor to all."

Mr Brown also highlighted the work of chaplains in the Ukrainian army, who have recently been training at the Armed Forces Chaplaincy Centre, as part of the United Kingdom Defence Academy.

"Everyone has been moved by their strength, their resilience, and truly the love of their own land that they fight for every day," he said.

Following the report, Mr Brown invited Air Vice-Marshal Tim Jones CBE to address the Assembly.

The Air Vice-Marshal echoed Mr's Brown's words, praising the work of military chaplain and the "generous, steadfast and dedicated way you support the Service family".

"Our job in the Armed Forces is to help face the storms of life. To do our part to stop conflicts starting, and if they start, to help bring them to an end as quickly as possible. And right now, of course, we live in a very stormy world in which there is a lot of conflict going on.

"So perhaps more than ever, we feel the weight of our responsibility. Our responsibility to protect the nation. Our responsibility towards the security, stability and prosperity of the places we live, of our families and of our friends.

"We are reminded of what a vital role you play in that most important aspect of teamwork – the belief and trust that propels us forward - what we know as the moral component," he said.

"Let me assure you friends, that it would simply not be possible to navigate Service life without the ability to talk, to confide, to reflect, to laugh, to cry, or to remember.

"And that's what our Service chaplains help us to do.

"And so in sharing in the experiences of those they serve alongside, our service chaplains occupy a unique place in the fabric of these, our important national institutions, on whom our reliance amidst the storms of life seems greater now than at any time for many decades.

"And so, to our chaplains, and on behalf of all of the Services, I say thank you.

"Thank you for the generous, steadfast and dedicated way you support the Service family and for the part you play in ensuring that our Armed Services can help navigate the storms of life by meeting the challenge that is placed down in front of us, for the sake of our country, our friends and our families.

"And to those who would serve, to the extent that you might join us in helping to meet these challenges, I hope you consider yourself most welcome."