Chaplains like Mote have long been familiar faces at airports, hospitals, colleges, military bases and other places. As fewer people identify with a specific religion or attend religious services, Americans may be more likely to meet a chaplain than a local clergy person at a
In 1917, when the United States entered the World War I, chaplaincy was a majority white and fully Christian organization. No law specifically stated the acceptable religious backgrounds of military chaplains, but only mainline Protestant ministers and Catholic priests wore the insignia of the military’s
Regardless of their own faith background, fire chaplains typically work with people of all faiths and beliefs, outside of traditional congregations or parishes. They provide care to firefighters, family members and members of the public in a range of crucial ways.
When Alabama executed Domineque Ray, a Muslim, the warden told him only prison workers could be present at the moment of execution; since the prison employed solely Christian chaplains, they were his only option. Largely unnoticed is the state indicating it would end the practice of having a chaplain or spiritual
Feb. 2 marks the 76th anniversary of the sinking of the SS Dorchester, a transport ship taking hundreds of troops to Greenland during World War II. Among the 672 who died in the U-Boat attack in 1943 were four Army chaplains who, many survivors said, brought calm to the
Church/state concerns can be tricky for many believers -- from stands on social issues to faith-based initiatives funded, at least in part, from government sources. That fine line can be particularly true for chaplains who minister to or through the government.
ASHEVILLE, N.C. (ABP) – A total of 87 pastors and lay leaders made up the first graduating class of prison chaplains in Cuba June 16. Co-sponsored by the Ecumenical Council of Churches in Cuba and the Ecumenical Seminary in Matanzas, the graduation took place at
Chainsaw units and chaplains have been activated in response to the May 22 tornado that cut a six-mile swath through Joplin. Several Baptist groups across the state are setting disaster relief plans in motion and providing a way for congregations to assist with supplies and
RALEIGH, N.C. (ABP) -- Two weeks after 25 tornadoes wrecked havoc through eastern North Carolina, killing 24 people, survivors are just coming to grips with the reality before them.
RICHMOND, Va. -- Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell has lifted a two-year-old ban on sectarian prayers -- including those referring to Jesus Christ -- led by Virginia State Police chaplains at department-sanctioned public events.