Welcome to the Army section of the Forces’ Bishopric web-site. As current Principal Roman Catholic Chaplain to the Army it is my pleasure to invite you to explore the contribution of serving Catholic personnel who enrich the life of the Army by their faithful presence, and to learn more about the ministry of Catholic clergy who minister across the Army community within units, brigades, divisions, and garrisons. Army chaplains support service personnel of all ranks together with their families, alongside the extensive network of civilian support staff who work across defence. 

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​“If you can’t pray with them then pray for them” this is a great phrase that was uttered by one of the First World War Chaplains, the Reverend Geoffrey Studdert-Kennedy MC, and is as accurate today as it was all those years ago.

The Army Chaplain is a Vocation within a vocation, let me explain what I mean and how that differs from your Parish Priest.  Army Chaplains are ordained having completed their seminary training and appointed by their bishop or superior. In order to become a Chaplain in Her Majesty’s Armed Forces Clergy are required to have had 5 years, post ordination, pastoral experience, in order to allow them to grow and develop in their ministry. It’s a bit like you only learn to drive after you have passed your driving test (or some might say after you have experienced your first accident).

The Congregation of an Army Chaplains is that of his Regiment or Battalion, they are the people who he engages with every day and supports in times of crisis or in the challenges and up and downs of life. Once a Priest has completed his basic military training, he is assigned to a unit for circa two year period.  During this time, you accompany them wherever they might go, be it on exercise or deployed for a six month tour of duty in areas of conflict. You are integrated into their family ethos and live, eat and sleep alongside them daily. The role can be isolating and peripatetic, as you might be the only unit at that location.

Army chaplains support service personnel of all ranks, faith and some who have not heard of Jesus together with their families, alongside the extensive network of civilian support staff who work across defence. We practice an ALL-SOULS Ministry, alongside that of our Sacramental Role. Priest will have the added task of administering a Church within the barracks too. As I am sure you can imagine it is a unique and privileged role to journey alongside 500 or more personnel daily. It’s great to feel wanted, cared for and loved as they look on you as being THEIRS, there is a real sense of belonging.

Fundamentally you remain a part of the Diocese or Religious Congregation that you were ordained for and are on-loan to the Bishopric of The Forces for the duration of your Military Service.  Chaplains in the Army receive a Queens Commission and Rank and are accountable. They are professionally qualified Officers in the British Army and are required to set annual personal objectives, they have a mid-period appraisal and an annual report where they are graded, based on their interactions, achievements and engagement in the course of that year.

Chaplains teach the Values and Standards of the British Army:

Courage

Discipline

Respect for Others

Integrity

Loyalty

Selfless Commitment

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Chaplains are fortunate to carry the baton of faith and service passed to them by generations of such illustrious predecessors for over 200 years, and so minister to those in adversity and danger in our present challenging times. The profile of Catholic personnel in the Army is widespread and respected, and opportunities to gather and celebrate our faith together feature throughout the year – most notably at the annual International Military Pilgrimage to Lourdes every May.

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I am privileged to hold the role of The Principal Roman Catholic Chaplain, a role where I have the additional responsibility to support and care for the chaplains in my care. Of all the Sector Ministries that exist, having served as a School Chaplain and Hospital Chaplain; Army Chaplaincy has been the most unique, challenging, yet rewarding opportunity I have experienced in 28 years of Priestly Ministry.

As the Reverend Geoffrey Studdert-Kennedy MC, pointed out that personnel will forgive anything in a chaplain except a lack of courage and devotion, and so urged them to approach soldiers with love in their hearts, and while living alongside them, “Laugh with them. Joke with them. You can pray with them sometimes but pray for them always.”

I hope that what you learn here of our Army life and faith will interest and inspire you. Please pray for our chaplains and for our service personnel. Our wonderful, gifted, and diverse community welcomes your interest, but especially your prayers. Thank you.

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Rev Ian Stevenson CF

Principal Roman Catholic Chaplain (Army) and Deputy Assistant Chaplain-General, HQ Army Scotland