Military reference books and manuals (2009-2023, Volume 2)

B-GL-346-001/PT-001

LAND FORCE

THE CHAPLAIN’S MANUAL

(ENGLISH)

This publication supersedes B-GL-312-015/PT-001, rescinded

1998-04-17.

WARNING

ALTHOUGH NOT CLASSIFIED, THIS PUBLICATION, OR ANY PART OF IT,

MAY BE EXEMPT FROM DISCLOSURE TO THE PUBLIC UNDER THE

ACCESS TO INFORMATION ACT. ALL ELEMENTS OF INFORMATION

CONTAINED HEREIN MUST BE CLOSELY SCRUTINIZED TO ASCERTAIN

WHETHER OR NOT THE PUBLICATION OR ANY PART OF IT MAY BE

RELEASED.

Issued on the authority of the Chief of the Land Staff

B-GL-346-001/PT-001

LAND FORCE

THE CHAPLAIN’S MANUAL

(ENGLISH)

This publication supersedes B-GL-312-015/PT-001, rescinded

1998-04-17.

WARNING

ALTHOUGH NOT CLASSIFIED, THIS PUBLICATION, OR ANY PART OF IT,

MAY BE EXEMPT FROM DISCLOSURE TO THE PUBLIC UNDER THE

ACCESS TO INFORMATION ACT. ALL ELEMENTS OF INFORMATION

CONTAINED HEREIN MUST BE CLOSELY SCRUTINIZED TO ASCERTAIN

WHETHER OR NOT THE PUBLICATION OR ANY PART OF IT MAY BE

RELEASED.

Issued on the authority of the Chief of the Land Staff

OPI: DAD 9-2

2005-08-01

The Chaplain’s Manual

FOREWORD

B-GL-346-001/FP-001 The Chaplain’s Manual sets out

policies for the provision of chaplain services within Canada’s Army,

and provides planning guidance for Army commanders, staffs, and

chaplains.

It is issued on the authority of the Chief of the Land Staff,

having been approved by the Chaplain General.

This publication is effective on receipt, and replaces the

rescinded publication B-GL-312-015/PT-001 Combat Service Support,

Volume 15, Chaplains in Battle.

Unless otherwise noted, masculine pronouns contained herein

refer to both genders.

Published on the authority of the Chief of the Land Staff by

the Army Publishing Office, Fort Frontenac, Kingston, Ontario.

represented by the Minister of National Defence, 2005

The Chaplain’s Manual

PREFACE

The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms guarantees the

“freedom of conscience and religion” for every Canadian.

Accordingly, CF regulations direct that, subject to operational and

service exigencies, commanding officers shall make provision for

spiritual service support and religious accommodation for the soldiers

under their command.

Freedom of conscience and religion may be exercised by

soldiers in a number of ways, including:

accessing spiritual guidance, care and counsel;

worshiping according to one’s faith;

keeping holy days and religious observances;

practicing religious dietary laws;

receiving casualty care and treatment that is

sensitive to one’s religious practice and belief; and

honouring religious appearance and dress

requirements.

A soldier’s freedom of conscience and religion is also

exercised when he/she chooses to abstain, for the sake of conscience,

from participation in religious services or ceremonies. Regulation

prohibits requiring any soldier to participate in a religious service

parade, unless it is in connection with Remembrance Day observances,

a military funeral, or a ceremony of significant civic or memorial

nature.

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Commanders and chaplains have distinct roles and

responsibilities with respect to the provision of religious support to

soldiers and their families.

COMMANDER

Commanders, within their area of responsibility, are

responsible for ensuring that soldiers and their families have the

opportunity to exercise their freedom of religion and conscience. A

commander therefore ensures the provision of and access to religious

support services, from the garrison right through to the zone of

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combat. A commander is also responsible for making decisions on

requests for religious accommodation in accordance with appropriate

CF regulations.

CHAPLAIN

The chaplain exercises a specialized ministry within the

Army, aimed at promoting religious, spiritual, moral and ethical

values, and providing spiritual care and nurture to military members

and their families. The chaplain functions both as a specialist staff

officer, and as a religious leader.

CHAPLAIN AS STAFF OFFICER

As a staff officer the chaplain functions as a specialist advisor

and has direct access to the commander. The chaplain is responsible

to the commander for planning and implementing religious support

programs and ministry activities within the commander’s area of

responsibility. The chaplain advises the commander and other staff on

matters of spirituality, ethics, morale, and religious accommodation.

CHAPLAIN AS RELIGIOUS LEADER

As religious leaders chaplains are endorsed by their particular

faith community and by the Interfaith Committee on Canadian

Military Chaplaincy (ICCMC). Chaplains are mandated for this

specialized ministry by the Chaplain General, and are responsible to

the Chaplain General, to the Interfaith Committee, and to their

particular faith community authorities through their chaplain

supervisors and ecclesiastical superiors.

MINISTER TO OUR OWN—CARE FOR ALL—FACILITATE

WORSHIP OF OTHERS

The chaplain performs religious rites and ceremonies, and

administers sacraments and ordinances, in accordance with the

tradition and polity of their own endorsing faith tradition. In so far as

is possible, the chaplain offers appropriate spiritual support and care to

all soldiers and their families, regardless of their religious faith

expression. If a chaplain is unable to personally provide specific

religious support, the chaplain will seek to have such support provided

The Chaplain’s Manual

TABLE OF CONTENTS

FOREWORD

PREFACE

iii

Roles and Responsibilities

iii

Commander

iii

Chaplain

Chaplain as Staff Officer

Chaplain as Religious Leader

Minister to our Own—Care for All—Facilitate

Worship of Others

CHAPTER 1 SPIRITUAL VALUES AND CANADA’S ARMY

Canada’s Army

Core Principles

Spirituality

Spirituality and Army Culture

Spiritual Values and Operational Effectiveness

Spiritual Values and the Chaplain

Spirituality and Religious Practice

Conclusion

CHAPTER 2 THE CHAPLAIN’S ROLE IN THE ARMY

General

Chaplain as Spiritual Leader

Chaplain Confidentiality

Legal Liability Protection

Duties and Responsibilities

Dual Accountability

Staff Function

Chaplain Chain of Command

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Relationship with Interfaith Committee on

Canadian Military Chaplaincy (ICCMC)

Relationship with Denomination/Faith Group

Relationship with other Professionals

Relationship with the Chaplain Team

Relationship with the Unit

Relationship with CO and Other Senior Officers

Role of the Chaplain in Soldier Care

Chaplain Resources

Activities of a Chaplain

Ethics Training

Padre’s Hours

Leave

Gender Inclusive Chaplaincy

Cultural Sensitivity

ANNEX A ARMY COMMAND STRUCTURE

WITHIN THE CF

ANNEX B SCALE OF ISSUE: PROTESTANT CHAPLAIN

ANNEX C SCALE OF ISSUE: ROMAN

CATHOLIC CHAPLAIN

ANNEX D SUGGESTED CHAPLAIN KIT LIST

ANNEX E SUGGESTED TASK LISTS

SECTION 1 SUGGESTED TASK LIST UNIT CHAPLAIN

SECTION 2 SUGGESTED TASK LIST

BRIGADE/BASE/ASG CHAPLAIN

SECTION 3 SUGGESTED TASK LIST AREA CHAPLAIN ... 41

SECTION 4 SUGGESTED TASK LIST

DEPUTY AREA CHAPLAIN

ANNEX F CHAPLAINS ENVIRONMENTAL ORIENTATION

REQUIREMENTS RECORD

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The Chaplain’s Manual

Navy

Army

Air

CHAPTER 3 THE ROLE OF THE CHAPLAIN IN COMBAT

General

Chaplain Support Priorities

Deployment of Chaplains in Combat

Doctrine of Chaplains in Combat

Operational Considerations for Chaplains in Combat

CHAPTER 4 CHAPLAIN’S ROLE IN PEACE SUPPORT

OPERATIONS

General

Departure Assistance Groups

Theatre Ministry

Critical Incident Stress Management

The Chaplain’s Role in Reconciliation

Liaison with Local Clergy

Praying and Worshiping with Local Communities

The Chaplain’s Role with Military Liaison

Officers, CIMIC, and NGOs

CHAPTER 5 THE CHAPLAIN’S ROLE IN DOMESTIC

OPERATIONS

General

History

Authority, Requests and Planning Priorities

Chaplain Services

Primary Reserve Service

Pre-Deployment

Ministry Activities

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Post-Deployment

CHAPTER 6 THE CHAPLAIN’S ROLE IN GARRISON

General

Unit Lines Ministry

Chapel Ministry

Ministry to the Military Community

CHAPTER 7 CHAPLAIN SELF-CARE

General

Compassion Fatigue

SECTION 1 SELF-CARE AND SPIRITUALITY

Chaplain Mutual Support

SECTION 2 CHAPLAIN SELF-CARE

AND RELATIONSHIPS

Other Resources for Chaplain Care

ANNEX A COMPASSION FATIGUE

PREVENTION THROUGH SELF CARE

CHAPTER 8 MINISTRY IN AN INTERFAITH

ENVIRONMENT

General

Ecclesiastical Authority

Military Authority

Chaplains Minister to their Own

Team Cohesion

Chaplains Facilitate Worship for Others

Interfaith Advisory Group

Religions in Canada

The Internet

Sacred Space

Burial Services

The Chaplain’s Manual

First Nations Spirituality

Chaplains Care for All

Chaplain General's Policy on Public Prayer

Guidelines for Public Liturgy

ANNEX A INTERIM POLICY—RELIGIOUS

ACCOMMODATION

Purpose

General

Definitions

Member

Policy

Religious Practices which may be Considered for

Accommodation

Action by Member or Applicant Making the Request

Action by the Commanding Officer

Documentation

Avenues of Redress

100

APPENDIX 1 RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION

REQUEST FORM

101

ANNEX B INTERIM CHAPEL INTERFAITH

ACCOMMODATION

105

CHAPTER 9 THE CHAPLAIN, THE NATURE OF CONFLICT

AND THE LAW OF ARMED CONFLICT

General

107

Peace

107

Conflict

107

War

108

Spectrum of Conflict

108

Physical and Moral Aspects of Conflict

109

The Law of Armed Conflict

109

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Hague Conventions

110

Geneva Conventions

112

Chaplain and Red Cross/Red Crescent Armlet

117

National Direction and Rules of Engagement

117

Chaplains and the Bearing of Arms

117

ANNEX A DISCUSSION ON WAR FROM AN INTERFAITH

PERSPECTIVE

General

119

Pacifism

119

Holy War

119

Just War

119

ANNEX B, ADDITIONAL TREATIES,

CONVENTIONS, AND PROTOCOLS

123

CHAPTER 10 CHAPLAIN SUPPORT PLAN

General

125

Preparation

125

Submission and Approval

126

Conclusion

126

ANNEX A TEMPLATE: UNIT CHAPLAIN SUPPORT PLAN

SECTION 1 PRE-DEPLOYMENT

129

Situation

129

Mission

129

Execution

129

Administration and Logistics

130

Communications

130

SECTION 2 DEPLOYMENT

130

Situation

130

Mission

131

Execution

131

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Administration and Logistics

132

Communications

132

SECTION 3 POST-DEPLOYMENT

132

Situation

132

Mission

132

Execution

132

Administration and Logistics

133

Communications

133

ANNEX B TEMPLATE SENIOR CHAPLAIN SUPPORT PLAN

SECTION 1 PRE-DEPLOYMENT

135

Situation

135

Mission

135

Execution

135

Administration and Logistics

136

Command and Communications

137

SECTION 2 DEPLOYMENT

137

Situation

137

Mission

137

Execution

137

Administration and Logistics

138

Command and Communications

139

SECTION 3 POST-DEPLOYMENT

139

Situation

139

Mission

139

Execution

139

Administration and Logistics

140

Command and Communications

140

APPENDIX 1 CHAPLAIN MID -AND

POST-DEPLOYMENT REPORT

141

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CHAPTER 11 HISTORICAL BACKGROUND OF CANADIAN

ARMY CHAPLAINCY “CELEBRATING OUR HERITAGE”

General

145

The Canadian Story

146

The Boer War

146

First World War (1914-1918)—Organization

147

After the First World War

147

Second World War (1939-1945)

148

Second World War—Role

148

Second World War—Prisoners of War

148

After the Second World War

149

Korea (1950-53)

149

Building Community

150

Peace Support Operations

150

Unification of the Chaplain Services

150

Integration and the Chaplain School

151

Multi-Faith Chaplaincy

152

Conclusion

152

CHAPTER 12 CARE OF CASUALTIES AND BURIAL OF THE

DEAD

Mass Casualties

153

Burial Procedures and Graves Registration

153

Repatriation of Bodies and Wounded

155

Condolence

156

Notification of NOK and Care of the Bereaved

157

Mortuary Affairs

159

CHAPTER 13 CHAPLAIN INTEROPERABILITY

General

161

Ministry to Prisoners of War

161

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Relation with Local Clergy

162

CHAPTER 14 MOBILIZATION

General

163

Force Generation

163

Force Enhancement

164

Force Expansion

164

National Mobilization

165

Chaplain Support to Canadian

Operational Commitments

165

CHAPTER 15 RESERVE CHAPLAINS

General

167

Recruitment

168

Training and Career Progression

169

SECTION 2 DEVELOPMENTAL PERIOD (DP)1

169

Chaplain Basic Training Course

169

SECTION 3 DP2

170

Intermediate Chaplain Course

170

SECTION 4 DP3

170

Senior Chaplain Course

170

RESO Student Chaplains

170

Senior Appointments

171

Deployments

171

The Chaplain’s Manual

CHAPTER 1

SPIRITUAL VALUES AND CANADA’S ARMY

CANADA’S ARMY

The relationship between Canadian society and its military

requires mutual respect and reciprocal liability. As long as Canadians

wish to remain free, and preserve the ideals that distinguish them as a

nation, the military will continue to remain necessary. For its part, the

military must reflect and espouse the very best qualities and values of

the Canadian society it protects and represents.

The fundamental purpose of the military is to serve in

defence of the nation, and to protect its interests at home and abroad.

This involves both the disciplined application of lethal force and the

unlimited liability of every soldier. The military can only remain

effective, however, if its personnel and material requirements are

recognized, understood, and supported by Canadians, and as long as it

is seen by Canadians to affirm and reflect those good and basic

qualities which define us as a nation.

CORE PRINCIPLES

The principles of Respect for the Dignity of all Persons,

Service to Canada before Self, and Obedience to Lawful Authority

must remain the core of our military ethos. These core principles are

essential to our military capabilities in peace, in conflict, and in war.

The unlimited liability of soldiering demands, therefore, both

a selfless and a sound ethical foundation which soldiers believe,

understand and accept. To this end, the Army must strive to instill and

nurture, within its officers and soldiers, ideals that underlie its military

ethos. Important to the development of, and integral to sustaining

such ideals and principles, is the attention paid to cultivating spiritual

values and attending to issues of spiritual care and nurture.

SPIRITUALITY

Human beings are spiritual beings. The spiritual dimension is

a part of each individual’s psyche, and helps provide meaning,

cohesion and integrity as a human person. Spirituality is a dimension

of our humanity which is timeless, eternal and transcendent. It

nurtures in us a vision of what it is to be human, and provides us with

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sources of inner strength and purpose, affording a connection with the

greater good, and helping us to overcome meaninglessness and

despair.

This spiritual aspect of the human psyche is also deeply

communal. It draws us into relationship with others beyond the self,

and also draws many into a relationship with a divine other. Our

spirituality enables us to see ourselves in the other, and the other in us,

and is related, therefore, not only to our sense of individual wellness

and worth, but also to the character and quality of the relationships we

build.

At its most basic level spirituality has to do with meaning and

relationship. It has to do with our need to understand who we are and

how we relate to ourselves, to others, and to our world; and with our

need, as well, to discern how it is we comprehend and relate to our

origins and to the originator, to what the future holds, and also to the

one who holds it. Spirituality helps us to discover our need to love

and to be loved, and our need to forgive and to be forgiven - by

ourselves, by one another and, for many, by a higher power.

SPIRITUALITY AND ARMY CULTURE

Attending to the importance of spiritual development and

care amongst our soldiers and families is vital to the development of a

healthy Army Culture. Spiritual values strengthen resolve and

promote decency, and they nourish all other important human

characteristics that touch the human spirit: comradeship, respect for

others, selfless commitment, and discipline. They allow soldiers more

easily to see themselves as having a vocation, that “soldiering” is a

way of life and service, not just a career or a job.

Spiritual values are noble: they inspire individuals to reach

out beyond themselves, many towards a higher power, while also

underpinning a vital sense of self-belief and self-worth. Spiritual

values foster a sense of identity, a growth of maturity throughout an

individual’s life, and a foundation for human motivations, particularly

in times of crisis. Spiritual values help an individual to address issues

of life and death, meaning and significance, guilt and forgiveness,

good and evil.

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Spiritual Values and Canada’s Army

SPIRITUAL VALUES AND OPERATIONAL EFFECTIVENESS

10.

The longstanding principles of effective war-fighting have

consistently acknowledged the vital importance of soldier morale.

Field Marshal Montgomery listed four key factors that constitute the

morale of a soldier in battle:

leadership,

discipline,

comradeship, and

self-respect.

11.

These factors, so essential to a soldier’s morale, are certainly

not created by chance, but rather are underpinned by the spiritual

values that help provide a structure for sustaining and upholding

soldiers who are engaged in the dreadful business of combat.

12.

Effective military forces have historically identified with

something beyond themselves, and have been prepared to sacrifice

their lives for a belief, a cause, a principle or a purpose. Spirituality is

a key enabler, or catalyst, in bringing clarity to such a purpose, and has

a crucial influence, therefore, on individual soldier morale, and

consequently on overall military effectiveness.

13.

Equally important, spiritual values also underline the

standards of individual and collective behaviour. Without spiritual

values there can be a tendency towards a mercenary rather than a

vocational approach to soldiering, and it can become all too easy for

soldiers to divorce themselves from the consequences of their actions.

14.

The Army’s credibility has at times suffered serious damage

from errors in judgment and breakdowns of discipline. The Somalia

experience illustrates how easily lapses may occur - even in an Army

with a superb and hard-won record of decency and professionalism.

The Army needs, therefore, to keep its moral compass fixed in order to

ensure that under the pressures of conflict its actions will remain

justifiable and ethical.

15.

Consequently, soldiers need values both for which, and by

which, they will fight.

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SPIRITUAL VALUES AND THE CHAPLAIN

16.

Every soldier has the right to belong to any religion, or to

none. All soldiers, regardless of their religious affiliation, have need

of spiritual values and the right of access to spiritual nurture and care.

The chaplain is part of a multidisciplinary care team whose different

members, coordinated by the chain of command, all contribute

towards the support and care of soldiers and their families.

17.

Chaplains remain first and foremost ministers of their own

civilian faith communities, without whose recognition and

endorsement they would not be permitted to exercise ministry in this

context. Chaplains minister to the moral and spiritual welfare of

soldiers both at home and abroad, and in many instances, chaplains are

the only “welfare officer” on the battlefield.

18.

Chaplains bring images of order in the midst of chaos, and

hope in the midst of despair. They advise commanders at all levels,

and offer honest, candid moral and spiritual guidance to all. Chaplains

are walking sacraments, signs and agents of grace. They offer

nourishment in word and sacrament, and create a sanctuary, a safe

place to be and to share, where confidentiality is valued and respected.

19.

Chaplains offer care and support to every member of the

community regardless of faith, religion, and belief, or their absence.

Chaplains provide spiritual counselling, and offer soldiers a

connection with people and life at home, as well as to a sense of

transcendent and eternal truth and values. Chaplains are non-

threatening and familiar, and in part they are advocate, ombudsman,

conscience, symbol, and encourager. Chaplains build trust in

leadership and lead by being. They are role models, mentors and

agents of truth and reconciliation. Chaplains help to build a sense of

community and contribute to the development of cohesive teams

imbued with integrity.

SPIRITUALITY AND RELIGIOUS PRACTICE

20.

Spiritual values are not exclusively about religion, however

for many there is a profound connection between spiritual belief and

religious practice. Occasions, therefore, to engage in and to be

engaged by sacred worship, ritual and tradition remain of vital

importance and significance.

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Spiritual Values and Canada’s Army

21.

Religious practice, discipline, and ritual help many people to

experience and more fully comprehend their place within and

connection to the divine. These are means by which we seek to know

God and to be more fully known by God, as well as to discern and

commit ourselves to living out God’s purposes for our life. These are

also means by which we seek to process, honour and more fully

comprehend our experiences of the world around us, and especially

those experiences of profound joy or loss. Rituals are symbolic

activities that help us express our deepest thoughts and feelings about

life and about life’s most important events.

22.

Chaplains will seek to assist all soldiers, regardless of their

faith expression, to pursue the religious traditions and practices of

their proper faith community - both through the freedom to practice

personal private spiritual exercises and disciplines of their faith, as

military exigencies permit, and, whenever possible, to join with others

in opportunities for shared public communal acts of religious

observance or worship.

CONCLUSION

23.

Although spiritual values may well be, in and of themselves,

absolute and eternal, the level of perceived spiritual need is relative to

the demands and stresses of the particular situation at hand. Hence the

well-worn cliché: “there are no atheists in a foxhole.” The need

amongst soldiers for spiritual values and spiritual care is

unquestionably most acute during difficult military operations, and at

any other time of increased personal stress or danger.

24.

That being said, however, consideration of spiritual needs,

and the nurture of spiritual values, must clearly be attended to in times

of peace if they are to effectively support or sustain a soldier in battle.

Soldiers must have consistent moral values in peace and war, and can

neither afford to breach international laws, nor lose their sense of

human decency, if they are to effectively deliver and defend an

enduring peace.

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The Chaplain’s Manual

CHAPTER 2

THE CHAPLAIN’S ROLE IN THE ARMY

GENERAL

As men and women of faith, endorsed and supported by their

respective religious authorities, the chaplains serving Canada’s Army

are dedicated to the provision of spiritual, religious, moral and ethical

support to soldiers and their families.

Army chaplains advise commanders on spiritual, religious,

moral, and ethical issues affecting soldiers and their families. They

provide religious, spiritual, moral and ethical support to soldiers and

their families during operations and in static situations.

The first chapter of this manual addressed spirituality and the

role it plays in the life and the culture of the Army. The chaplain has

been entrusted with a unique leadership role within this dimension of

army life. Guided by the CF Chaplain Branch Manual, and other

relevant orders and directives, Army chaplains minister to their own,

facilitate the worship of others, and care for all.

All Army chaplains are commissioned as chaplains and serve

as CF officers. They have the responsibility to conform to the same

high standards expected of every Army officer. They are subject to

the Code of Service Discipline. They do not, however, have the

authority of command (see A-CG-001/JD-000 CF Chaplain Branch

Manual, Chapter 3, paragraph 5).

Under the terms of the Geneva Convention, chaplains are

non-combatants. The policy of the ICCMC and Chaplain General is

that chaplains shall not bear arms (see A-CG-001/JD-000 CF

Chaplain Branch Manual, Chapter 3, paragraph 4, and Chapter 9 of

this manual).

CHAPLAIN AS SPIRITUAL LEADER

An effective Army chaplain is a mentor in their unit. They

live their life emphasizing service to others over self. They journey

alongside others in their unit and present an example that inspires

others to lives of service and sacrifice.

The chaplain acts as confessor for those who have fallen short

of their own or others’ expectations. Chaplains provide comfort,

forgiveness, restoration and guidance for the way forward.

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The chaplain fulfills the threefold role, present in sacred

scriptures, of Prophet, Priest and King. Prophets are those who

represent God to people. Chaplains will from time to time have to

confront members of their unit and even their leadership about issues

of morality or fairness. They are sometimes challenged to speak the

truth where it may not be welcomed. Priests are those who represent

people to God. As chaplains, we do this through worship and

prayerful support. Chaplains also have a kingly role. This is not to

take people for granted or to exploit them. Rather, it is the role of

servant-ruler who lovingly cares for people.

In the unit, chaplains are not just witnesses through their

personal life and ministry of presence but also symbols. They are

symbolic of the higher principles of faith, hope and love. They are a

visible reminder of the eternal. They are a source of vision. They are

agents of grace offering a human face in inhumane situations. They

offer sanctuary and a starting point away from the absurdity of war.

10.

The chaplain can contribute to the health and wellness of the

unit by fulfilling a number of roles. The chaplain can act as

reconciler, mitigator, advocate, mediator and conflict manager. The

most important role that the chaplain can play is friend. The chaplain

is in a unique position to be a friend to every member of the unit, from

the commanding officer to the newest private soldier. Chaplains can

offer a listening ear and a friendly face in those times when soldiers

feel vulnerable and alone.

CHAPLAIN CONFIDENTIALITY

11.

Absolute confidentiality is offered only during the conduct of

penitential rites in accordance with specific faith group practices.

Confidentiality in pastoral care and counselling is not applicable in the

following circumstances: when there is a reasonable chance that the

counselled may pose a threat to others or to themselves, when there is

indication of the abuse of minors, and when ordered by a court of law.

Chaplains must ensure that persons seeking their counsel are advised

of these limits to confidentiality (see A-CG-001/JD-000 CF Chaplain

Branch Manual, Chapter 3, paragraph 19).

LEGAL LIABILITY PROTECTION

12.

Chaplains are protected from legal cost under the Treasury

Board of Canada’s Policy on the Indemnification of and Legal

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The Chaplain’s Role in the Army

Assistance for Crown Servants. The qualifier for coverage is that the

chaplain acted honestly and without malice within their scope of duties

or employment, and met reasonable department expectations (Chapter

4a.). The cost of legal counsel will be assumed by the crown (Chapter

4a(IV)). It is the practice of the Government of Canada to pay out of

public funds any judgment, including costs, against their employee

once they have been judged entitled to indemnification (Chapter 7.5).

Chaplains can obtain a complete copy of this document from the

Office of the Judge Advocate.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

13.

Although the general duties and responsibilities of all

chaplains are outlined in the CF Chaplain Branch Manual, suggested

task list descriptions for Army unit, brigade and area chaplains are

contained in Annex E to this chapter. These terms of reference are not

meant to be exhaustive in nature, but should be used as a guide for

preparing Professional Development Review (PDR) task descriptions,

and for selection and supervision of chaplains at the tactical and

operational level.

DUAL ACCOUNTABILITY

14.

As professional officers, chaplains are responsible to the

Chaplain General and their military commanders through their

respective chains of command. As religious professionals, they are

also answerable to their own religious superiors and are responsible

for fulfilling the requirements of their particular community of faith

(see A-CG-001/JD-000 CF Chaplain Branch Manual, Chapter 3,

paragraph 3).

STAFF FUNCTION

15.

There are generally three types of staff officers:

personal staff, such as aide-de-camps and executive

assistants;

general staff, who assist the commander in meeting

the responsibility of command, such as an operations

officer; and

specialist staff, such as chaplains, doctors and

lawyers.

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16.

Army chaplains function as Specialist Advisors to their

commanders. In so doing they work alongside other staff officers. At

the general staff level, these are:

G1—who assists the commander with personnel

administration;

G2—who provides the commander with the

intelligence needed to conduct operations;

G3—who assists the commander with planning,

directing, controlling, and coordinating operations

and training;

G4—who assists the commander with planning and

coordinating the logistical aspects of combat service

support;

G5—who assists the commander with developing

and executing policies related to civil authorities and

the civilian population; and

G6—who assists the commander with

telecommunications support.

17.

There are two components to the G1 staff: Personnel

Management and Personnel Services. Chaplain Service is usually

considered as one aspect of Personnel Services. Note that while

chaplains will usually fall administratively under the G1 staff, their

function as Specialist Advisors to the commander allows them the

right and responsibility to meet with the commander on an as required

basis. The chaplain should always have direct access to the

commander.

18.

At the unit level, the G1 equates to the Adjutant, G2 to the

Intelligence Officer, G3 to the Operations Officer, G4 to the Logistics

Officer, G5 to the Unit Information Officer, and G6 to the Signals

Officer.

19.

In certain units and headquarters, local customs and traditions

may account for some variance in this system. The Adjutant and/or

the senior sergeant-major are always a good resource to explain local

staff configurations.

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The Chaplain’s Role in the Army

CHAPLAIN CHAIN OF COMMAND

20.

Army chaplains serving their unit are under the direct

supervision of their brigade or base chaplain. The Brigade/Base

Chaplain reports to the Area Chaplain, who in turn reports to the Army

Command Chaplain. The Army Command Chaplain is the specialist

advisor to the Chief of the Land Staff (CLS), and also functions as a

staff officer to the Director Pastoral Operations and Chancery

Services, who reports to the Chaplain General (see A-CG-001/JD-000

CF Chaplain Branch Manual, Chapter 10). Annex A outlines the

Army structure in the CF.

RELATIONSHIP WITH INTERFAITH COMMITTEE ON

CANADIAN MILITARY CHAPLAINCY (ICCMC)

21.

In ecclesiastical matters, the Chaplain Branch is subject to the

direction of, and is responsible to, the ICCMC, which is the sole

representative from the faith groups in Canada to the Government of

Canada and the Minister of National Defence. Chaplains are also

subject to the ecclesiastical direction of their own denominational /

faith group representative of the ICCMC, in accordance with specific

denominational/faith group rules, regulations and laws.

Communication affecting a chaplain’s personal ministry and of a

purely religious nature may be referred to the appropriate member of

the ICCMC (see A-CG-001/JD-000 CF Chaplain Branch Manual,

Chapter 3, paragraph 6.c., and Chapter 10, paragraph 2).

RELATIONSHIP WITH DENOMINATION/FAITH GROUP

22.

Army chaplains work in a multi-faith environment and on an

ecumenical team. They are, however, endorsed spiritual leaders from

a specific denomination/faith group. It is imperative that chaplains

remain faithful to the teachings and limitations of their sponsoring

faith community. Chaplains must not compromise the integrity of

their own denomination/faith group, and where possible should

participate in, and contribute to, the activities of their own faith

communities.

RELATIONSHIP WITH OTHER PROFESSIONALS

23.

Chaplains will often find themselves working in concert with

other professionals, particularly in the counselling and health fields. It

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The Chaplain’s Manual

is imperative that chaplains maintain a positive relationship with

agencies and people who share the common goal of caring for soldiers

and their families. Chaplains need to recognize their own counselling

and skill limitations, and be prepared to make appropriate referrals

(see A-CG-001/JD-000 CF Chaplain Branch Manual, Chapter 3,

paragraphs 14-16).

RELATIONSHIP WITH THE CHAPLAIN TEAM

24.

All Army chaplains belong to a larger team. Reserve unit

chaplains belong to the brigade team, and regular force unit chaplains

belong to a brigade or base team. There should be no ‘Lone Rangers’

serving as chaplains. A strong identification with the unit is desirable

and necessary for an effective ministry, but the relationship with the

chaplain team and the Chaplain Branch must be even stronger.

Chaplains must endeavour to be loyal to the chaplaincy leadership and

faithful to the policies of the Branch even when this places them in an

awkward position in their own unit. Senior chaplains can promote this

sense of team through such events as annual gatherings, regional

meetings, unit visits, conference calls, weekly meetings, and the

chaplaincy monthly prayer cycle.

RELATIONSHIP WITH THE UNIT

25.

The single most important issue around the relationship with

a unit is for a chaplain to establish a strong ministry of presence. A

program of regular visitation in the lines is an absolute must for an

effective chaplain. This is true of ministry in garrison or in operations.

The chaplain who visits soldiers and demonstrates a willingness to

share their hardships and listen to their observations is going to be

more readily accepted. A chaplain must work hard to be known by the

troops, but also to know the troops.

26.

The chaplain must lead by example. Effective chaplains will

lead lives that reflect the Army’s core values of duty, integrity,

discipline, and honour. As Canada’s Army continues to transform

itself to meet the challenges of the future, chaplains can inspire trust in

the leadership by being aware of and supporting the strategic plan.

27.

The chaplain is part of the unit leadership team. Chaplains

work with other officers, senior non-commissioned members, and the

commanding officer to solve problems at the lowest level. A chaplain

has the unique ability to discover personnel problems and help solve

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Military reference books and manuals (2009-2023, Volume 2) - page 46