P-P-P-P-Pluralism....?

Hey, so few people read this, but all the same I thought I'd post what I get the most questions about in my pursuit of army chaplaincy is what I can and can't do, and what my specific role is as a chaplain, and here is a paper on pluralism that starts to answer that question. Also, I think I'm now way more patriotic than I ever imagined myself in previous years.

Pluralism is the key element of the chaplain ministry. “Army Chaplains represent faith groups within the pluralistic religious culture in America and demonstrate the values of religious freedom of conscience and spiritual choice.” [1] This is the chaplain’s calling, and pluralism is its foundation in order to “support the free exercise of religion for all members of the Army.”[2]

The basis for pluralism in the armed forces, and in the nation, consists of two primary statutes. The first is the establishment clause, "Congress shall make no lawrespecting an establishment of religion or prohibiting the free exercise thereof.”[3] Where many countries throughout history had joined with particular religious groups, The United States is founded on pluralistic all-inclusive values. Thus the equal treatment of all people regardless of faith tradition is paramount to the successful operation of America’s armed forces and specially tasked to the chaplain ministry.

The second statute in the US Code describes the pluralistic obligations of a chaplain: “Each chaplain shall, when practicable, hold appropriate religious services at least once on each Sunday for the command to which he is assigned, and shall perform appropriate religious burial services for members of the Army who die while in that command…”[4] These actions to a diverse religious field give rise to two distinct modes which protect the chaplains integrity with regard to his denominational allegiance and allow for free exercise of religion at the Chaplains facility.

The two major tenets of the chaplain ministry in a pluralistic environment are summed up in two key phrases: “Cooperation without Compromise” and “Perform or Provide”. Cooperation without compromise functions to protect the Chaplain as far s/he is bound by the requirements of his or her endorser, and the conviction of his or her faith tradition. According to AR 165-1, “Chaplains are responsible to keep the command informed when they perceive a requirement that may exceed their endorsement accountability.”[5]

“Perform or Provide” sums up the chaplains duty when faced with pluralistic differences. According to AR 165-1,[6] a chaplain is to perform religious education, religious rites and chapel services in accordance with his faith tradition, and provide for those who are of different traditions. Pluralism does not require that anyone affirm the validity of the faith practice of another individual, only that that individual is given equal opportunity and support in the free exercise of their faith.

In my chaplain ministry, pluralism plays a central role, and my endorsing agency fully acknowledges it. Pluralism is a part of the culture of the military, and chaplaincy is not a private church ministry. My role as a minister is not to separate myself from those of different faith, but rather to support them in any way I can under the “perform or provide” banner. Pluralism is critical in the role of a chaplain and requires tolerance towards other faith traditions. At the same time, it opens the door for interfaith dialogue, and allows others to examine their faith and values as they live them out.

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[1] AR 165-1 pg. 1

[2] AR 165-1 pg. 18

[3] The Constitution of the United States of America, 1^st Amendment

[4] U.S Code Title 10, Section 3547

[5] AR 165-1 pg. 11

[6] AR 165-1 pg. 7