This is a special year for Anglicans. It is the four hundreth anniversary of the translation of the bible into the English language. The King James Version, also known as the Authroised Version was not the first attempt at an English Translation, but it has been the most enduring.Defence Anglicans wishes to encourage bible reading. Elswhere on our site, we have an online bible feature where you can gain quick access to the text of the bible in many English versions. We also recommend the ABC’s (Australian Broadcasting Corporation) new commemorative site that celebrates this 400th [...]

For many Defence personnel the stress of the posting cycle is just beginning: new house and mortgage, new supervisor, new school for the children, new job for the partner, new neighbours, new friends (or no friends), less family nearby (or more family nearby), different working hours and conditions, different climate, etc. Some are facing this for the first time, while for many this is a regular pattern in their lives. Some are posting unaccompanied, leaving their family behind. Recently, I received my posting. It is precisely what I was expecting and very similar to my present role. The stress this [...]

By Bishop Len Eacott, AM. As a father who has experienced the death of one of my own sons, I recall the desperate desire to try and make things better for my children – to have offered something, anything that would have eased the pain of their brother’s death, as well as my own. “Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. In my Father’s house are many rooms; if it were not so I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you.” So states the Gospel of [...]

Chaplain Joe Bove died on Weednesday 17 March 2010 from cancer. Below is the military eulogy dilivered at his funeral. Also below are some links to articles which depict some of his ministry within the Air Force. Joe’s funeral was held at St. Charles’ Anglican Church, West Mackay on Wednesday 24 March 2010. It was a privilege for me, as Archdeacon to the Air Force, to be invited to deliver the military eulogy. It is a pleasure for me to talk about Chaplain Joe Bove’s time as a RAAF Chaplain. In preparation for this eulogy, I have my own views about Joe, [...]

Chaplain Russell Avery was a RAAF Specialist Reserve Chaplain who mainly served at Richmond. He has also served at Townsville and Williamtown. In recent years, just before taking up his full time role with the Police, he served at RAAF Richmond on a full time basis.Russell died on Tuesday 2 February from mesothelioma. Russel Avery.pdf

….and in the morning we will remember them Chaplain Steve Gunther, RAN One of the great privileges of being an ADF Chaplain is the regular opportunity to officiate at Memorial Services. For me these occasions are always emotional. They are times when current and past serving members remember, honour and give thanks for those many men and women who have gone before us, especially those who have made the ultimate sacrifice, giving up their own lives for the sake of our freedom. When HMAS TOOWOOMBA visited Pakistan in August, a delegation of Ship’s Company along with the Australian High Commissioner [...]

Who would have thought I’d be standing in an specialised hanger in Darwin with the high pitch whine of the turbo jets kicking in on an FA-18 Hornet waving ‘god speed’ to the pilot! It certainly beats parish council meetings! Being an Air Force Chaplain is awesome! I still pinch myself wondering if I’m going to wake up from a dream because no one day is ever the same. I’m usually based at RAAF Williamtown just north of Newcastle. Each day presents different opportunities to minister in such a unique environment. It’s is fantastic! In my short time as a [...]

By Trevor Young   It wasn’t that he was trying to get rid of me or that the church needed a break from my leadership. I had just spent a couple of weeks in the Solomon’s all expenses paid caring for a bunch of generation “y” guys and girls, running Bible Studies, taking church, evangelizing, keeping fit, getting out bush, flying in a helicopter and meeting the locals.   I thought, what organization that wasn’t associated with the church would pay you (and your church) tax free to do this; to care, give advice, counsel and talk about Jesus and at [...]

FIVE members of HMAS Toowoomba’s ship’s company recently stood fearless in front of 30 of their colleagues as they stepped into the River Jordan to be baptised as Christians by CHAP Steve Gunther. The river is one of the most historically and spiritually significant places in the world – the site of Jesus’ baptism by John the Baptist. When LSMED Jarrod Vowell, LSET Nathan Arnall, ABET Emry Thaggard-Crocker, ABBM Craig Everett and ABMT Laurence Flynn rose out of the river there was a definite sense for all of them that this occasion marked the beginning of a new life and, [...]

I recently had a chat with a young person at my local church. He had been part of the Anglican Youthworks gap year, learning a whole lot about ministry, the bible and gaining some practical ministry skills. As part of the program, he was part of a group who spent a week in a different church in a different diocese. The Rector of that particular church just happened to be a Defence Force chaplain as a reservist.   Over a cup of coffee, this young person tried to tell me that there were too many restrictions involved with Defence Force [...]

By Atsushi Shibaoka Last week one of the Directing Staff at our Air Force Officers’ Training School came into my office well after our knock off time. He sat down on the carpeted floor and blurted out, “What is wrong with some of those people? I have just been speaking with Ms XXXX for the last hour. I just can’t make out what has been going on in her brain – has she been abused as a child or what? I just can’t make it out, Padre!!” My response was, “Well, I have to keep confidence, but I can tell you that she has not been abused as [...]

By Yogananda Juste-Constant Recently, we have witnessed through the media the most recent of world crises: the disastrous earthquake that shattered the nation of Haiti. Over 100,000 people are feared dead and many others are in need of urgent humanitarian assistance. The images are terrible and even the symbols of power and orders are all destroyed just in a few seconds. When I looked at these images I felt deeply sorry, worried and terrified. This earthquake is considered by the United Nations to be one of the worst humanitarian emergencies ever. I was born in Port-au-Prince, Haiti. While watching the terrifying images, [...]

by Mark Elkington Is there such thing as a free lunch? Yes…with a bonus DVD presentation and group discussion! Being public servants in the Dept of Defence, we are privileged to be involved in ministry amongst work colleagues. Not only does ministry occur amongst serving uniformed members, but it extends to us, who are part of the Australian Public Service. Glenbrook RAAF base has a small standalone chapel, where an informal service or Bible study is held every Thursday. For 15 weeks in 2008 and 2009, we replaced those meetings with the Alpha Express course. Alpha Express is a version of Alpha with each DVD talk [...]

By Chaplain Campbell Carroll It wasn’t until I landed in another country did I fully realise I was deployed to the Middle East Area of Operations. It sounds odd doesn’t it? But up until that point everything leading up to my first military deployment was so quick and so much was happening that even boarding our aircraft at Sydney seemed surreal. It took along time to get to my first destination and by the time I actually got to my designated location overseas it had taken forty-three hours to get there! What can I say about been deployed? Been deployed is [...]

Until March this year, Rev’d Peter Rose was the Bishop to the Defence Forces’ Chaplain on a part time basis. Peter relinquished this role to expand his role to the Parliamentary Christian Fellowship. The ariticle below on his valuable and unique ministry is taken from Anglican News (Canberra and Goulburn) April 2010. [Click here for Canberra Times report of Rev'd Peter Rose on 25 June 2010 - the day of the Labour leadership change and a new Prime Minister.] This month Anglican News introduces an occasional feature looking at ministries that do not fit the traditional model of parish ministry. [...]

By Chaplain Andrew Grills I have often thought that the typical Aussie bloke is a bit like a Macadamia. You know there is a soft kernel somewhere inside, but the shell is so hard that is seems impossible to crack. So too with soldiers. No doubt there is a spiritual side to them, but the shell is like reinforced concrete. Or so I thought. I posted to the Army Recruit Training Centre (ARTC) Kapooka in January 2009. Kapooka is ‘the home of the soldier’, the place where every enlisted soldier receives his/her first introduction to army life. The training is intense [...]

By Archdeacon Kevin Russell                       [See also: Annual Slap a Year 7 Day for a more up to date blog] My teenage daughter told me about an event at her High School. She told me that the whole school was called to an assembly because of Facebook. Someone tried to create a “Slap a Year 7 Day.” The story develops. The teaching staff discover “Slap a Year 7 Day” because another teenage student damages his wrist while attempting to slap a year 7 student on the designated day. (or so the story goes) The story says something about friendships, doesn’t it? Facebook and other [...]

Archdeacon Eric Burton CSC, RAN   What happened that week was one of the most supportive and uplifting weeks of my life. If you know the story of Narnia by CS Lewis where the children discover the world of Narnia after entering a cupboard – that’s about how I felt; a completely new world of which I was not aware – it was like a slice of heaven; great worship, wonderful fellowship. I am the Vice President for the Association of Christian Fellowships of the South West Pacific. It is a grand sounding title with no pay. Two years ago I was asked if I [...]

By Archdeacon Kevin Russell Padre’s Ponderings is a new web site containing the reflections of Air Force Baptist Chaplain Ian Whitley. Ian commenced writing Padre’s Ponderings as military base wide emails to provide helpful hints on living and coping with the demands of the military lifestyle. These ponderings often deal with particular events and trials which Ian was dealing with on the base (here in Australia) and while on deployment. While they may focus on some military issues, they are sure to have relevance for all those trying to make sense of hard times and seeing where God fits in it all. [...]

02 June 2010  On Wednesday 2 June 2010, No. 33 Squadron conducted a parade to consecrate the recently awarded Squadron Standard. A Squadron Standard is awarded by order of the Sovereign to an operational squadron for having completed 25 years of service in the RAAF or for having earned the Sovereign’s appreciation for especially outstanding operations. The Standard is inscribed with battle honours. Prayers are said by the Principal Air Chaplains representing Anglican, Roman Catholic and Protestant denominations. The attached link takes you to the many photographs of the day. Link: Defence Image Gallery

By Chaplain Atushi Shibaoka Oxymoron? I have a friend who is an Intelligence Officer. I often tease her about Military Intelligence being a real oxymoron. The boot was on the other foot when I was telling my daughter’s boyfriend that I just spent a week in Canberra talking about Military Ethics. The look on his face was telling me very clearly that he thought Military Ethics was a real oxymoron! “How could an organization that exists for the most efficient and effective killing and destruction even talk about ethics?” was the thought that was running through his mind. Interesting, isn’t it?! At one [...]

By Chaplain Robert Paget I’ve been away from home for almost eight weeks. Sometimes, when you serve in the military, you have to work at a base a long way from home, spouse and family. This is my case, as I have found myself posted to RAAF Wagga, and my lovely wife is living in Brisbane. In cases like mine, the Australian Defence Force pays for reunion trips. My first re-union trip is not far off, just three days away in fact. I am currently at my first posting location and am at the moment sitting in the office I first [...]

By FLTLT Ben Allen Something my wife, Jess, and I consider carefully is the way in which we spend our time. I deliberately say ‘spend’ rather than ‘use’. It gives a better sense of the value of time. We ‘use’ the computer, the car, the vacuum cleaner, etc. But we don’t use time in the same sense. Time isn’t just used, it is spent. No matter what a portion of time is used for, it is then expended, exhausted, finished, expired. That time is gone forever. And so my wife and I consider carefully the way in which we spend [...]

By Chaplain Atsushi Shibaoka We have two chaplains who have just started the Initial Officers’ Course here at the Officers’ Training School, RAAF Base East Sale in cold Victoria. They have just come back from their adventure training up in the mountains of East Gippsland, in Buchan, some 4 ½ hrs east of Melbourne. Given that it is nearly the end of June, and given that it is up in the mountains, it was a very cold, cold experience for our chaplains. Most mornings they experienced below zero temperatures. The chaplains are part of a course of other Direct Entry Officers going through their initial military training. This course includes Medical, Engineering, Environmental Health [...]

Chaplain Mark Dickens. Sometimes Parish and Military Ministry intersect in the best possible way. I have been serving as the Anglican Minister at Nightcliff in Darwin for the last eight years. I have also been serving as a Reservist Chaplain at RAAF Base Darwin for the last few years. On Monday 22nd of March this year an Airnorth Embraer on a training flight crashed at the edge of RAAF Base, killing both pilots on board. One of the pilots, FSGT Shane Whitbread, was the chief instructor of the Air Force Cadets at RAAF Base Darwin. Shane was also a member of my Church and a [...]

By Mark Elkington As the name suggests, Alpha is only a beginning. At RAAF Glenbrook we ran the Alpha course in 2008 and 2009. Alpha replaced the Thursday lunchtime chapel meeting (click here to read about that experience), and after the course finished most people continued coming to chapel for Bible study, discussion, prayer and other activities. Two of us who have been Christians for a long time decided to invite others to a more in-depth Bible study on Tuesdays over lunch. For about a year now numbers at this group have been between three and five. Initially we looked at various [...]

  A graduate of the Royal Military College, Duntroon in the Australian Capital Territory was ordained a priest of the Anglican Church of Australia at the College Chapel of St Paul on the Feast of St James, Sunday 25thJuly 2010. Chaplain Grant Dibden graduated from the Royal Military College, Duntroon in 1982 and served 26 years in the regular Army attaining the rank of Colonel. He enjoyed all of his appointments with highlights being his command of the 7th Combat Service Support Battalion in 1999 and 2000 and of the Force Support Group in 2002 and 2003. Throughout his military career Grant [...]

An Anglican Army chaplain who recently served in Afghanistan has been awarded a Churchill Fellowship to help heal war veterans suffering from spiritual wounds. Chaplain Rob Sutherland has received a Churchill Fellowship to research programs and methods to help soldiers with spiritual wounds that stem from combat operations and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Chaplain Sutherland was presented with the award by the NSW Governor, Her Excellency, Professor Marie Bashir, at a ceremony at NSW Government House on Friday, 23 July. “This is not only a religious project; some define our spirit as that part of us that is not [...]

Australians are now more open to talking about spirituality and beliefs than they have ever been in the last 30 years. One problem is that they now dismiss Christianity asnot having much to say about ‘real’ spirituality; and certainly mistrustthe churches to have any profound wisdom on life and living! The real struggle is for us to find ways of connecting with this deep and real yearning for spiritual wisdom. How do we play our role in empowering modern Australians to discover the rich veins of gold; of wisdom, faith, liberation and personal relationship with God in Jesus? Being rather behind the times, I [...]

The Australain Defence Force Newspapers, Air Force News, Army News and Navy News have printed the story of this web sites official launch at Duntroon. The Air Force New’s version is: THE lack of a parade and band did not detract from the significance of the Defence Anglicans website launch at RMC Duntroon on July 15. Bishop Len Eacott, Anglican Bishop to the ADF, said the Defence Anglicans website was a terrific idea because it allowed ADF members to access information in a very popular way. “It is an avenue of information that needs to be exploited as much as [...]

We shouldn’t underestimate the need to share the opportunity for mission to the Defence Forces in our Theological Colleges. In July I was invited to participate in Moore Theological College’s Mission Awareness Week. So, alongside our brothers and sisters from mission organisations including CMS, Wycliffe Bible Translators, Interserve, SIM and the like, I prepared to cast the vision for mission, and in our context, chaplaincy in the ADF.   It was an amazing time as I was interviewed at College Chapel about the need for Christ to be proclaimed in and to our men and women of the Australian Defence Force. Jesus’ [...]

I am normally based at RAAF Williamtown; however I am currently in the UAE serving as the Coordinating Chaplain at our Joint Task Force Headquarters. It is a role I am very grateful to have been given. I have been to the Middle East twice before but this time, I have a much broader responsibility to ‘care for the Carers’ (to visit other Chaplains) and to visit isolated groups of Defence personnel. In some ways my role is a kilometre wide but only a centimetre deep, which has its own frustrations. I am here on Operation SLIPPER, as are many [...]

Gap year is a one year program in which school leavers can experience Military Life. This opportunity includes contact with Defence (and in my case Air Force) Chaplaincy.  I  thank God for the wonderful opportunity to minister to 17 – 19 year olds at such a critical turning point in their lives.   At the end of my time with them, I am glad to say that the 2010 cadets have now had a meaningful exposure to Christianity. Ministry to the Gap year cadets was based on regular contact in their everyday lives, the pastoral counselling opportunities that this contact gave, and providing them with meaningful worship experiences. Worship for Air Force Gap [...]

The Primate of the Anglican Church of Australia, the Most Rev’d Dr Philip Aspinall acknowledged gratitude for the vital work of mission of Defence Chaplains in his opening Presidential Address to the 2010 General Synod in Melbourne. Specifically He said, “Many of us, I’m sure, have read and watched media coverage of our Defence Force deployments in Iraq and Afghanistan, in particular, and been grateful for the very visible roles played by our chaplains. Sadly, that has included ministering to bereaved families and colleagues. We are grateful for all that our Bishop to the Defence Force, our chaplains and the [...]

From: Rev’d Peter Rose – Chaplain to Parliamentary Christian Fellowship September 2010: Gathering in Canberra of Newly Elected Members of the 43rdParliament A week before the formal Commencement of the 43rd Parliament of the Commonwealth of Australia, 32 newly elected Members of that Parliament gathered at Parliament House in Canberra to participate in a Seminar for new Members. Many were accompanied by partners as the Speaker of the House, Mr Harry Jenkins MP, Party Whips and Parliamentary Staff explained the how and why of daily activity as a Member of Parliament in Canberra. In my capacity as honorary Chaplain to the [...]

  For many Defence personnel the stress of the posting cycle is just beginning: new house and mortgage, new supervisor, new school for the children, new job for the partner, new neighbours, new friends (or no friends), less family nearby (or more family nearby), different working hours and conditions, different climate, etc. Some are facing this for the first time, while for many this is a regular pattern in their lives. Some are posting unaccompanied, leaving their family behind.   Recently, I received my posting. It is precisely what I was expecting and very similar to my present role. The [...]

Gap year is a one year program in which school leavers can experience Military Life. This opportunity includes contact with Defence (and in my case Air Force) Chaplaincy.  I  thank God for the wonderful opportunity to minister to 17 – 19 year olds at such a critical turning point in their lives.   At the end of my time with them, I am glad to say that the 2010 cadets have now had a meaningful exposure to Christianity. Ministry to the Gap year cadets was based on regular contact in their everyday lives, the pastoral counselling opportunities that this contact gave, and providing them with meaningful worship experiences. Worship for Air Force Gap [...]

I, as a Chaplain, and an Anglican Priest, have had an incredible journey.  I imagine that all of us chaplains can look back on our time in Defence Chaplaincy and appreciate how fantastic it is to work in such a diverse organisation with the most incredibly amazing people.   As an Anglican priest I was deaconed and priested under Bishop David SILK for the diocese of Ballarat in 2002. During my time in the diocese good ole Rev’d Lyell Cowl who was also a fellow brother from the same diocese strongly suggested I look into Defence Chaplaincy. After much reflection and [...]

The Bible story below our friendly Air Force elf is from Matthew’s Gospel. This story takes us to the heart of the mystery of the Jesus’ birth in a way that not even Isaiah could have fully realised. This child is to be Emmanuel, “God with us”. This is the Good News that the Apostle Paul preached and the Church believes; from it, springs our grace and peace. So, as we get closer and closer to Christmas, life seems to get fuller and fuller. We think that there are not enough hours in the day to get everything done before Christmas. Questions such as ‘have [...]

Life in Christian Commuity: Experiences of Beach Mission For FLTLT Ben Allen, expeierence of Beach Mission rasises his expectations of Christian Community both at Church and in the Australian Defence Force.   My wife, daughter and I were privileged to serve on the Scripture Union Family Mission in Harrington (near Taree) this Christmas and New Year period. It is a joy to have been part of this team and God’s work there for three consecutive years now. The Missionteam of about 30 people included some upper secondary school students, several married couples (some with children of various ages), and a whole lot [...]

They were travelling from Brisbane to Towoomba when the waters rose As I sit in my office listening to the rain fall softly on the roof, and contemplate that we have to mow the lawn again, my mind goes back a month  and I realise how this wonderful country can change in an instant.   Denise and I had spent two days with our daughter in Brisbane and we were returning home to Toowoomba for a doctor’s appointment on Monday 10 Jan at 4.00p.m., there was heavy rain on the road as we passed Gatton, and as we crossed to Lockyer Creek Bridge near Helidon we [...]

It is not too long ago that I was preparing to deploy to the Middle East Area of Operations and amazingly I am preparing to return to Australia. I am part of an Air Force team. The team that I am a part of has accomplished its mission here and is ready to  return. In fact I am so fond of this team I would prefer to use the word ‘our’. It has been our mission and now we are ready to reintegrate ourselves to our families, our friends, and our colleagues back in Australia. On a personal note, I can [...]

William ‘Bill’ Wheeler 1937 to 2011 – Archdeacon Emeritus Bill was born in March 1937 in the country town of Cowra, NSW, where his dad was the local golf professional, greenkeeper and course manager. Because of World War 2 and his father’s subsequent moves to different golf clubs, schooling was gained at five suburban and country schools ending up with the leaving certificate at Penrith High School (NSW) in 1954.  Bill spent the next few years in industry as a cadet engineer, with less than notable success, and in 1957 a ‘call to the air’ saw a successful application to the Royal Australian [...]

Chaplain (Group Captain) Kevin Russell presided over the funeral service of Flight Lieutenant Henry ‘Lacy’ Smith at the Ranville War Cemetery, France. A touching burial for Flight Lieutenant Henry ‘Lacy’ Smith occurred in the morning of the 19th April 2011, with full military honours being paid. Members of No. 453 Squadron (453SQN) from the Royal Australian Air Force, FLTLT Smith’s former squadron, paraded as a mark of respect for the fallen pilot. FLTLT Smith was from Sans Souci in Sydney NSW, and was shot down by anti-aircraft fire on11th June 1944. His spitfire aircraft crashed into the River Orne, near [...]

Chaplain (Group Captain) Director Chaplaincy Air Command and Archdeacon to the Royal Australian Air Force, Kevin Russell, giving the Blessing at the Dawn Service at Anzac Cove. He is accompanied by Major General Mark Kelly, from Dept of Veterans Affairs and New Zealand Chaplain Ants Hawes (Principal Chaplain Royal New Zealand Air Force) Chaplain Ant Hawes is a member of the Apostolic Church. Commemorative services were held today at some of Australia’s most hallowed military ground, the Gallipoli peninsular, Turkey, to mark the 96th anniversary of Anzac Day. Minister for Department of Veteran’s Affairs, Minister for Defence Science and Personnel [...]

Principal Chaplain Geoff Webb leading a prayer at the Anzac Day Dawn Service in Villers-Bretonneux. Geoff joined members of Australia’s federation Guard and deployed to Villers-Bretonneux, France, in order to commemorate Anzac Day at the Villers-Bretonneux Dawn Service. The contingent mounted a catafalque party during a stirring ceremony and mingled with fellow attendees at the Town Service at the conclusion of the ceremony. Australian soldiers proved to be a strong fighting force on the Western front during WW1, when an Australian counter-attack proved to be the only action that saved the towns of Amiens and Villers-Bretonneux from being captured by German [...]

While war points to the malaise of the human heart, acts of gallantry point us beyond, a deeper hunger and thirst that can be satisfied. It seems to me that we can talk in statistics and generally about the loss in wars of personnel and the heartache of those loved ones left behind but to capture the ANZAC spirit we really need to hear about the stories of heroism that created the nation we are today.     Chaplain William Mckenzie – Salvation Army Chaplain was there at the battle of the Nek on the Gallipoli Peninsula. He witnessed the [...]

Recently, King Air Aircraft from No 32 Squadron flew over the rain drenched parade ground at the East Sale RAAF base, before the Air Force Chaplains consecrated the banner. The banner was then presented by the Governor General, Her Excellency Ms Quentin Bryce AC, to the School of Air Traffic Control. The Governor General’s banner is awarded to non-operational units that have completed 25 years of service in the Defence Force or earned the Governor General’s appreciation for especially outstanding service. The Commander of the School of Air Traffic Control, Wing Commander Patrick Cooper CSC, says the ceremony held to consecrate the [...]

Chaplain Campbell Carroll shares how baby William change his and his wife Emma lives and deepened their relationship with the living God.

The Chapel at HMAS Watson is a beautifully simple structure perched on the crest of the cliffs, which dominates the entrance to Sydney Harbour. Yet not wishing to take anything way from the location or the elegant structure, what is even more inspiring – is the story that the chapel was built to tell. Those who brought this chapel into being were men and women whose lives had been touched by war. This chapel was dedicated to all those who paid the supreme sacrifice, laying down their lives to secure freedom from tyranny and oppression. Importantly for the naval community, [...]

I lost contact with the King James Version, or Authorised Version, not long after leaving school. In subsequent years my affection turned to the Revised Standard Version and her updated sister (New Revised Standard Version). I admit to taking out the New International Version for a while; I also flirted briefly with The Message. But we always remember our first love. The beauty of the language of the King James Version visits me too infrequently now, but when those ancient phrases do fall on my attentive ear, I think of them as not only God’s word but also as God [...]

HEAVEN: Is it really for bad people? ‘The medium is the message’ is a phrase coined by Marshall McLuhan meaning that the form of a medium embeds itself in the message, creating a symbiotic relationship by which the medium influences how the message is perceived (Wikipedia). EYEWITNESS ACCOUNTS! Only 68 Pages! Who is Jesus Really? EXCLUSIVE: Jesus Speaks Out! (Find out why he can’t stand religious hypocrites.) The Shocking Truth: HEAVEN: Is it really for bad people? ASTONISHING ENDING! Find Forgiveness for Everything! Life-changing Answers – to the toughest of Life’s questions. 16 chapters of jaw-dropping events! Discover True ANTI-AGING! [...]

  At RAAF Tindal, on Wednesday 5 October 2011, Chaplain Paget led the funeral  service to remember and celebrate the life of Sergeant Michael Dunn. Commander Air Combat Group, Air Commodore Mel Hupfeld represented the Chief of Air Force, Air Marshal Geoff Brown at a funeral to honour the life of Sergeant Michael ‘Mick’ Dunn on Wednesday 5 October 2011. Held at the RAAF Base Tindal Chapel, Air Commodore Hupfeld offered condolences on behalf of the Chief of Air Force, and the entire Air Force family. 5 October 2011 would have been Sergeant Dunn’s 52nd birthday. Sergeant Dunn died on [...]

The chaplains make Abbey Road look cool, said the Daily Telegraph (14 October 2011). The paper also said ‘It’s closer to Abu Dhabi than Abbey Road – and a lot hotter.’   Al Minhad Air Base (AMAB) Chaplains, (L-R) Squadron Leader Garry Hooper, Major Steve Cloudsdale and Lieutenant Colonel James Cosgrove stride across a zebra crossing carrying guitars near the front of the Australian compound. The Beatles’ Abbey Road album cover might be the inspiration but these guitar-carrying Chaplains are on a different mission – responding to a SOS from their colleagues in Afghanistan asking for help to arrange some guitars for [...]

ADF commemorative service – Remembering the terrorist attack on the US, 11 September 2001. CDF and the Secretary, along with the Principal Chaplains and Australian Defence Organisation members attend a Commemorative Service remembering the victims of the 9/11 terrorist attacks on the United States and also Australian military deaths as a result of Australia’s commitment to the War Against Terror.  

Archdeacon to the Army Geoff Webb, accompanied by Duntroon Chaplain Richard Whereat consecrate the New Queens and Regimental Colours that are draped over the drums of the Royal Military College Band. At this parade, Principal Protestant and Roman Catholic Chaplains also take part. They were accompanied by the RMC Duntroon Chaplains. Then, Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II, presented the Royal Military College (RMC) with the new Queen’s and Regimental Colours. The Colours, which were last presented in 1988, are the symbol of the military unit and bear the battle honours granted in recognition of gallant deeds performed by its members. [...]

Anglican Air Force Chaplain  Andrew Knight leads a wreath-laying ceremony at the Commonwealth Missing in Action Memorial reflecting on the 43 Australians missing in action in the Korean War.  The Australian memorial honouring the 17,000 Australian sailors, soldiers, airmen and nurses who served to defend Korea was officially dedicated on 26 October 2011 in a special ceremony under sombre skies at the United Nations Memorial Cemetery, Busan (Pusan),South Korea. An Australian mission party comprising seven veterans, the son of another veteran missing in action and an element ofAustralia’s Federation Guard are currently visitingSouth Koreato mark the 60th anniversary ofAustralia’s involvement [...]

Chaplain Bruce Grey visits a club and has a gospel encounter.

Ministry in the ‘public square’. Recently the RAAF Security and Fire School held a Governor-General’s Banner Consecration parade. In the parade, Principal Chaplains Consecrated, blessed and dedicated the banner. The three roles means that all three denominational strands of chaplaincy were involved – Anglican, Roman Catholic and Protestant (within defence this means all the smaller deonominations). Following the consecration the Governor-Generals Banner was formally presented by the Governor of Queensland Her Excellency Ms Penelope Wensley, AC to the unit during the parade. A Governor-Generals Banner is presented to a non-operational unit for having completed 25 years of service in the Royal Australian Air [...]

Christmas can be a time of separation and grief for our servicemen and women in hot spots around the world. Helping shoulder the heartache are the Army Chaplains. Heather Grant, freelance journalist for Focus, the paper for Brisbane Anglican diocese provided us with this report.

Chaplain John Sanderson talks about the idea of preparation as he and others prepare for Christmas away from home.

What comes to mind when you think of Christmas? Memories of places, friends & family… the smell of a turkey roasting or Christmas pudding steaming… Sounds of children playing… Sights of wrapping paper all over the floor…? As you sit and read this article you might be anticipating (dreading?) the excitement of a busy Christmas; you might still be mentally ticking off the list of what you have to do. Or you might have found a quiet moment on Boxing Day to put your feet up for 5 minutes, safe in the knowledge that it is all done for another [...]

I often think that I have the best job in the world. I get to talk to interesting people, see interesting things, go to interesting places all while making a (hopefully positive) difference in the lives of others. Of course there is more to being a chaplain than having a great time; as a chaplain I am privileged to be present at some of the best and worst times of people’s lives. Chaplains are often there to help celebrate the birth of a ADF member’s baby at its baptism, sharing in the joy of love at marriage and on the [...]

The deeds of the First Chaplain to the Sydney Settlement and the First Fleet embody not just Australian Values, but Eternal Values. On 3rd February 1788, the Chaplain to the Sydney Settlement, the Rev’d Richard Johnson preached on Psalm 116:12-13 “What shall I return to the Lord for all his bounty to me? I will lift up the cup of Salvation and call on the name of the Lord.” This was the first Church service on Australian soil. Even though these are positive and optimistic words, it appears that Richard Johnson found his role difficult to fulfil. His final work, the“address to [...]

By Capt Simone Heyer THERE aren’t too many chapels tucked safely between cement blast walls, but in Tarin Kot, it’s a must – and the Ghan Chapel has recently had a makeover. Although the chapel is in TK’s social centre, not many people know of its existence, except before services, when the bell rings out over the area. Multinational Base Tarin Kot’s three Australian chaplains decided to lift the profile of the little chapel by painting the blast walls to reveal what lay behind the heavy cement. Special Operations Task Group Chap John Sanderson said the first step to make [...]

Our Bishop to the Defence Force, who was the Senior Chaplain in East Timor at the commencement of the INTERFET opearation (1999-2000), Len Eacott, talks about death and exhumations. In this audio clip, Bishop Len shares his experience at this necessary part of war crimes investigations.

It was a signifcant day and a day of celebration. Late 2011 and RAAF Pearce recived a new multi-denominational chapel. The old St. Matthew’s Chapel was deconsecrated, and the new one blessed and dedicated. The Old Chapel (See Picture on right) saw exciting times, where is was filled with people, praying, worshipping, exploring the Bible. The old chapel was also a time for the expression of grief as those who had recived bad news could pray in quiet. There were also times of thanksgiving such as the trainee pilots graduation service. The new chapel will see much the same spiritual activity. [...]

Remembering Cambodia. This audio reflection of Bishop Len Eacott (Then an Army Chaplain)  reflects on the value of life, as he and the medics of the Australain contengent to Cambodia deal with children who have been injured by mines, and left to die by their parents. The operation was the United Nations Transitional Authoritiy Cambodia (UNTAC). The year was 1993. Bishop Len’s reflection raises issues such as the effects of poverty, the effects of values from other religions and how we interact with them, and the place of hope, love and compassion in the daily journey of life.

Remembering Cambodia 20 years on. Bishop Len Eacott was the Army Chaplain and the only English speaking clergyperson in Cambodia during UNTAC – The United Nations Transitional Authority Cambodia. He shares his experiences in leading church, listening to people expieriencing difficult and lonely times in a different country and sharing the big questions of life.

Challenging Faith. Bishop Len shares his expierience of grief – his son Stuart had cancer and one year after being diagnoised, died. This grief also combined with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder as a result of expeiriences in Cambodia. In this audio clip, Bishop Len, then an Army Chaplain, shares with us this life expierience.  See also A Father’s grief – the need to fix.  

Australian Army Principal Chaplain, Geoff Webb (above right), delivers the Lord’s Prayer with New Zealand Army Principal Chaplain, Michael Subritzky (above left), during the Dawn Service at the Anzac Commemorative Site, Gallipoli. On the Gallipoli peninsula inTurkey, Anzac Day 2012 started with a solemn Dawn Service at the Anzac Commemorative Site attended by Prime Minister Julia Gillard and a crowd of over 6000 who kept a dedicated vigil through the cool night. Ninety-seven years ago today, soldiers from across the then young nation ofAustraliafirst started landing on these nondescript beaches in the hours before dawn. Before long they were clawing [...]

Defence Anglicans wishes to congratulate Anglican Youthworks on winning the International Webby Awards for thier youth ministry web site Fervr.net. ________________________________________________________________________________________________ Anglican Youthworks website, Fervr.net, was recently announced as a Webby Award winner. Fervr.net was honoured in the 16th annual Webby Awards as the winner of the Religion and Spirituality section, beating out websites from CNN and PBS. The Webby Awards honours the best of the web and is described as ‘the leading international award honouring excellence on the Internet’. “I’m overwhelmed with gratitude to Youthworks’ management, our designers, developers, and our brilliant contributors,” said Mrs Kitty Fung, digital producer at fervr.net. [...]

Every year a faith based leadership course is offered to the members of the Australian Defence Force. This leadership course is known as the Character Leadership Course. The course is designed to foster leadership qualities in junior leaders in Defence by providing a faith-based framework within which to operate. Thirty four ADF members from the three services attended the 2012 course at Randwick Barracks from 30 April to 4 May 2012. There was a good mix of gender and ranks, although the participants wore civilian clothes so as not to emphasise rank differences. The first session involved looking at the [...]