Defence Anglicans

Chaplains: Supporting the Australian Defence Force family… anywhere, anytime.

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Defence Sunday - 6 November 2022, Show your Support.

Our heart is to minister in the Australian Defence Force, to be Ambassadors for Christ, and to represent the Anglican Church in this complex secular context.

We do this in Jesus’ name. Will you celebrate with us?  As a way of support, show this video in your church on Defence Sunday 6 November 2022.

Find out more about Defence Sunday in our News and Updates here.
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Image of Local children (L-R), Jesmina and Velona, watch on as Australian Defence Force personnel conduct Phase 2 of the Vanuatu Government National Emergency Radio Network in Kerembei, Maewo.
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Connect - Chaplains

We make a difference by working alongside Defence Force personnel by listening, advising and supporting them.

Connect

Inform

Learn about the scope of the Defence Anglican Chaplaincy, history, activities, leadership, beliefs, and services across the Australian Defence Force.

Be Informed
Image of Petty Officer Musician Nigel Barrett plays the Last Post during a commemoration of the 23rd anniversary of the fire aboard HMAS Westralia (II) in the chapel at HMAS Stirling, Western Australia.
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Support

Image of Chaplain Michelle Philp, Op Bushfire Assist.
Pastoral Care is an essential element of caring and knowing that others are supporting and thinking of you.
Pastoral Care
Image of HMAS Sirius conducts a replenishment at sea (RAS) with HMAS Anzac during the ships' deployment to Southeast Asia and the Northeast Indian Ocean.
We provide commanders with pastoral, ethical, spiritual advice and care.

Command Support
Image of Naval personnel, visiting dignitaries and members of the local community gathered in St. John's Anglican Church for a commemorative service for the loss of HMAS Perth
Churches benefit from their clergy associated with the Defence Force Ministry

Church Leaders
Image of  60TH ANNIVERSARY Pic By:Warrant Officer Class Two (WO2) Gary Ramage 14 Aug 2002 Recognition for the Australian's who fought to defend Australia from the Japanese invasion along the Kokoda Track,
The Anglican Military – Outreach and Service (AMOS) Foundation provides financial support to Military Chaplains.
AMOS

Events - Key Australian Commemorations

We provide resources to assist you in conducting events related to the Australian Story.

ANZAC DAY

ANZAC Day Resources provide key information in running an ANZAC Day Ceremony
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APRIl 25

AUSTRALIA DAY

Australia Day reflects on the nation’s diverse people and their story. We provide resources to assist
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January 26

REMEMBERANCE DAY

This is the day when we remember the great war and the armistice where Australians lost their lives.
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November 11

OTHER COMMEMORATIONS

Events, Battles and other Special days are significant in the life of Australia and the Defence Force.
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FAQs - Frequently Asked Questions

Defence Chaplains get asked the best questions related to the defence force, life in general spirituality and being a christian, here are some of those questions:

Q Is my conversation confidential?

Yes Indeed, In fact we can’t divulge any information due to the privacy laws of Australia. The integrity of a Chaplain is that of confidentiality.

Q Can Christian’s serve in the military?

There’s nothing in the Bible that precludes Christians serving in the Military.

Q Who is Jesus?

According to the New Testament of the Bible, “Jesus, also called Jesus Christ, is God the Son, God in the flesh.  After a public ministry of preaching and performing miracles, Jesus was sentenced to death.  He died a gritty death by crucifixion on a Roman cross, but He rose from the grave, victorious over Satan, sin, and death itself.  All who believe in Jesus and put him in charge of their life will spend eternity with Him in heaven.”

More FAQs

What people say

Hear what some serving Members say about Chaplains

I have always appreciated the presence of a uniformed Christian Chaplain in the various contexts within which I have served. These include on Operations, on major exercises, on courses and in barracks. A good Chaplain is able to listen well and then “speak into” the many parts of our life in an encouraging and thoughtful way. Sometimes we just need a good listener who can sit with us and other times we need people that can spur us into action. For me, the Chaplains that have been part of my journey in the military over 25 plus years have done just that, reminding me of the privilege of serving our nation and digging me out of deep holes. I would not have it any other way.
LT COL. Phil McMaster
LT COL. Phil McMaster10FSB
I like the way Chaplains have specialised in the pastoral and spiritual care of ADF members, helping people when events they experience challenge their understanding of how the world functions. Such challenges can severely undermine a person's confidence at many levels and the uncertainty that results can be debilitating. Chaplains help people explore their belief systems and find that confidence again. They can walk with ADF members as they navigate life. Chaplains assist at both individual and collective levels, through - weddings, christenings/dedications, funerals and memorials - that provide opportunities for life's moments to be marked and processed in ways that are culturally meaningful and helpful like no other members of the defence.
SGT. Keith McPherson
SGT. Keith McPhersonA/SSM 5 CE SQN 5ER

News and Updates

A Priceless Moment

There’s something priceless and timeless about welcoming someone into the Kingdom of God. That feeling only increases when it’s, firstly,...

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Connected Through Music

Chaplain Tom Killingbeck likes connecting people with God through music. Tom is an Anglican Air Force Chaplain, currently serving in...

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Prayer Diary Sign up

Signing up for the prayer diary taps you into regular prayer encouragement, a way to pray, and ideas for things to pray for focused on Defence and the Nation.

News Updates Sign Up

We occasionally release a newsletter to bring people up to date on what’s occurring, matters of importance and celebrations. Sign up below to receive our updates.