Anthony Clapham was deaconed on Saturday 7 October by the Rt Rev Kevin Pearson at Holy Trinity Church, Kilmarnock, where he’ll serve his Title as Assistant Curate. Just prior to ordination, Tony was delighted to be offered a place on the Royal Army Chaplains’ Department for its ‘Theological Students and Potential Chaplains’ course. He joined 18 others from around the UK. Tony writes:
‘My experience of the many chaplains I met was characterised by passion, dedication, vision, and commitment both to the troops in their care and to their own theological and pastoral calling. The ‘classroom’ course covered areas including the theological distinctiveness of the role (chaplains are never armed) and how the ‘padres’ express the ‘Missio Dei’ in their role, the ethical and moral guidance padres provide to the troops and to the Command structure, and the vital role of chaplaincy in bringing healing and reconciliation following moral injury.
I was impressed with the theological vigour with which the padres grappled with the ethics of the sixth commandment and the principle of double-effect, with notions of the soul, the importance of their ongoing Formation as spiritual leaders called by God and of the need to be true foremost to that calling, and with their evidently-strong incarnational presence within their units and their calling – and opportunity amidst the nitty-gritty of armed conflict – to create holy ground. The words of George MacLeod, founder of the Iona Community, hold true here: “Take us ‘outside the camp’, Lord. Outside holiness, out to where the soldiers gamble, and the thieves curse, and the nations clash at the cross-roads of the world…” This resonated strongly with what I have come to value and cherish in the Scottish Episcopal Church, her history and in our shared roots: a theology consistent with the Coracle and the Caim, of Incarnational Presence, of integrity within a structure of authority, and of Diaconal and Priestly ministry robustly conjoined.
Following this was a ‘practical’ week, spent alongside a team of chaplains attached to the Catterick Garrison, where I saw some of the different contexts in which a Padre could operate and serve – and to see the ready and heartfelt respect and value given to them by officers and troops alike – and which illustrated the value that the role brings to the Armed Forces. My time with them was a joy and a privilege, and an inspiration for my future ministry – however in God’s providence it unfolds.’
Photo courtesy of Tony Clapham
