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Chaplain takes faith to soldiers

Think of an army chaplain and who comes to mind? For many the only image is kindly Father Mulcahy from television series “MASH”.

Respected for this decency and wise advice, Mulcahy’s chaplain assisted soldiers beyond his spiritual duties. So how close is this TV portrayal to the real role?

“There’s a few similarities,” says army chaplain Chris Purdie. “As I recall, Father Mulcahy had the luxury of a room of his own, as do I, and he’d help in the camp; in my role I also help out. Currently I’m with the soldiers on training exercise; heavy pallets and parachutes thrown out of planes, it’s hard work.”

Having been an army chaplain for one year, Chris is based at Linton Army Base. There is no particular reason why he became a military chaplain, he says, “I met a military chaplain who thought I would be suited to it; that probably planted the idea.”

Chris had worked for seven years as a youth worker and spent several years as a lay preacher at a Uniting church before he was accepted to study at the School of Ministry. After graduating, he went straight to Linton, where he is one of four chaplains. The camp is divided into four parts, with each chaplain having a section for which they are responsible. Every three years Chris can move sections or shift to another base.

Dressed in camouflage gear with officer rank slides on his shoulders, there is no confusing that Chris is not only a chaplain but also a Queen’s commissioned officer. Only the crosses on his collar and the friendly smile give away the nature of his commission.

While some chaplains may feel a conflict between their faith and being part of a fighting force, Chris does not. “I have not been issued with firearms. On deployment I would be issued with a handgun to protect myself with.

“I appreciate that some in the Church have strong opinions on this; we have an honorable history of pacifism. Issues of conflict need to be addressed by the Church because the way battles are fought has changed so much. I ask myself, the 18-year- olds being sent overseas into frightening situations, if I am not there for them who is?”

The reality of modern warfare is something six military chaplains experience each year. It is likely that Chris will be deployed to East Timor, Afghanistan or the Solomon Islands at the end of this year. “Chaplains are fortunate,” says Chris, “in that we are consulted. We get to discuss which chaplain will go where and when.” For such a deployment Chris will need the support of an understanding family, and he has one in his three sons and wife Sylvia, who also graduates from the School of Ministry this year.

So does Chris see himself as a Mulcahy? Not quite, Chris laughs, “As I remember, Mulcahy was a boxer and I’m no supporter of pugilism so we differ there.”

By Angela Singer

Force-full ministry

If Chris Purdie’s choice of ministry has piqued your interest, the New Zealand Defence Force has ongoing vacancies for chaplains.

Male and female ordained ministers with five years' successful pastoral experience are welcome to apply. You must be reasonably physically fit and willing to accept postings to various parts of New Zealand. Deployment overseas for periods of up to six months is likely. Terms of service are at least equal to those of parish ministry. As a chaplain you will be required to fit in with the ethos of the Defence Force.

Further information

Is available from Senior Denominational Chaplain (Presbyterian), Rev Dr Harry Swadling, 58 Bodmin Tce, Camborne, Porirua,
phone (04) 233-9988,
email harene.swadling(at)clear.net

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