We must ask, ‘Do we want to be represented there, and how best can we minister-as insiders or outsiders?’ ” “The military is part of our national structure. They “make an impact on the institution,” Barstad said. The chaplain chiefs point out that they advise command staffs on matters of morale as well as religion and morals, thus exerting an influence on military policy.

The thought of no chaplaincy, no ministry to these people was unconscionable.” Walter Hiskett, Marine chief of chaplains, was a wounded combat veteran of the Korean war before entering the ministry and then volunteering for his first tour of duty as a chaplain in Vietnam.įor that, he called himself “dumb-dumb,” but added, “These people deserve ministry. It’s one thing to talk with a sailor about being lonely, but another when you’re both a long way from home.”Ĭol. “If they’re getting shot at, you’re getting shot at. “If they’re stuck in the mud, you’re in the mud,” he said. Koeneman, originally from Omro, Wis., pointed out that, unlike hospital or prison chaplains who go home at night, in the military, “you eat the same food” as the personnel and live with them. Someone needs to be there to live the contradiction with them and wrestle with it.”

“It’s tough to talk about the peace of Jesus while working on an ammunition ship,” he said. Koeneman, Navy chief of chaplains, conceded that the work involves some tensions, but said these must be seen in the light of what Christianity says about the sinful nature of societies, as well as about peace. He said that American churches are not teaching Christians to think critically about war and peace, resulting in their either approving armed conflict indiscriminately or rejecting it as always wrong. We are not being Christian if we allow the rights of any to be trampled on by oppressors of the left or right.” “The military’s first function is to keep the peace, not make war.”Įinertson, originally of Westbrook, Minn., added, “We are always faced with alternatives. “My parishioners (Army personnel) are contributing to peace in a troubled world,” he said. Norris Einertson, Army chief of chaplains, called it a “ministry of presence.” “The military has never asked me to hold back on my ministry or my preaching,” said Barstad, originally from Colfax, Wis. The chaplaincy chiefs say they are carrying out full, undiluted ministry in an environment that keenly needs it.

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