(This report was received on Wednesday.)

Dr Allan Harman spoke to the report mentioning the pressures military chaplains experience. These are due to the conditions of service that vary between service at home and service in areas of conflict. The fact that not all available positions are filled also creates stress upon the existing contingent with regard to their workloads.
From the Presbyterian denomination there are five full-time chaplains serving in the Army; two full-time navy chaplains; and two full-time air force chaplains. Around ten part-time chaplains serving around Australia. There is a continuing need in western Sydney for part-time chaplains.
The Australian Defence Forces in service training program continues. The ADF financially support the theological training and pastoral field work of candidates for chaplaincy with them entering the ADF upon graduation. Two men have had their training facilitated by the ADF in this way with the possibility of more.
In Dr Harmon’s estimation our denomination is somewhere at its limit regarding men to supply as chaplains.
Pray that the liberty that is available for this provision.

Gary Hooper, one of the serving Air Force Chaplains, spoke about life as a Chaplain. There are various ecumenical considerations, some of which take amusing forms. A baptism which takes place in a pool gives rise to questions such as what to do with a pool of sanctified water and the fact that chlorinated water can’t be sanctified. Fortunately Presbyterian polity allows plenty of flexibility.
More seriously, conversions take place and people in great need receive support and counsel.
Chaplains are involved in teaching ethics courses to help armed forces contextualise the situations in which they find themselves.
Complete freedom to share the good news of Jesus.

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