wfn.org | Military seeks more United Methodist chaplains

[NewsDesk@UMCOM.UMC.ORG]

Jan. 16, 2001 News media contact: Tim Tanton·(615)742-5470·Nashville, Tenn.
10-71B{013}

NOTE: This story is a sidebar to UMNS #011.

By Kathy Gilbert*

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) -- United Methodist clergy are in demand as
chaplains for the Army, Navy and Air Force.

A recent Air Force inquiry to the United Methodist Board of Higher Education
and Ministry demonstrates the need.

"United Methodist men and women have distinguished themselves in the
chaplain service, demonstrating fidelity to their liturgical tradition as
well as an ecumenical, cooperative spirit with clergy of other faith
groups," said Lt. Col. Howard D. Stendahl.

"It would be a blessing for us to invite new United Methodist clergy to
continue this distinguished tradition," he said.

"Some of the reasons United Methodist clergy fit well into the military
chaplain setting are their training and ordination standards are rigorous,
they come from a connectional system that requires accountability, they are
ecumenically oriented, the itineration appointment system has many
similarities to the military, and they can minister to a wide range of
people with the practice of open communion and the ability to baptize by
pouring or sprinkling, or immersion," said Ted Hepner, director of
endorsement and pastoral care in the Section of Chaplains and Related
Ministries at the Board of Higher Education and Ministry.

Hepner said the overall percentage of United Methodists serving on active
duty and in Reserve and National Guard units has decreased because
selections are now based on the best qualified and the needs of the service
for more than 200 faith groups that now endorse chaplains.

For example, the Army had 169 United Methodist chaplains on active duty in
1980, compared with 88 today. In other branches of the services, the Navy
has 62 and the Air Force has 56 United Methodist chaplains.

The Section of Chaplains and Related Ministries endorses people as military
chaplains, but each service makes its selections, Hepner said. The military
particularly needs more women and ethnic minorities, as well as
ecclesiastical diversity.

The endorsement committee for 2000-2004 was recently selected. At its next
meeting, Feb. 7-9 in Seattle, it will consider 23 candidates.

In order to be endorsed by the United Methodist Church, candidates must be
ordained and in full membership in an annual conference; a graduate from an
accredited college and seminary; and meet additional requirements specified
by the military chaplaincy.

Applications for endorsement are available through the Section of Chaplains
and Related Ministries. The process from application to endorsement normally
takes four to six months.

The endorsing committee has the authority to grant or deny ecclesiastical
endorsement. It is composed of members of the Division of Ordained Ministry.
Committee members for 2000-2004 are: Emilio Chaviano, Miami; Timothy D.
Crawford, Frakes, Ky.; Bishop Gregory V. Palmer, Des Moines, Iowa; Michele
Sue Shumake-Keller, Kirksville, Mo.; and Barbara P. Sheldon, Wichita, Kan.

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*Gilbert is a member of the staff of the Office of Interpretation at the
United Methodist Board of Higher Education and Ministry.

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United Methodist News Service
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