wfn.org | UCC - Chaplains emphasize care for returning service personnel

[Worldwide Faith News <wfn@igc.org>]

Chaplains emphasize care for returning service personnel

> Written by Martin Bailey
> June 29, 2009

After 24 years of serving around the globe service as a military
chaplain, Lt. Cmdr. Pamela June Anderson is now specializing in three
areas.  The UCC minister is increasingly focused on helping service
personnel reenter society and reunite with their communities,
churches, and families.  She is also involved in the prevention of
suicides and domestic violence involving former service personnel.

Lt. Com. Anderson is at the 27th General Synod of the United Church of
Christ. She attended a special luncheon recognizing five military
chaplains and some 35 non-military chaplains serving in hospitals,
colleges, nursing homes and jails.  The UCC's work with chaplains is
directed by the Rev. Richard Sparrow and the Rev. John Gundlach, UCC
Minister for Government Chaplains.

Chaplain Anderson recently retired from the U.S. Navy and is now
serving as a Major in the Civil Air Patrol.

Out of her experience in working with gay and lesbian personnel,
Chaplain Anderson is now writing a book, "'Don't Ask, Don't Tell'
Don't Work."  Anderson was quick to explain that she is not taking a
position critical of the current policy of the Armed Services.  Rather
she is calling on churches to minister to gay and lesbian persons who
are torn by their position "in the closet."

"God's word to the whole world is 'Ask and Tell, be open to your
neighbor and honest with yourself.'"  The chaplain sees her role in
helping gay and lesbians who are completing terms of service discover
and relate to congregations that have declared themselves open and affirming.

Along with her colleague, Lt. Leticia Rouser, Chaplain Anderson is
also a member of United Black Christians.