Letter to The Editor

The current discussion about “chaplains” in the public schools needs clarification. What are the ethical foundations of a “chaplain?” The U.S. military serves as a good example. The U.S. military has had chaplains since before the Revolution. The guiding policies are contained in the U.S. Army Chaplain Corps Brand Guidelines (api.army.mil). This document makes it quite clear that a chaplain in the U.S. military (whatever faith they themselves hold) must be able and willing to cheerfully minister to the care of the spiritual, ethical, moral and emotional needs of soldiers of any faith including those who follow no faith themselves.

A candidate who cannot or will not publicly pledge themselves to follow this same policy is not an appropriate candidate to serve as a “school chaplain.”

Given the current political environment I believe that most people promoting the “School Chaplain” concept are more interested in promoting and evangelizing one specific religion instead of caring for the needs of all. That is not the proper role of a chaplain serving in any capacity.

— Rita Wessel Eureka Springs