On military chaplaincy and its response to the fire at CFB Wainwright
Canadian military chaplains are called to important work, and we should remember them in our prayers, writes Bruce Clemenger, vice chair of the Interfaith Committee for Canadian Military Chaplaincy.
The EFC has joined with hosts of Canadians in calling for prayer for those impacted by the devastating fire at CFB Wainright. Let us be in prayer for:
the families and colleagues of those killed, in this time of profound grief and loss
those injured, for their whole recovery, their healing and restoration, and for their families
medical teams providing care, that they may know wisdom
the staff of hospitals and their conscientious work behind the scenes
the investigative teams on site at the base seeking answers for us
the military chaplains, meeting both acute immediate and long-term needs. May they be strengthened and comforted, as they comfort and strengthen others.
The need for care of those impacted by the devastating fire at CFB Wainright will continue for days, weeks, months and years. In a moment, lives have been changed forever. After the shock has had its way with body, soul and spirit, the grieving path brings us to funerals and family losses, and the need for love, care and empathy draws us alongside those injured who are facing the difficult path of recovery.
The impact of trauma and the journey to recovery is not quick. It effects persons as well as the life of the military base, the surrounding community and the life of our country. Military chaplains routinely assist CAF members and their families in many fundamental ways, day in and day out. They help in the processing of grief and loss, and in the long-term sojourn of fostering spiritual resilience that is so necessary to trauma recovery. There is no by-passing suffering, no easy path forward.
Chaplains are trained for such a time as this. As members of the CAF, they are an integral part of the base community and and know the importance of first response, bringing compassion and wisdom in meeting the needs of others.
They are educated, credentialed, screened and endorsed according to their spiritual tradition, serving those of similar faith through chapel services, rites, counselling and spiritual formation. And they care for all, those of a variety of faiths and spiritualties, and those that claim none.
Chaplaincy is an essential ministry of empathy and care, of presence, of comfort and of solace. Chaplains provide front-line service to those CAF members and their families facing questions about life, death, injury and meaning in their service for Canadians. Please remember our chaplains in your prayers. May they know strength and wisdom, and of our support for them, as ones especially trained for such a time as this.
Bruce J. Clemenger is vice chair of the Interfaith Committee for Canadian Military Chaplaincy. He is also senior ambassador and president emeritus of the EFC.
Author: Bruce J. Clemenger
