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On a mission: Principal Chaplain Simon Hubbard and Dr Paul Earnshaw will review Chaplaincy services across the ADF.
Photo by Sgt Brian Hartigan |
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ADF members at all rank levels are being asked to have their say as a comprehensive review of ADF chaplaincy gets underway.
Principal Chaplain Simon Hubbard, a former Director General Chaplaincy-Navy, has been tasked by the CDF to lead a review into chaplaincy services to consider how ADF capability can be enhanced by increasing the capability of ADF chaplains.
He is supported by Dr Paul Earnshaw and, together, they bring broad experience to the review – Principal Chaplain Hubbard was a seaman officer before becoming a naval chaplain in 1980, serving, since then, in a variety of postings at sea and ashore.
Dr Earnshaw is a retired RAAF wing commander who has served on peacekeeping operations in the Middle East. In 2006, as a Defence civilian, he spent more than seven months in Baghdad, enabling him to observe current chaplaincy in action. He also has family in the ADF who are currently deployed.
Principal Chaplain Hubbard said all opinions would be welcomed by the review team.
“I hope that ADF members will be forthcoming with comments from their own experience of, or hopes for, chaplaincy,” he said.
“This review is not just about the big picture. We also want to hear from the men and women on the ground who may use our services – are we delivering the right services to the right areas, and so on?”
The review will focus on:
- religious ministry;
- pastoral care to members and their families;
- character development in support of ADF values; and,
- advice to commanders and other appropriate agencies.
Principal Chaplain Hubbard invites comments from readers on any of these, or other aspects of chaplaincy.
“A broad response from the ADF community will help us understand the issues and formulate plans for the future,” he said.
“This review has a very positive aim and we hope it will contribute to the development of chaplaincy delivery across the three Services and in joint situations.”
A report will be delivered to the Chiefs of Service Committee in September.
Submissions, or requests for information, should be sent to paul.earnshaw@defence.gov.au. Submissions, which will be treated as Staff-in-Confidence, close on June 30.
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