British Armed Forces begin to recruit "pastoral carer" for atheists

Dr. Neil Weddell. Photo: humanists.uk

A Humanist celebrant has been sworn in as the UK Armed Forces first-ever non-religious “pastoral carer”, equivalent to a chaplain, reports the Religion Media Centre.

Dr Neil Weddell has been an Army instructor, leadership and cultural adviser since 2003 and co-chair of Humanists and Non-Religious in Defence (HAND).

"“I am privileged to be part of the MOD’s drive to widen the diversity of its chaplaincy team so that it better reflects the changing faith and belief needs of its personnel," said the newly appointed "pastoral carer" for atheists.

The decision to recruit "pastors" for atheists and agnostics was made in 2023.

According to Weddell, more than 55,000 service members identify as non-religious, and he intends to support "their spiritual needs in a manner that authentically and genuinely aligns with their worldview".

The British Humanist Association (Humanists UK) actively promotes the idea of equal rights for non-religious citizens. They are also advocating for the introduction of "humanist ceremonies"—weddings and funerals that will be recognized at the state level.

The humanists themselves called the appointment of such a "pastoral carer" in the army revolutionary.

As reported by the UOJ, a man launched a terrorist attack near a synagogue in Manchester.

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