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.
Read also
Sand for construction of Yermak’s residence brought from cemetery, MP says
MP Yaroslav Zhelezniak said that sand illegally removed from a cemetery in Ukrainka was used in the construction of the elite Dynasty cooperative in Kozyn.
Italian court recognizes family with three parents as legal
In Bari, the appellate court ordered authorities to register an adoption according to which a child is listed as having two "fathers" and one mother.
Archaeologists discover biblical Bethsaida on shore of Sea of Galilee
Researchers have discovered a first-century residential house beneath the apse of a Byzantine church and a mosaic inscription mentioning the Apostle Peter.
Israeli soldiers receive jail terms for mocking statue of the Virgin Mary
Those involved in the act of sacrilege in the village of Debel will spend several weeks behind bars for desecrating a statue of the Mother of God.
Serbian Church officially receives back land of 15th-century monastery
An agreement was signed in Belgrade transferring the territory of the ancient Vojlovica Monastery to the Banat Eparchy.
Pat Daniel comments on conflict between Phanar bishop and community in Turkey
The Bulgarian Primate believes that the hierarch of the Constantinople Patriarchate should not have forced the Bulgarian community in Edirne to serve in Greek.