Britain has appointed the first-ever Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist and Muslim chaplains for its Armed forces personnel in an effort to make the army truly multicultural, it was officially announced on Thursday.
The appointments reflect the diverse nature of personnel serving in the Armed forces and represent the largest of the non-Christian faith groups, British Under Secretary of State for Defence Don Touhig said.
The Chaplains will be fully integrated members of the Armed forces team providing spiritual, moral and pastoral support to service personnel and their dependents.
They will also assist with promoting a greater understanding of their faith within the Armed forces.
"The Armed forces attach great importance to supporting the spiritual well-being and development of its personnel. I am confident that the new chaplains will contribute enormously to encouraging and promoting religious understanding and acceptance within the Armed forces, and that they will provide comfort, support and valuable advice to service personnel," he said.
The Chaplains have been appointed following a national recruiting campaign earlier this year. Representatives from the relevant faith communities were fully involved in the recruitment and selection process.
There are about 230 Hindus, 220 Buddhists, 90 Sikhs and 305 Muslims in the Armed forces and the appointment of non-Christian chaplains would 'boost non-Christian recruitment' and enable British Hindus, Sikhs, Muslims and Buddhists to find a home in the UK Armed forces, an official said.
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