The Spiritual Dimension of Peacekeeping: A Dual Role for the Chaplaincy?
Peace Research: The Canadian Journal of Peace Studies Vol 31 (No. 1) February 1999, pp. 66-75
7 Pages Posted: 27 Jun 2014
Date Written: September 1, 1998
Abstract
A round table discussion was held at the Pearson Peacekeeping Centre involving South African and Canadian clerics, officers, and faculty of the Pearson Peacekeeping Centre, to discuss the role of the chaplaincy in modern peacekeeping. Chaplains’ primary responsibility is for the spiritual health of their flock -- the men and women involved in peacekeeping. A very important secondary role for which Chaplains are uniquely fitted is inter-communal reconciliation. These roles can support each other, but come into conflict when there are too few chaplains or too many demands on their time. There is an operational role for a senior chaplain in multi-faith peacekeeping missions. Properly linked to international bodies such as the World Council of Churches, such a position might contribute to peacebuilding and reconciliation. The multi-national structure of UN missions, and diverse faiths represented have militated against a force-wide approach to the spiritual dimension of peacekeeping. More effort might be made to provide a framework for unified efforts toward inter-communal reconciliation.
Keywords: Peacekeeping, religion, church, UN, Faith, Military
JEL Classification: N4
Suggested Citation: Suggested Citation