Chaplaincy is NOT a Breeding Ground for Militias or Terrorists

Chaplaincy is NOT a Breeding Ground for Militias or Terrorists

Chaplains beware of pollution and bastardization; chaplaincy is not a breeding ground for militias or terrorists, neither can chaplaincy platform be used to market weapons of destruction or warfare. Beware!

Pollution and bastardization is subtly creeping into chaplaincy in Nigeria and continent of Africa, Beware! Chaplaincy is never a breeding place or the platform for criminals nor militias nor religious terrorists.

For a better understanding, permit me to take you back a little on memory lane: chaplaincy has been in existence right from the first century as a structured and principled profession and practice without carrying weapons.

In the 11^th century to be precise, chaplaincy without the use of weapons was granted official recognition and approval in Britain. In the 12^th century likewise, President Willson Churchhill of America gave chaplaincy profession and practice official recognition. Precisely, in the year 1930, chaplaincy attained a professional status globally without the use of weapons.

It is unfortunate that while professional chaplains from advance nations of the world are busy working on how to further the development and advancement of chaplaincy profession, practice and service delivery; ignorant chaplaincy leaders in the continent of Africa especially, Nigeria in particular are busy polluting the profession and its practice.

While professional chaplains from developed nations ensured that chaplains and trainee chaplains have sound theological education up to master degree level with chaplaincy options and concentrations; chaplains from continent of Africa and Nigeria to be precise, encouraged zero education base chaplaincy in the year 1995, which has led to the growth and development of illiterate chaplains from Africa while their counterparts from developed nations are highly educated. This of course is a pollution and bastardization.

While professional chaplains from developed nations are busy seeking to ensure evidence based chaplaincy practice is incorporated into the professional chaplaincy and spiritual care practice; chaplains in the continent of Africa are busy introducing uniform, ranks, impersonation, carrying of weapons to member chaplains, with the intentions of breeding para-military chaplains. This is criminal and must be nipped in the board.

I call upon all chaplains and chaplaincy leaders to openly reject any move from any quarter or any self-styled generals wishing or planning to make chaplaincy a breeding place for terrorists.

The nobility of chaplaincy profession and that of chaplains must be jealously guarded. Any chaplain who wishes to engage in the name of light weapons should go to government approval and market such openly to all citizens and not chaplains. Chaplaincy is not a weapon carrying outfit.

We of the Association of Professional Chaplains and Prodam-J Chaplaincy Concept will not condone the bastardization of chaplaincy profession and practice in any way. All chaplains must be prepared to create within the preparedness of chaplaincy decorum.

NB: One of the mandates we enjoy as chaplains is “fostering unity and peaceful coexistence” amongst people of various communities of the world.

We will resist any attempt that is capable of causing unrest and unnecessary tension and warfare. Advertising weapons, no matter how light such weapons are on chaplaincy platforms and mobilizing chaplains to be ready for any form of attack.

It is also a more subtle way of raising a militia group or a terrorist group. We have to combat with presently.

Government and people of this nation should bring to book people who because of selfish desires are fanning the ember of disunity.

God bless Chaplaincy Profession

Chap. Prof. David Mike

Certified Chaplaincy Educator