Navy Chaplain Provides Diverse Array of Religious Services During Holiday Season

December 28, 2006

Source: Blackanthem Military News

http://www.blackanthem.com/News/military_2005122802.html

On December 28, 2006 Blackanthem Military News reported, "December is a month of celebration for multiple faiths, making the holiday season an extra busy time for chaplains in Iraq. Between Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa and the Islamic Hajj, Navy Capt. Vince Arnold, 2nd Marine Logistics Group (Forward) group chaplain, knows the importance of providing for all service members, regardless of religious preferences... Arnold explained that the purpose of the Navy Chaplain Corps is to provide spiritual guidance for all service members of any faith. Even when the chaplain’s staff does not have anyone to conduct a specific religious service or ceremony, a service member following that faith can be appointed by the chaplain to lead worship and is provided with the necessary materials, Arnold said. 'We get chaplains from multiple faiths to come as often as possible,' he said. 'This doesn’t always happen, however, we are still willing to facilitate everyone.' Being busy during this time of year doesn’t effect the chaplain’s staff one bit, he explained. 'We aren’t busy just for the sake of being busy during this time of year,' Arnold admitted. 'Taking care of a "whole" person makes for better warriors by providing religious services across the spectrum.' All the religious services on base combined, form a community of camaraderie that all service member’s can benefit from, he explained. 'This establishes a circle of care for everyone by sharing their religions,' Arnold said."