Turkish Immigrant Becomes First Muslim Army Chaplain

December 11, 2003

Source: IslamOnline.net

http://www.islam-online.net/English/News/2003-12/11/article05.shtml#t

On December 11, 2003 IslamOnline.net reported, "Suleyman Demiray, a Turkish-born Muslim Imam who immigrated to Canada 10 years ago, made history Wednesday, December 10, becoming the first Muslim chaplain in the Canadian Armed Forces after completing a 14-week chaplaincy training. 'It's a great honor being able to do something for my country,' he said after a graduation ceremony that included a reading from the holy Qur'an. Demiray, who approached the military and asked to be accepted into chaplain training, does not anticipate any problems fitting in when he joins the 10-member chaplain team at CFB Edmonton next month, reported the Toronto Star Thursday, December 11. 'I'm hoping people will accept my ministry or allow me to accommodate their needs by bringing in someone of their faith,' said Demiray, wearing a crescent moon insignia on his lapel instead of the chaplain's traditional Maltese cross."