Church of England warned against thoughtless criticism of Armed Forces by senior padre
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By Martin Beckford, Telegraph
The Ven John Green, Chaplain of the Fleet and Archdeacon of the Royal Navy, told priests not to engage in “megaphone or shotgun diplomacy” from the pulpit in case injured service personnel or bereaved families are in their congregations.
His comments come as an estimated 4,000 British troops prepare for a new coalition assault against the Taliban, known as Operation Moshtarak, in Helmand province. Earlier this week the British death toll in Afghanistan reached 256, more than died in the Falklands conflict.
Mr Green and the senior chaplains for the Army and Royal Air Force were given a standing ovation by members of General Synod, the Church’s governing body, after they gave moving presentations on the spiritual care they provide in battle zones. Among the first to stand was the Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams, a former CND member who spoke out against the war in Iraq.
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