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Document Details :

Title: From Belief Diversity to Ecumenical Unity
Subtitle: Military Chaplaincy as a Model for Inclusivist Plurality? Lessons from the New Zealand Experience, 1939-1945
Author(s): PRATT, Douglas
Journal: Studies in Interreligious Dialogue
Volume: 27    Issue: 2   Date: 2017   
Pages: 149-169
DOI: 10.2143/SID.27.2.3269040

Abstract :
Military chaplaincy in New Zealand originated in the mid-19th century land wars. But it was not until early in the 20th century – 1911 – that a Territorial Army (compulsory part-time) Chaplains’ Department was created. This paved the way for a formal relationship with the Churches in the provision of chaplains which, up until the outbreak of World War Two (WW2, 1939-1945) was denominationally structured in which chaplains ministered to their own, so maintaining lines of Christian diversity as exclusive identities. At the outbreak of war an ecumenical Battalion and Unit structure of chaplaincy was introduced. With the structural change in place, aimed at resolving practical issues consequent upon intra-Christian diversity, chaplains were required to minister to all personnel in their unit irrespective of the denominational affiliation of soldiers. This not only greatly benefitted the work and witness of chaplaincy within the Army, it had a profound impact upon post-war ecumenism in New Zealand. It provided an experience of inclusive plurality vis-à-vis Christian denominational divides. Might it yet also provide a model for a wider interreligious inclusive plurality?

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