18/11/2023
WHO IS A CHAPLAIN
I have personally come to the knowledge of the fact that 98% of the chaplains in Nigeria and African don't know what chaplaincy is all about. Many claimed chaplains are Military, some said we are paramilitary, others said we are combatant. All these are not correct.
Chaplaincy is not military, paramilitary or combatant. As a result of this wrong ideology, chaplain organizations are now copying the military, claiming staff in public bus, causing problems in the society, abusing the uniform, bastardizing the rank/title, no evidence of any public service that we are rendering to the society, no corporate social responsibility, no assignment.
How come a priest (someone acorn to be a man of God) wearing uniform all about without aims. How can we defend the uniform we are wearing?
What is the purpose?
What good have we done to the nation with our uniform?
What is the excess of our rank?
Do we really need uniform to perform chaplain duties?
Since over 40 years of chaplaincy existence-How far have we gone?
How come chaplaincy is the only profession that we have self-made General? No professional conduct, no vision, no purpose and no value.
If chaplains are indeed a priest, are we performing priesthood duties or impersonating the military/paramilitary. I am disappointed that all we know about chaplaincy is parade. The early chaplain dated back to the inception of chaplaincy does not use uniform, or rank, and they perform extremely well. The major reason why people join chaplain now is the uniform and rank. I am shock that many even sell rank and some are so foolish to buy rank that you cannot use to execute or achieve anything.
CHAPLAINS ARE NOT MILITARY.
MILITARY: -
The first recorded use of the word military in English, spelled militarie, was in 1585, it comes from the latin militaris (from latin miles meaning “soldier”) but is of uncertain etymology, one suggestion being derived from mil-it- going in body or mass. It denote someone that is skilled in use of weapons, or engaged in military service or in warfare. Another definition of military is, an organized body primarily tasked with preparing for and conducting war. It consist of Army, Navy and Airforce. They are forces authorized to use deadly force and weapons to support the interests of the state and some or all of its citizens.
PARAMILITARY: -
This is a semi-militarized force whose organizational structure, tactics, training, subculture and (often) function are similar to those of professional military, but which is not included as part of a states formal armed forces.
Going by the above two definition, Chaplain is not a Military OR Paramilitary.
OFFICER: -
The word dates back to the kindof English spoken in the middle ages, it derived from the middle latin word officarius and was first used in military context in 1565, it takes root from OFFICE. A word which was first documented around 1250 and was derived from the classical word officium meaning “Service”, “Duty”, “function”.
Since CHAPLAINCY is a profession and a service provider, it will have been good to say Chaplain Personnel is an officer and not claiming paramilitary.
The Geneva convention specifies according to (protocol 1, 8 June 1977, Art 43.2) stated that Chaplain is non-combatants, therefore a chaplain must not carry arms.
CHAPLAIN is a clergy man attach to a certain formation (Hospital, school, prison, home, sport club, association, military, paramilitary,corporation, corporate organization, government parastatals, State house, etc) to cater for their moral, ethical, spiritual and religious need of the formation.
Chaplains are not military but are attached to the military to cater for their moral, spiritual and religious needs. That they are not military doesn't mean they don't have any authority. Even the military and the para-military respects them.
Now that you have understand who you are, It is time for us to rise to the call.
Chaplaincy is a profession, a career and a service provider.
IT IS TIME TO PROFESSIONALISE CHAPLAINCY.
I am for all and not against anyone. TOGETHER we can make it work.
If you are intrested to join a legit Chaplaincy to become a professional chaplain, please contact us:-
(+234) 7035707251
(+234) 8158564898
Chaplain Dr. Chinomso Jude Nwala
