The Army Chaplain Corps: Performing and Providing Queer Religious Support

Abstract

I have previously written on the effects of the non-affirming church on the LGBTQIA+ community compared to that of an affirming church. Additionally, I’ve considered the treatment of queer Soldiers in my Army ROTC program, where I individually interviewed a peer to gain insight into their experience. Therefore, when I entered HDS, I knew I wanted to study material that prepared me for my career, and that I wanted to give something in return. The work I have done involved research on the denominations that are in the Army Chaplain Corps to determine if they practice queer ministry and able to perform spiritual care to all Soldiers regardless their sex, gender, and sexuality. I have created a short timeline to showcase the movement of the Army and its ministry regarding queer ministry and where I hope we can land. That is a protocol that allows all Soldiers to ensure they have a chaplain that can tend to their needs at all times. Our calling as chaplains is to protect the religious freedom of all Soldiers and those we work with. However, we also must protect our religious freedom as well as demonstrate that religious freedom is not only for those who refuse ministry to the queer community. Even though chaplains have the right to protect their religious freedom if it does not coincide with that of a Soldier, a chaplain still must seek out the resources and solutions for that Soldier.