An Opportunity for Greater Professionalism in the United States Chaplain Corps
Cook, Mark C.
:
2024-5
Abstract
Professionalism in the United States Navy Chaplain Corps is lacking. While there is ample work explaining and codifying what a chaplain should do and be, in practice the isolated nature of Naval Chaplaincy limits accountability. Autonomy creates individualism that fails to adhere to agreed upon principles.
When chaplains do work together, conflict is common, and resolution is often insufficient. Outside investigators resolve conflicts and chaplains are not involved in holding the community accountable. Time that is wasted by conflicts causes the Chaplain Corps to lose credibility and opportunity to care for others, thus impeding the mission of the Chaplain Corps.
This project explores actions that could be taken to minimize conflict, improve resolution, professionalism, and accountability in the United States Navy Chaplain Corps.