Clergy from the Diocese of Guildford experienced a taste of Army life when they visited the Bordon barracks on Thursday. Approximately 30 members of the clergy were invited to the training ground, where they took part in a series of fun command tasks. The tasks tested their organisational and co- ordination skills to their full, and gave civilian chaplains a peek into the life of an Army chaplain. Padre Knights-Johnson, who has been in the army for 22 years and is based at the Bordon Barracks on a full time basis, told The Herald why they had arranged the meet up: "It's very important to keep links and communications between the military community and local parishes open. "We feel that meetings like this provide a benefit to both the army and the clergy. "It's also important to remain in contact, as many of the soldiers here go to the parish churches. We do not behave as missionaries and try to persuade people in to believing, but we understand that spirituality can be an important part of a soldiers life. "Army personnel meet the extremes of life and they sometimes need spirituality to help them through." Padre Knights-Johnson went on to explain how a soldier's occupation and faith could work together without causing a conflict of interests: "People join the army to defend peace. From that vantage point, it is not in conflict with faith. Sadly, some times we have to kill people to save more lives, but that isn't why people become soldiers." Out in the field, the group of vicars donned a protective jump suit and got straight to the challenge in hand. The first task was to cross a mock mind field without touching the ground and retrieve a first aid kit from a tree. As they were navigating the course, Senior Regiment Chaplain, Andy Latifa told The Herald: "People think all an army chaplain does is take the service on Sundays, but it's actually much more than that. I am with the members of the church where they are; where they work; where they sleep. "If there is any problem, I know that I will hear of it and will be able to help them to deal with it. "Today has been a great opportunity for the clergy to see what we do. A lot of people in churches would be weary of what an army chaplain does and what they advocate, but it's a very positive thing that we do. Vicars must spend three years in a parish before becoming an Army chaplain, so we are experienced in giving advice and support, but we also have done all of the studying and theological work required." Reverend Will Hughes, the vicar of Blackmoor and Whitehill also works as a part-time chaplain at the barracks. He said: "It's good to know that I can support soldiers, with their complete confidence. Speaking to me or the other chaplains is one of the rare times they can speak to somebody without it being written down or put in their report." It was clear that the civilian clergy enjoyed the day, despite the challenges they faced. Reverend Mark Rudall from the Diocese of Guildford said: "The clergy are beyond their comfort zones, but that has made it a really enjoyable and unusual day. "A lot of military people come to our churches and so it is good to gain an insight into their mind sets and way of life." The day outside ended in grand style as the clergy were given the opportunity to drive a number of military vehicles, including an armoured vehicle. The day was rounded off with an open forum on faith.
