A leading figure in the Church of Scotland says her recent visit to the Armed Forces Chaplaincy Centre (AFCC) left her inspired.
The Right Reverend Sally Foster-Fulton, Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, was received at Beckett House as part of a three-day tour to engage with HM Forces. An annual event in the Moderator’s diary, she sought to increase her knowledge and understanding of the spiritual, pastoral and welfare support available to service personnel.
The role of Moderator involves chairing the Church of Scotland’s annual General Assembly, acting as an ambassador for the Church of Scotland, and representing the Church at official events at home and abroad. Moderators are nominated to the role by a committee elected by the General Assembly. They hold office for one year.
During the visit, the Moderator was able to learn more about the wider Defence Academy’s delivery, as well as that of AFCC. She also visited the Royal Army Chaplains’ Museum, where she received a tour from curator David Blake.
AFCC Principal Reverend Dr Mark Davidson said:
“Each year, the Moderator takes the time to visit one of the three Services. We are hugely grateful to the Royal Air Force for ‘sharing’ this year’s visit with us. This allowed the Moderator to speak with our Tri-Service chaplaincy staff, and to meet with the Army Reservist Chaplains currently training at AFCC.
“The Rt Revd Sally Foster-Fulton has a reputation as a wise and compassionate leader, with a heart for those who are suffering, and a determination to challenge global injustices. All these characteristics were apparent during her visit to AFCC. She was hungry to learn more about the realities of lived military service, hugely sympathetic towards the challenges faced by our service personnel, and moved by our ongoing commitment to train the Ukrainian Army Chaplains.”
Accompanying the Moderator were her husband, Church of Scotland minister The Reverend Stuart Fulton, The Reverend Scott Brown CBE, Convener of the Committee on Chaplains to His Majesty’s Forces, and The Reverend (Group Captain) Al Nicoll KHC RAF, Church of Scotland and Free Churches Principal Chaplain.
Reflecting on the highlights of her visit, the Moderator referred to a sign above the entrance to Beckett House’s reception area.
“A sign that read ‘All Rank Abandon, Ye Who Enter Here' welcomed us to Beckett House, home to the Armed Forces Chaplaincy Centre. What a powerful gift to offer those serving our country. Space to relate to each other with all barriers down. Chaplains come alongside, listening, supporting, and signposting. They are a confidential companion, and I was inspired!”
The Armed Forces Chaplaincy Centre seeks to develop and explore the ethical and spiritual foundation within the moral component of fighting power by developing the ‘spiritual edge’ in the joint force. Located in the Grade II listed Beckett House, it welcomes faith leaders from around the world.