Throughout June and July, Beckett House became a hub of discussion, debate and collaboration as the Armed Forces Chaplaincy Centre (AFCC) hosted a packed programme of conferences. Bringing together military personnel, civil servants, academics, faith leaders and community representatives, the events explored some of the most pressing issues facing defence and society today.
Religion and Defence Conference 2026
The annual Religion and Defence Conference took place from 24 to 26 June 2026.
Professor Jonathan Fennell from King's College London delivered the keynote address, drawing on his global research into the Second World War to explore the role of civil societies in winning wars. The conference, ably convened by Dr Joshua Madrid, attracted participants from across the world, with delegates joining online from as far afield as South America, Switzerland and the Middle East.
Over the three days, papers were delivered on a wide range of subjects spanning both current issues and historical research, reflecting the breadth and depth of scholarship in this field. Topics covered included artificial intelligence, anti-narcotics operations, and soldiers' religious attitudes during the First World War, among others.
Ethics and Defence Conference
Over 13 and 14 July delegates explored one of the most pressing questions facing liberal democracies today: how do we preserve our values and freedoms in an era of mounting political and security threats?
Working under the theme "Preserving our Freedoms to Protect Others," attendees heard from a range of expert speakers across sessions covering the concept of resilience, civil defence, whole-of-society approaches to security, and the spiritual dimensions of sustaining communities under pressure.
Highlights included an opening session from Emily McCullouch examining why resilience has become such a central concept, and a keynote address from Bart van Dijk of the Royal Netherlands Navy on the evening of the first day.
Throughout, the focus remained on individual and collective agency. Chaplains were identified as having a critical role to play in helping service members and civilians navigate the complex ethical challenges that today's threats present.
Muslim Spiritual Resilience Conference
From 20 to 22 July 2026 a three-day spiritual resilience and leadership conference took place brought together serving Muslim personnel and MOD civil servants from across the services.
The event was attended by senior figures from the RAF chaplaincy, and the wider Muslim community, alongside a clinical lead from the Institute of Naval Medicine. Community representatives included a Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Greater London, the High Sheriff of Oxfordshire, and an Islamic scholar and broadcaster.
Under the theme "Living with Others: Diversity and Co-Existence," sessions explored the role of Muslims in defence, diversity and co-existence in Islam, and included icebreaker activities and a fireside chat.
Participants travelled from various locations around the UK. For many, this was their first visit to Beckett House, and the setting provided a valued opportunity to pray, eat, and learn together.
The conference was widely regarded as a success, offering a rare and meaningful chance for personnel serving in isolated or remote locations, both in the UK and overseas, to connect with peers and leadership in a supportive environment.