“Pathways” is a two-day strategic planning consultation focused on theological education and military chaplaincy.

The purpose of this consultation is to assist left-of-center and progressive seminaries in preparing military chaplains for the 21^st century. This task is guided by a commitment to an expanded chaplaincy that reflects more inclusive and progressive perspectives. Such a chaplaincy would better reflect the actual face of religion in the United States, better represent our democracy, and better serve the diverse needs of the men and women making up today’s military services. The initiative also takes seriously the ongoing work of examining the complex relationships between faith, just society, and the use of force.

 

Where
All events will take place on the Boston University Campus at locations in walking distance from the BU School of Theology, 745 Commonwealth Avenue, Boston, MA 02215.

When
Friday, April 8, beginning at 1pm and ending at 4pm on Saturday, April 9.

Friday’s plenary event, titled, “Military Chaplaincy, the Constitution, and Religious Conscience,” is open to the public. The speaker, Eugene Fidell, Visiting Lecturer in Law at Yale University Law School, is co-founder and former president of the National Institute of Military Justice and of counsel at Feldesman Tucker Leifer Fidell LLP, Washington, D.C.

Why
Given the recent changes and initiatives within the Armed Services that emphasize the need for chaplains to provide religious resources to service members of all faith traditions and to provide spiritual care for gay, lesbian, bi-sexual, and transgender service members, there is a need and an opportunity for theological institutions to rethink the vocation of military chaplaincy.swiss replica website
Building on its successful contribution to the repeal of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell in the United States Military, The Forum on the Military Chaplaincy has expanded its agenda to promote a military for the 21^st century that is more inclusive of mainline and progressive military chaplaincy. This expansion involved reaching out to parter with theological educators. The Forum launched the Pathways program, which met for the first time at Brite Divinity School in March 2014. A statement emerging from that consultation can be accessed here: http://forumonthemilitarychaplaincy.org/2014/05/report-on-the-pathways-to-military-chaplaincy-conference/

Who
The participants will be seminary educators, military chaplains, religious endorsers, and those in the military responsible for setting chaplaincy standards, evaluating chaplaincy preparation, and recruiting and approving chaplains.

The consultation is sponsored by Boston University, Iliff School of Theology, and the Forum on the Military Chaplaincy: http://forumonthemilitarychaplaincy.org/

Larry Graham (Emeritus, Iliff Seminary) and Dr. Shelly Rambo (Associate Professor of Theology, Boston University) are co-directors of Pathways

Former Marine pilot and attorney, Tom Carpenter, and Chaplain (Colonel) Paul Dodd, U.S. Army (Ret), are co-chairs of The Forum on the Military Chaplaincy.

UPDATE AS OF 3/15/16: 

WE ARE GRATEFUL FOR THE OVERWHELMING RESPONSE, AND WE HAVE REACHED CAPACITY FOR OUR VENUES. PLEASE CONTACT KATIE OMBERG AT KSOMBERG@BU.EDU WITH ANY QUESTIONS. WE WILL UPDATE THIS SITE IF WE ARE ABLE TO REOPEN REGISTRATION. 

LOCAL PEOPLE MAY STILL ATTEND THE PUBLIC LECTURE ON APRIL 8TH AT 7PM