The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Sir Stephen Hillier, along with RAF Chaplains from stations across the United Kingdom, congregated at St Clement Danes Church in London on Sunday to commemorate the centenary of the branch.
The 100th Anniversary Service was arranged by the Resident Chaplain, Padre David Osborn. All Chaplains not on operations or other essential duties were in attendance, as well as their friends and family and members of the RAF Chaplains’ Branch Association. Members of the public were also welcome to attend the service.
“It is a privilege to be in St Clement Danes Church, commemorating the 100th Anniversary of the RAF Chaplains’ Branch. The whole RAF family joins with me in celebrating our Chaplains’ spiritual leadership; moral and sometimes physical courage; and outstanding support to our entire community in peace and conflict.”
Air Chief Marshal Sir Stephen Hillier
The Chief of the Air Staff
“It is with great joy that I see you all here today as we gather together to commemorate and celebrate 100 years of Chaplaincy Service in the Royal Air Force. Service that has spread across times of great conflict and times of peace. And it is right for us to remember the support given by and the sacrifices made by our colleagues past and present and that which empowers them and us, faith."
The Venerable (Air Vice-Marshal) John Ellis
The Chaplain-in-Chief
The RAF Chaplains Branch recruits clergy from the Church of England (including all Anglicans), Roman Catholic, Church of Scotland, Baptist, United Reformed, Methodist, Elim Pentecostal, Assemblies of God, Salvation Army, Presbyterian and Churches in Community International. They provide spiritual support, strength and guidance to service personnel and their families, acting as a valuable source of personal wellbeing and guidance in times of war and peace.