On Wednesday 31st July, Chaplain in Chief, The Venerable John Ellis QHC joined personnel from across RAF Brize Norton to formally welcome a New Entrant Chaplain for the Royal Air Force - The Reverend Jonathan (Jonny) Newell; also presenting him to personnel, staff and colleagues for whom he will serve.
Readings were led by Reverend Kevin Capelin-Jones before The Venerable John Ellis QHC made his address to those who had gathered:
“I am delighted to be here today to formally welcome our new Chaplain, The Reverend Jonathan (Jonny) Newell to the Royal Air Force Chaplaincy Branch. The message I have for you today is quite simple: Value, hope and reason; valuing is so important, if a chaplain can value you, and you can value your chaplain, what a wonderful thing to do. Hope, everybody has hope; regardless of your aspirations in life, Chaplains will be there to encourage the hope and finally reason, what motivates you? What’s the thing that gets you up in the morning? I know I am adding value and so are you all.”
Chaplains are Professionally Qualified Officers who have been ordained in one of the recognised Sending Churches and have been selected to hold a commission in the military. Chaplains wear the uniforms of the British military and accompany their soldiers/sailors/airman wherever they go. They exercise leadership and management but do not command. They are non-combatants and do not bear arms.
“It has been with a breath of fresh air that we welcome Reverend Jonathan (Jonny) Newell to the Station Chaplaincy Team here at RAF Brize Norton. The Chaplains play a huge part of military life, bringing the community together and we have welcomed Jonny with open arms. Our Chaplains are a multi-faith, multi-denominational team offering spiritual and pastoral care to all. Our Chaplaincy Centre on Station is open to all.”
Reverend Geoff Withers
Chaplains have ministered to soldiers/sailors/airmen and their families in times of war and peace. Chaplains are honoured to provide spiritual support, pastoral care, and moral guidance to all, irrespective of religion or belief. From before 1066 the military have taken clergy with them to war. The roles of chaplains within the military have changed significantly but their presence has remained as important as ever.
Addressing Jonny, Reverend Withers added:
“Love the people you serve and be loved by them”.
RAF Chaplains: Serving the Royal Air Force Community through Prayer, Presence and Proclamation
