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Covenanter Helps Other Faiths Develop Chaplain Programs


KABUL, AFGHANISTAN (November 20, 2007) – A lengthy article in yesterday’s edition of The Christian Science Monitor highlights the work of U.S. Navy Capt. James Fisher, a military chaplain ordained by the Evangelical Covenant Church.

The article focuses on the changing role of military chaplains as they not only minister to American troops, but work to foster relationships in combat zones, which in Fisher’s case includes helping foreign clergy develop their own chaplaincy programs.

Fisher is developing curriculum that will teach mullahs - Islamic clerics - how to best carry out their work. He obtained a $2 million from the U.S. government to begin construction in 2008 of a school for chaplains.

The role of the mullahs is different from his own, as they serve in the military of an Islamic state, whereas Fisher serves a government that seeks to separate religion and state. The Covenant minister says he wrestles with the idea that he may indirectly be helping spread the Islamic faith.

“As a Christian who believes ‘Christ makes a difference in people's lives,’ this stirs up questions Fisher hasn't yet fully answered,” the article states. “But he seems to relish the challenge: ‘I personally like people to wrestle with all kinds of thoughts and issues.’ ”

The article includes a video clip of Fisher. The chaplain has been featured in several Covenant News Service reports, including his leading of the only sunrise Easter service in Afghanistan  and helping troops readjust to life as they return home.

The read the Christian Science Monitor article, please see A Cog of Conscience in a Killing Machine.

Copyright © 2008 The Evangelical Covenant Church.

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