Part of a defence-wide change, the move sees humanist Neil Weddell (ex-AGC (ETS), shown right) join the fold. He will be based at Army Training Regiment Winchester.
The ex-major, who served in Afghanistan, will provide the same judgement-free support as the rest of his colleagues. He told Soldier he was “honoured” to be making history.
“This recognises that support for soldiers, officers and their families must reflect the full diversity of beliefs and world views in today’s forces,” he added.
Humanists are non-religious and believe you can live an ethical and fulfilling life based on reason and humanity.
Chaplain General, Rev Canon Michael Parker, said: “We have some religious soldiers who will struggle with this change, but this is not a secular agenda seeking to remove religion from the army – it’s simply a broadening of our chaplaincy family.
“All padres are here to work together.”
