(BPT) - Whatever their backgrounds, beliefs and duties, Sailors have religious needs that must be met while they are answering the call to serve their country.  They need guidance, moral support and worship opportunities – services especially critical to help guide them through the challenges of the job and family life.  

Establishing religious support for service members isn’t anything new. Back in 1775, the Continental Congress recognized the importance of religion for Sailors, and required that services be held on Continental Congress ships. Later, during World War II, large numbers of civilian clergy stepped forward and enlisted to meet the religious needs of millions serving in the United States Navy. Today, the Navy’s Chaplain Corps consists of active duty and Reserve Chaplains who tend to the spiritual and emotional needs of all military members and their families.

Navy Chaplains and Religious Program Specialists from the Religious Ministry Team are available to meet the religious needs of Sailors, Marines and Coast Guardsmen. The Navy Chaplain Corps is made up of more than 800 Navy Chaplains representing more than 100 different faith groups. All Chaplains are Navy Officers, meaning each holds an important leadership role practicing ministry and providing faith leadership as well as personal advice in a ministry that is truly 24/7. Chaplains live, work, eat and pray with their fellow shipmates and understand their needs and challenges like no one else.