Page 31 - 3.faith-ministry

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The third significant theme concerns perceptions of ministry. There is no real

consensus among respondents as to whether ministers within the policing
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organisation should be independent from it . However a significant majority (76%)
feel that ministers do need to understand the policing environment (A2:Fig 11). This
was attributable to the uniqueness of policing, its specific culture, and its particular
pressures. Nearly two-thirds of those surveyed affirmed they would be prepared to

seek support from a minister of different denomination or alternative faith background
(A2:Fig 12). However some have reservations about approaching a minister from

another faith, although conversely it is proposed that an understanding of other faith
perspectives is desirable (A2:Q20). Almost half of the respondents feel that police

chaplains should be professional or ordained ministers (A2:Fig 13), as they have
more credibility, are better trained, and are more visible. Conversely it is suggested

that ministerial status is not necessary for ministry, and other faith attributes could be
equally as valid (A2:Q21). Other models of faith ministry are identified that include
better use of existing church resources, welcoming ministers from other faith

perspectives, developing lay ministry, and utilising the ministry skills of those already
serving within the constabulary (A2:Q22). Approximately a third (34%) of the

respondents identified that they had been involved in, or trained for faith ministry
although less than half of these (14%) stated that their skills had been identified by
the police service (A2:Fig 15). Significantly 52% of those surveyed identified that they

would be willing to perform a faith ministry as part of their career within the service
(A2:Fig 16). Some outlined that they would need little or no further training for this

purpose, although others suggested that ministry or pastoral training, the validation of
their own faith community, and indeed financial assistance or study time could help

them prepare for such a role (A2:Q25). Most respondents (93%) would feel
comfortable seeking support for their faith from a colleague (A2:Fig 17), and once

again the peer support found within the CPA was highlighted positively. Colleague
support in general terms is felt to be useful and comforting, and personal
relationships were seen to be crucial in this regard (A2:Q27).

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42% stated ministry should be independent and 48% stated it should not (Fig 11).