Page 53 - 3.faith-ministry

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Question 21 - Should police chaplains be professional / ordained religious
ministers?

Figure 13

Not Stated Yes
28% 48%

No
24%

Respondents again were asked to explain their answers. Reasons given for why
chaplains should be professional or ordained ministers were as follows: Some felt
that chaplains would be afforded more respect, and would have greater credibility
and expertise. Likewise they would be more easily recognised, and have the training
already to support their work. Professional ministers were deemed to hold the
necessary qualifications for their role as would be expected of everyone working
within the force.

However a number of respondents held a contrary view. Ordination or professional
status was not necessarily a pre-requisite of ministry capability. A sound biblical
understanding, or a grasp of religious principles that are actively lived out were
suggested as the basis of ministry, or were at least considered as valid as ordination.
Likewise it was proposed that it does not necessarily require a trained minister to
provide Christian support, as ministry is something any person of faith can share in.

Question 22 - Are there other models of faith ministry that the police should
consider?

Figure 14

Yes
31%
Not Stated/
Not Sure
45%
No
24%