The theme of the Conference was: “The role of the Chaplain in Reconciliation and Healing in Post-Conflict Reconstruction”.

After the lectures by various keynote speakers, small groups were formed and these relevant questions were discussed.

• Consider the tensions involved in pastoral/prophetic (reconciliation) ministry. Discuss any boundaries that should not be crossed.
• Is it possible for Chaplains to get involved in prophetic, reconciliatory ministry while being deployed?
• What are the vehicles/structures by which Chaplains can pursue reconciliatory ministry?
• Provide examples of significant ministry in post-conflict situations.
  
  

After considering the feedback from the four discussion groups on the abovementioned questions, the following principles and resolutions were adopted by the conference.

A. General underlying principles

• Chaplains must understand their role well.
• Chaplains must comprehend the expectations of the Force Commander.
• They must understand and manage the possible conflict between national goals and their (chaplain’s) prophetic role.
• They must manage all faiths/religions fair-handedly.
• They must not be used by Commanders to do intelligence gathering whilst networking with religious leaders.
• Their ministry to own forces should not prevent them from pursuing reconciliation and healing in the local community.

B. Resolutions on Reconciliation and Healing (R&H)

• A Chaplain is a spiritual leader at all times.
• A Chaplain first takes care of his own people:
  o Good relationship with commanders
  o Advice on religious issues in deployed countries
  o Prophetic voice iro treatment of people and holy places
  o Training of own Forces to understand their role in R&H 
• Supporting local clergy
  o Start a ministers’ fraternal
  o Get religious leaders to talk to one another
  o Train religious leaders on R&H processes
  o Create Interfaith opportunities
  o Establish a local/national Council of Churches
• Supporting the local community
  o Build relationship with Religious Leaders
   choirs to churches,
   rebuilding of Church Buildings
• •Building trust with the Community
  o Charity projects initiated by soldiers (e.g. Hospital in Burundi)
  o Adopt a child project (schools)
  o Food and clothes projects
  o Sports activities
  o Choir competitions