Chaplain Law
Chaplains provide comfort and solace to those going through difficult times. Similar to pastors or ministers, the chaplain has a duty to adhere to local laws and the regulations of the facilities he visits. Several states also have laws that he must follow.
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Prayer
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Between 2000 and 2005, the military limited the ability of military chaplains to pray in line with their beliefs, specifically in mentioning a "specific deity." Eventually, legislation ended this limit of freedom of speech. Public support for the initiative aided in passing this bill upholding the rights of chaplains.
Ethics
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Chaplain law regarding ethical procedures includes upholding a moral code, understanding cultural differences, cooperating with all religious officials in the line of duty and promoting professional conduct befitting of a chaplain.
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Licensing
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Most states do not have chaplain licensing laws. Chaplains can work for any type of organization and can be self-named. However, the United Christian Chaplains Association has specific standards and procedures it uses to certify chaplains. This professional organization offers support to chaplains, but does not implement a national standard of recognition.
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References
- American Center for Law & Justice: A Victory for Military Chaplains
- University of Pennsylvania Health System Pastoral Care: Informal Perspectives on CPE and Careers in Chaplaincy
- Minneapolis Police Department: Canon of Ethics for Law Enforcement Chaplains
- United Chaplains International: The Responsibilities of a Chaplain
- United Christian Ministries International: UCCA Chaplaincy Licensure
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