Chaplains Commission Reports Milestone Events
The Chaplains Commission has been on the forefront in the Church of God regarding ethnic and gender diversity for many years. The norm is for vocational chaplains to serve on staffs in organizations that are ethnically diverse. Therefore, the Commission actively searches for ministers of all ethnic groups to represent the Church of God with a formal endorsement as a Chaplain. Additionally, there is a high demand for female Chaplains to serve in many institutions.
This past weekend, the Rhode Island Army National Guard conducted a change-of-stole ceremony to install the Church of God’s first female black military Chaplain, Chaplain (Captain) Elizabeth Buckner. According to Richard L. Pace, Endorser and Coordinator of Vocational Chaplaincy Ministries for the Church of God, Buckner is the first female chaplain and the first black chaplain in the RIANG.
Chaplain Felder, right, is congratulated by Dr. Richard Pace (click on photo to enlarge).
The day before, Chaplain Pace participated in the retirement ceremony of Navy Chaplain, Commander, Gerald Felder in Jacksonville, Florida. Gerald and his wife, Roxanne, have touched the lives of many people over his 25 years as a Navy Chaplain, while faithfully representing the Church of God. In sharing remarks with those present, Chaplain Felder reminded the audience that he was the Church of God’s first black military Chaplain.
“The retirement of Chaplain Felder closes a productive chapter in the annals of Church of God Chaplaincy,” Pace said. “However, the installment of Chaplain Buckner opens a new chapter with great potential for the future. God is doing an eternal work through the ministry of Church of God Chaplains who are filled with the love and power of the Spirit.”
(Source: Church of God Chaplains Commission)
