St Michael's College

This research project, supported by a grant from the British Academy, aims to identify the distinctive views of military chaplains which relate to the ethics of armed conflict. The second research workshop of the project took place at St. Michael’s at the end of February, bringing together serving chaplains, with former chaplains and academics.

The project includes an investigation of theological frameworks that enable a full understanding of the Just War Tradition, and its relevance for armed conflict today (including responses to terrorism and insurgency). This investigation is set within the context of discussion of wider questions, which include: the moral role of the chaplain within the military; the theology of chaplaincy; and the relationship between the churches and the military.

The workshop resulted in a proposal for a book which will draw together the areas highlighted above. This edited volume will include chapters by workshop members and others (including Dr Charles Reed, joint editor of The Price of Peace: Just War in the Twenty-first Century, CUP, 2007).

This research connects with the Cardiff Centre’s other work with military chaplains, which includes delivering the MTh in Chaplaincy Studies to chaplains under contract with the MoD, and delivering ethics education and professional development to all British Army Chaplains.