In the USA there is a debate on having a Humanist Chaplain in the Armed Forces. In the Netherlands we have for more than 50 years Humanist Chaplaincy. I noticed that there is a lot of misunderstandig in the USA. In this presentation I explain and educate about the Dutch Chaplaincy in headlines. Please, watch and read about this small contribution to the debate.
2. Humanism is one of the three
main cultural historical traditions
that have built the Netherlands
3. Unique values in Humanism are:
self-determination, equivalence
and responsibility
4. Humanists believe, according to
the Dutch Constitution, in the
freedom of religion for our
military, veterans and their
families
5. In the
Netherlands
we have a
separation
between
church and
state.
All (non)
religious
organisations
are treated
equally
6. The ‘Humanistisch Verbond’ is
fully acknowledged as the
endorsement organization by the
Dutch Government as one of the
six denominations that provide
pastoral care in the Armed Forces
15. We organize the same activities
for our military, veterans and their
families as our Christian
colleagues
16. From a humanist perspective we
give our own training to military
for example: the art of living, LGBT
discussion groups and Personal
Humanism
17. Humanists have their own traditions
and ceremonies. On June 21st we
celebrate World Humanist Day and
we provide weddings and funerals
18. We understand that military at
moral dilemmas search for an
answer in human conditions and
circumstances and not in a higher
power
19. We support and comfort people
with grief and loss by
listening, asking
questions, showing empathy and
unconditional commitment
20. Why Humanist Chaplaincy?
Because we care about
military, veterans and their
families!
Presentation made by
Humanist Chaplain
Commander Erwin A. Kamp MSc