News by email Donate

Suggestions

Top Stories

Most Read

Popular Videos

Chaplain General photobanner.jpg
Chaplain General photo.jpg
World News

Methodist Padre to be next Chaplain General to the Army

by Donna Birrell

It’s been announced that the Reverend Michael D Parker will be taking over as Chaplain General of the British Army in 2022.

Mike Parker was born in Cornwall and initially trained as an electrical engineer for the Ministry of Defence. He read Theology at the University of Birmingham and trained for Methodist ministry at Queen’s College. He worked in the Colchester Circuit for four years and was commissioned into the Royal Army Chaplains’ Department in 2000.

Operational service has taken him to Northern Ireland, Iraq and Afghanistan and he has, since September 2020, been the Deputy Chaplain General for the army.

He will take up his new post as the 26th Chaplain General of her Majesty’s Land Forces in May 2022.

Speaking after the announcement, Padre Parker said: “It is the greatest of honours to have been selected as the next Chaplain General for Her Majesty’s Land Forces. Methodism has a long and treasured history of providing soldiers and chaplains in service of their country, that they do so explicitly as people of faith continues to make the organisation a better place to be.

 "Since the Methodist Church first stationed me to serve alongside the military community I have had the privilege of offering pastoral care, spiritual support and moral guidance, around the globe in good times and bad. I have witnessed the joy of new found faith and the renewal brought by Methodist brothers and sisters from distant shores. Throughout, the words of Charles Wesley have been a constant – Jesus, confirm my heart’s desire to work, and speak, and think for thee; still let me guard the holy fire, and still stir up thy gift in me”

Padre Parker holds a BA in theology, an MTh in chaplaincy studies and an MA in defence studies. In his spare time, he enjoys distance running, cycling, music and watching Wales beat England at rugby!

 

A Monthly Gift Of $11 Makes A World Of Difference

In a world of fake news there’s never been a greater need for quality Christian journalism. Premier’s mission is to provide the Church with the most up to date and relevant news, told from a Christian perspective. But we can’t do it without you.

Unlike many websites we haven't put up a paywall — we want to keep our journalism free at the point of need and as open as we can. Premier’s news output takes a lot of time, money and hard work to produce. No one in the USA is sharing news like we are across radio, magazines and online so please help us to continue that today.

For a monthly gift of $11 or more we’d also be able to send you a free copy of the brand new Premier Bible, a wonderful Anglicised version of the NLT packed with exclusive bonus content, reading plan and resources to help you get the most out of scripture.

Your monthly support will make a world of difference. Thank you.

Support Us
Continue the conversation on our Facebook page

Related Articles

Sign up to our newsletter to stay informed with news from a Christian perspective.

News by email

Connect

Donate

Donate