Chaplaincy at the Royal Centre For Defence Medicine – wrestling with God in the wilderness

Padre Eddie Wynn

One of the Appeals for me of Chaplaincy in the Royal Air Force is that of working on the Margins, and for me that is the Paradox of Chaplaincy at The Royal Centre For Defence Medicine. In one sense looking after the wounded in our conflicts across the globe would be seen as the busiest Job in NATO and at the centre of our ministry, but at times I feel like Jacob wrestling with God in the wilderness.

I look after the faith needs of all the military casualties, Army, Navy and RAF aero medically evacuated for around the world to Selly Oak Hospital, an NHS foundation Trust in Birmingham. Military and civilian patients are cared for side by side, and the trust is a centre of excellence for trauma care. The number of casualties and the severity of their injuries has increased significantly in recent years due to conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan, and with this has been an increased need for chaplaincy.

The patients arrive at Birmingham International Airport often less than 24hours after injury. Care is provided for the casualty and their family by a large team, who provide accommodation and for any practical or emotional needs, however the role of the Chaplain is unique. I provide time, for patients, families and staff to verbalise some of the deepest and most profound fears and doubts. I share in their hopes, Joys and sadness, whether bereavement or loss of health, limb or self image. I pray with them sometimes and for them always.

Many suffer guilt, “Why did I survive and my mate died?”, “Did I make a mistake which triggered the Improvised Explosive Device?” Most suffer anxiety over Colleagues left behind. Many express a deep unhappiness, it feels personal for them to be the individual target. Anger is a common emotion, “Why?” being the biggest question. “Why did I get blown up?” “Why are we in Afghanistan?” “Why did God let this happen to me?” This is where I have to wrestle with the paradox of chaplaincy, proclaiming the Gospel of Peace from a God of Peace in a place of suffering as a result of War.

Do I have the answers? No, but I can wrestle alongside people on their journey to finding the answer for themselves, whether it be the soldier who has lost his legs or his sight, the family sat at the bedside of their dying son in Intensive care, the military nurse distressed at yet another casualty admitted to the ward. Like the sun rising on Jacob in Genesis 32, God does bless this place as a place of healing, but also a place of challenge and change.