Moderator reflects on 'inspiring' RAF trip

The Moderator of the General Assembly visited Royal Air Force bases in England to learn more about the pastoral support provided to personnel.

Rt Rev Sally Foster-Fulton said she was ‘inspired' by the chaplaincy teams she met during the three-day trip.

Moderator In Front Of Chinook
Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland Rt Rev Sally Foster-Fulton with her tour companions in front of a Chinook helicopter.

"The RAF is a community with all the needs, challenges and cherished relationships we find in every group we are part of," she explained.

"The chaplaincy teams are an integral part of the communities they serve, offering attentive accompanying, a confidential ear and advice and support when needed.

"I was inspired by the way these incredible people pulled together to serve with deep commitment and sensitivity."

Mrs Foster-Fulton began the trip on Monday, 12 February by travelling to the Defence Academy in Shrivenham, Oxfordshire and then to the nearby Armed Forces Chaplaincy Centre at Beckett House where she met Rev (Wg Cdr) David Richardson.

Following a tour of the facility where ongoing training to chaplains is provided, she observed the chaplaincy operations course before travelling to the Royal Army Chaplains' Museum.

On Tuesday, the Moderator visited the Chaplaincy Centre at RAF Brize Norton, also Oxfordshire, and was shown the base's transport aircraft.

Afterwards, an event was held for Shrove Tuesday at the Station Gym.

Later that day, Mrs Foster-Fulton travelled to nearby RAF Benson where she was able to see the base's Chinook and Puma helicopters, which she said "play a huge part in delivering humanitarian aid".

The day concluded with evening prayer and a tour of the RAF Benson chaplaincy.

On Wednesday, the Moderator travelled to RAF Halton in Buckinghamshire where she saw an overview of the basic recruit training course before travelling to the Trinity Community Centre, which supports personnel and their families.

In the afternoon, Mrs Foster-Fulton ended her trip by travelling to nearby RAF High Wycombe where she spoke with the Chaplain-in-Chief Ven Dr (AVM) Giles Legood.

She also met with Chief of Staff Personnel Air Commodore Alan Opie and Warrant Officer of the RAF WO Murugesvaran Subramanian.