Plea for armed forces chaplains

Chaplains work wherever the armed forces are deployed

Church of Scotland ministers will be urged to consider signing up for the armed forces as a chaplain.

This year's General Assembly gathering, being held in Edinburgh, will be told that new recruits from the clergy's ranks are in short supply.

Padres are required wherever the armed forces are deployed.

Yet for the third year running, not one Kirk minister who is not already involved in chaplaincy has expressed an interest in armed services work.

In the RAF there are only four Church of Scotland chaplains - less than half the number required.

The assembly will hear an appeal for volunteers to come forward for all of the armed services.