As the summer slips seamlessly into autumn, so the party political conferences start on a new round of fringe meetings, party leader speeches and a time to network and build up the morale of the troops!  The same could be said of the Agricultural Chaplains Association.  Not I may hasten to add, are we aligned to any political party!  We are very much apolitical, although there are occasions that we have to speak up against injustice either in farming or rural areas!

By the time you have read this article, the Association will have had our Annual General Meeting and Conference.  This year will mark yet another slow increase in membership.  This is good because we can serve more in the farming community and rural areas.

So, what will the highlights of our Conference be?  We have finally produced our new, long awaited Foundation Training Course for chaplains.  As a result of this, we have been asked to trial it in Salisbury Diocese.  Agricultural Chaplaincy is now playing a much greater part in the Diocese, both in livestock markets, specialist sheep or machinery sales and out and about on farms.   Plans are now afoot to recruit one or two chaplains in each Deanery.  This is very good news as it appears to be unique to Salisbury.  Watch this space!  Work has increased this year with other Dioceses, Districts, Circuits and Synods.  We are very slowly beginning to receive enquiries with setting up chaplaincies and how to do it.

The Association is here to support those who provide us with our daily food.  The farming community has the responsibility of feeding nations.  What an awesome responsibility that is.  We do our bit to help them!  If there is any way we can liaise with you help farmers or rural areas, then please do be in touch.

Revd Richard Kirlew
Chairman – The Agricultural Chaplains Association
[email protected]
www.agrichaplains.or.uk