RELIGION ABOARD SYDNEY

Press, Volume XCI, Issue 27670, 28 May 1955, Page 8

RELIGION ABOARD SYDNEY

AIRCRAFT-CARRIER’S “BISHOPS” To look after the religious welfare of a company of nearly 1200 men the Light fleet aircraft-carrier HMA.S. Sydney carries two chaplains, or, as they are known to the men they serve, “bishops.” They are the Bev. T. Kingston, of Victoria, the Roman Catholic chaplain, and the Rev. J. A. Wilson, of New South Wales, a Methodist minister, who serves Protestant denominations.

The chaplains have had basic naval training and are required before entering a navy “parish” to attend a six weeks divisional officers’ course at the Flinders Naval Depot. They even do parade ground training— “I don’t know what for,” said “Bishop” Wilson yesterday. “Perhaps it is to call the congregation to attention.” The aircraft-carrier’s official church services ate held on Sunday mornings on the acre and a half flight deck. Between 600 and 700 men attend the services. When the carrier was flying aircraft the men had to stand up, but now the ship is in a training role it is hoped to be able to provide seating. On deck 5 below the main deck is a small chapel with accommodation for about 30 men. As well as being used for communion services and

masses it is also a quiet place where many men go for private devotions, and where Toe H meetings and discussion groups are held. The cnaplains find that the men are very responsive to them, “providing the Christian faith is presented to them in a down-to-earth and matterr of-fact way.” • Much of their time is spent in counselling, which they believe to have great therapeutic value. They say that a man with mental stresses cannot work efficiently, and if they can help him to find relief they have contributed to the efficiency of the ship. The ship’s company will hold a devotional service at 9JO am. tomorrow. The lesson will be read by a national serviceman, whose deck will choose