I have always wondered why every chaplain in the world (military, prison and federal) is allowed to join the AME Chaplains Association, but not hospital chaplains. Many of the ministers in the AME Church who are hospital chaplains are what's called Board Certified by the Association of Professional Chaplains. Why are they excluded from this organization? Does anyone know? I know hospital chaplains that have attemmpted to join this organizations and have been excluded, yet hospital chaplains that are AME clergy have to receive a denominational endorsement from the endorsing Bishop of the AME Church. I have asked members of this organization why hospital chaplains are excluded and friends have inquired, but to no avail. Does anyone have a clue why things were set up this way? Thanks in advance!

-- Anonymous, February 10, 2004

Answers

Hospital Chaplains are included in this and have the same rights and priviliges. One in Particular Chaplain Leodis Strong who made a name for hisself at the last General Conference for being indecisive in rather he wnated to sit on stage withthe rest of the Chaplains or sit with his episcopal delegation as he made his comments from the mike. I am still waiting to hear from you.

-- Anonymous, February 12, 2004

For the benefit of those that may be interested in being recognized as AME Chaplains and/or those that may want to join the AME Chaplains Association, for those of you that are and/or have been aware of the fact that hospital chaplains are a part of the AME Chaplains Association, will you please post the contact name/address of the person one can write to regarding joining this organization. I didn't see any information in the discipline, or maybe I omitted that section. I think that would be helpful for both lay and clergy. God bless.

-- Anonymous, February 12, 2004

AJ -

Please see pages 230-231 and 611-615, The 2000 AME Discipline, for information about AME Chaplains. QED

-- Anonymous, February 12, 2004

Brother Bill, does the discipline mention anything about hospital chaplains, or am I loosing it?

-- Anonymous, February 13, 2004