A Church Militant: Anglicans and the Armed Forces from Queen Victoria to the Vietnam War

This book explores the relationship between Anglicans and the armed forces, the military heritage and history of the Anglican Communion, and the changing nature of this relationship between the mid-Victorian period and the 1970s.

Format: Hardback
Length: 512 pages
Publication date: 28 July 2022
Publisher: Oxford University Press

This comprehensive study delves into the intricate relationship between Anglicans and the armed forces, encompassing the military heritage and history of the Anglican Communion. It explores the evolving dynamics between the mid-Victorian period and the 1970s, a period marked by significant historical events such as imperial expansion, colonial conflicts, World Wars, the Cold War, wars of decolonization, and the Vietnam War. This era was characterized by unparalleled levels of armed conflict, making it the bloodiest in human history. It also witnessed the emergence of weapons of mass destruction that had the potential to obliterate entire civilizations.

The book aims to assess the significant contribution of the expansive Anglican Communion to the armed forces of the English-speaking world. It examines how this contribution has been remembered and commemorated over time. Furthermore, it delves into the challenging legacy that this relationship leaves for the Church of England in the twenty-first century.

One of the key aspects of the study is the examination of the role of Anglicanism in shaping the moral and ethical frameworks of military personnel. Anglicans have historically emphasized the importance of compassion, justice, and peace, and these values have been deeply ingrained in the military culture of many English-speaking countries. The Church has provided spiritual guidance and support to soldiers throughout history, offering solace and comfort in times of war and conflict.

However, the study also highlights the complexities and contradictions that arise in the relationship between Anglicans and the military. For example, while the Church has traditionally supported the just cause of war, it has also been critical of the excessive use of force and the violation of human rights. The Church has advocated for restraint, dialogue, and reconciliation in conflict resolution, and it has worked to promote peacebuilding and humanitarian efforts.

Another important aspect of the study is the examination of the impact of military service on Anglican clergy and laity. Many Anglican clergy members have served in the armed forces, and their experiences have shaped their perspectives on warfare and peace. Some have experienced the horrors of war firsthand, while others have worked to promote reconciliation and healing in post-conflict societies.

The study also explores the ways in which Anglicanism has been influenced by the changing nature of warfare and technology. The advent of nuclear weapons and the increasing sophistication of military technology have raised ethical and moral dilemmas for the Church and military personnel alike. The Church has grappled with the question of whether the use of weapons is ever justified and has worked to promote disarmament and arms control measures.

In conclusion, this comprehensive study provides a valuable insight into the relationship between Anglicans and the armed forces. It explores the military heritage and history of the Anglican Communion, the changing nature of this relationship between the mid-Victorian period and the 1970s, and the challenging legacy that this relationship leaves for the twenty-first century Church of England. The study highlights the important role that Anglicans have played in shaping the moral and ethical frameworks of military personnel and the contributions that the Church has made to promoting peace and humanitarian efforts. However, it also acknowledges the complexities and contradictions that arise in the relationship between Anglicans and the military and the need for continued dialogue and reflection on these issues.

Weight: 912g
Dimension: 164 x 242 x 35 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780192848321