The general secretary of the Canadian Council of Churches, Rev. Dr. Karen Hamilton, visited the Canadian Forces base in Kandahar in July, meeting with soldiers and military chaplains as well as the Religious Officer of the Afghan National Army.
Though there were many moving moments—including participation in a ramp ceremony for a Canadian soldier killed when a military vehicle was blown up—one thing that struck her was the sad state of the country’s agriculture and landscape. The need to replant trees and to rebuild and regenerate the agricultural sector is something conflict expert Remmelt Hummelen had told Hamilton was key to moving the country forward.
“What Afghanistan needs is life in all its complexity,” said Hamilton. “That means everything from security to education, to arts and crafts, to industry and trade.”
Her visit with the Religious Officer of the Afghan National Army, who gave her a tour of a rebuilt mosque and library, was a highlight. “The man has amazing energy, enthusiasm and optimism for the Afghan soldiers and for the ability of the religion officers to minister to their soldiers,” she said, noting that it takes 12 years of training to get to his position.
She spoke of the support they receive from the Canadian chaplains, and the relationship that exists for deepening the faith of the Afghan army.
Hamilton represents the CCC on the Interfaith Committee for Canadian Military Chaplaincy. The council is preparing another letter to the prime minister for the fall. The main requests will echo past letters on the war: to protect the vulnerable rather than engage in aggressive military action, focus on peace and rebuilding, and involve community and religious groups in decision-making.
