Elder Soares Testifies of ‘God of All Comfort’ to Church-Endorsed Chaplains

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By Trent Toone, Church News

Speaking to several hundred Latter-day Saint chaplains and their spouses, Elder Ulisses Soares of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles said the need for the ministry of chaplains has never been greater.

“Now, more than ever, your ministry is needed. In a time where religiosity is waning and secularism is gaining, the need for chaplains is paramount,” the Apostle said. “I would like to leave you with some words of comfort and my witness of the ‘God of all comfort.’”

Elder Soares delivered his message as the concluding speaker of the 2023 Chaplain Training Seminar, an annual event held in the Conference Center Theater each October following general conference for chaplains endorsed by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Elder Soares was joined at the annual chaplain seminar Tuesday by Elder Matthew L. Carpenter, who serves as a General Authority Seventy adviser to the Church’s Military Advisory Committee, and his wife, Sister Shelly B. Carpenter. Elder Lance B. Wickman, an emeritus General Authority and veteran of the Vietnam War, also delivered remarks.

On a fun note, the seminar was temporarily delayed so the audience could sing “Happy Birthday” to Elder Soares, who celebrated his 65th birthday on October 2.

See a related story in Church News 1st day of 2023 Chaplain Training Seminar celebrates history of female chaplains

The Need for Chaplaincy

Thirty years ago, more than 90% of Americans identified as Christians. Today, only 63% of Americans associate with Christians, according to a Pew Research study. Many of those leaving Christianity are joining a growing group of society known as “nones,” who are religiously unaffiliated.

“If this trend continues, Christianity will become a minority in just a few decades,” Elder Soares said. “This group of religiously unaffiliated is poised to overtake Christianity here in the United States as the majority.”

This trend will have great implications for the ministry of chaplains, who serve people of all faiths and religious backgrounds.

“The fact that you are embedded primarily within secular institutions to help God’s children connect with the spiritual and with each other is why the chaplaincy is growing, despite declining religiosity in our society,” Elder Soares said. “You, the chaplains of the Church of Jesus Christ, thrive in that battleground between religion and secularism. Your ministry succors, lifts and comforts both those who desire it and those who thought they didn’t.”

Elder Soares cited another 2022 Gallup survey that found one in four Americans have interacted with a chaplain at some point in their lives. The survey also found:

• Most people said their interaction with a chaplain was valuable to them (44% call it very valuable and 32% moderately valuable).
• Those who interacted with a chaplain almost universally ascribe positive characteristics to that person, with 95% calling them compassionate and roughly nine in 10 recalling them being a good listener, spiritual, helpful, trustworthy and knowledgeable.
• Nine in 10 say the chaplain listened to them or others or prayed with or for them or others.
• About eight in 10 say the chaplain offered needed comfort or spiritual or religious guidance.
• Although less common, many people reported the chaplain provided practical assistance, such as helping them navigate a conflict, directing them to resources or performing a religious ritual, such as a marriage.

The Apostle said the seminar’s theme, “The God of All Comfort” (2 Corinthians 1:3-4), “wonderfully” reflects the ministry of a chaplain.

“You truly answer the call of the ‘God of comfort’ in comforting ‘them which are in any trouble,’” he said. “In return, God will comfort you. I testify that God will bless and sustain you because of who you are and what you do. ... Never forget whose name you call on, who you represent, and whose name you profess.”

Why Chaplaincy Matters

Elder Soares encouraged the chaplains to “‘press forward with a perfect brightness of hope’ (2nd Nephi 31:20), knowing that the Lord Jesus Christ is aware of your sacrifices and service.”

“As difficult as some of the trials in life are, the ‘God of comfort’ is alive and well. He is mindful of you and will help you learn from your trials as you turn to Him in faith,” Elder Soares said.

Elder Soares repeatedly taught that a chaplain’s ministry matters to those they serve.

“As chaplains, you witness of the ‘God of comfort’ to those both outside and inside the house of faith. ... Through your experiences and through your calling as chaplains, you can help them all find comfort in knowing there is a purpose and a plan for this life.”

“Through your fearless righteousness, you can encourage a Zion-like culture among people. Yours is the stewardship to help those in the midst of trials, tribulations, and conflict grow closer to God.”

Elder Soares concluded his remarks with his witness of the Savior Jesus Christ and a prayer in his heart for each chaplain.

“I pray that each one of you will show forth impeccable integrity and possess all the qualities desired in a chaplain — complete fidelity, unquestioned faithfulness, personal worthiness, and the courage to stand for religious values in an increasingly secular world. I bless you that as you protect and strengthen religious liberties, you in turn will be protected and strengthened,” he said. “I bless you to be comforted as you comfort His children.”

Camille Barlow, Utah’s wing chaplain for the Civil Air Patrol, has attended the seminar with her husband Sean Barlow for more than six years. She was moved by the Apostle’s love for the Savior and all those who serve the Savior. His message and testimony, as well as the rest of the seminar, resonated with her.

“God’s comfort is available to all, including to us as chaplains,” the chaplain said. “No one is immune from the hardships of life and His comfort is for every single one of us, regardless of where we are on the path. The gospel is full of hope and peace, and that comes from our Savior.”

Following his remarks, Elder Soares remained in the Conference Center Theater to greet each chaplain and spouse.

Power of Patterns

Prior to Elder Soares’ remarks, Elder and Sister Carpenter taught chaplains about the power of patterns using examples from righteous military leaders found in the Book of Mormon, with the greatest example being Jesus Christ.

“Jesus Christ is the Captain of our souls,” Elder Carpenter said.

One of God’s names in the Bible is “the Lord of Hosts.” Elder Carpenter said it is used 235 times in the Bible. The literal meaning of “Lord of Hosts” in Hebrew is “Lord of armies.” One of the meanings for “Army” in the Merriam-Webster dictionary is “a body of persons organized to advance a cause.”

“An army of chaplains,” he said. “I love that.”

The Carpenters highlighted righteous patterns using the following examples:

• Captain Moroni — He rallied the people to a righteous cause.
• George Washington — He consistently prayed for heavenly help.
• Alma the Younger — He fasted and prayed many days to learn for himself, then testified boldly of the truth he had learned.
• Joan of Arc — She encouraged and taught repentance.
• Helaman — His leadership helped inspire his 2,060 warriors.

Elder and Sister Carpenter concluded by thanking the chaplains for their service and encouraged them to look for role models and righteous leaders to follow. They also urged the chaplains to draw upon righteous patterns outlined in the scriptures.

“As you study them and apply them in your own lives, you can bring those under your stewardship to a closer relationship with God,” Elder Carpenter said.

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