Military chaplains meet in Romania for 34th annual international conference
The IMCCC forum promotes religious freedom and strengthens those relationships required to exchange ideas, inspire creative solutions, and implement interoperability amongst international religious leaders serving our military members and their families in this theater and beyond
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Military chaplains meet in Romania for 34th annual international conference
Military chaplains from the U.S. and 27 NATO Ally and partner nations met in Bucharest, Romania, for the 34th iteration of the International Military Chiefs of Chaplains Conference (IMCCC), Feb. 6-10, 2023.
One hundred and eight delegates from 27 countries, representing over 30 religious denominations, attended the four-day conference cohosted by U.S. European Command and the Romanian Ministry of National Defense.
Photo by: U.S. European Command Public Affairs
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Military chaplains meet in Romania for 34th annual international conference
Chaplain delegates from Canada and the U.S. Army attend the formal gala dinner at the National Military Circle, hosted by the Romanian chief of staff. The gala was part of the 34th annual International Military Chiefs of Chaplains Conference (IMCCC), where chaplains from the U.S. and 27 NATO Ally and partner nations met in Bucharest, Romania, Feb. 6-10, 2023.
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Military chaplains meet in Romania for 34th annual international conference
U.S. Army Chaplain (Lt. Col.) Kelly Porter, U.S. European Command deputy command chaplain, listens to religious leaders from the Orthodox, Roman Catholic and Protestant faith groups discuss the role of a military chaplain serving in today’s world. Military chaplains from the U.S. and 27 NATO Ally and partner nations met in Bucharest, Romania, for the 34th iteration of the International Military Chiefs of Chaplains Conference (IMCCC), Feb. 6-10, 2023.
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Military chaplains meet in Romania for 34th annual international conference
A delegate from the Slovakian armed forces displays his military chaplain patch at the 34th annual International Military Chiefs of Chaplains Conference (IMCCC) in Bucharest, Romania, Feb. 6-10, 2023.
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Military chaplains meet in Romania for 34th annual international conference
Military chaplains from the U.S. and 27 NATO Ally and partner nations met in Bucharest, Romania, for the 34th iteration of the International Military Chiefs of Chaplains Conference (IMCCC), Feb. 6-10, 2023.
One hundred and eight delegates from 27 countries, representing over 30 religious denominations, attended the four-day conference cohosted by U.S. European Command and the Romanian Ministry of National Defense.
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Military chaplains meet in Romania for 34th annual international conference
Delegates from the Ukrainian armed forces visit a refugee center at Holy Trinity Baptist Church in Romania, where they were offered prayer in support of Ukraine and learned more about local ministry for displaced people. The visit was part of the 34th annual International Military Chiefs of Chaplains Conference (IMCCC), where chaplains from the U.S. and 27 NATO Ally and partner nations met in Bucharest, Romania, Feb. 6-10, 2023.
Military chaplains from the U.S. and 27 NATO Ally and partner nations met in Bucharest, Romania, Feb. 6-10 for the 34th iteration of the International Military Chiefs of Chaplains Conference (IMCCC).
The annual conference serves as an international and interfaith forum for dialogue among military chaplain leadership to enhance partnerships, foster cooperation and bolster mutually supportive working relationships.
One-hundred-eight delegates from 27 countries and representing over 30 religious denominations, attended the four-day conference cohosted by U.S. European Command and the Romanian Ministry of National Defense. The conference was the first in-person gathering since 2020. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the conference was held on a virtual platform the last two years. Several keynote speakers representing the military and academia delivered remarks during the conference, including retired Maj. Gen. Dondi Costin, president of Charleston Southern University.
In the conference program, USEUCOM Deputy Commander U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Steven Basham welcomed participants, stating, “Russia’s attacks have solidified the international community to stand together, give comfort and aid, and exercise those core principles that support a peaceful and stable world. Our forces look to chaplains to provide the spiritual counseling and support that enables them to stand strong and maintain resolve in the face of atrocities and reckless devastation. You ensure our most vital resource, our people, are able to maintain and support their nations, families and selves.”
The first IMCCC was held in February 1990, when the USEUCOM chaplain’s office coordinated a NATO Chiefs of Chaplains Conference in Stuttgart, Germany. Through the years, participation has expanded to include allies and partners outside of NATO and Europe.
“The USEUCOM motto, ‘Stronger Together’ also applies to religious affairs operations,” said U.S. Air Force Col. Chris LaPack, USEUCOM command chaplain. “The IMCCC forum promotes religious freedom and strengthens those relationships required to exchange ideas, inspire creative solutions, and implement interoperability amongst international religious leaders serving our military members and their families in this theater and beyond,” he said. “The end result is our warriors and families receive better pastoral and spiritual care and our commanders receive better advisement on the impact of religion on military operations.”
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U.S. European Command is one of two U.S. forward-deployed geographic combatant commands whose area of focus spans across Europe, portions of Asia and the Middle East, the Arctic and Atlantic oceans. The command is composed of approximately 70,000 military and civilian personnel and is responsible for U.S. defense operations and relations with NATO and 51 countries. For more information about U.S. European Command, visit https://www.eucom.mil.
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