Sea or Shore-Worship in a 'Small Congregation': The Pastoral-Liturgical Identity of a Navy Chaplain

In the RAN, chaplains have sacramental responsibilities and liturgical functions. Each has pastoral outcomes. In the pastoral-liturgical identity of a RAN chaplain, what is navy and what is Christian? How does the ordo fit into navy worship? Do RAN rituals, ceremonies, and symbols have an identity of their own? How can navy symbols be broken for the purposes of ship’s company? Using the methodology of juxtaposition by Lathrop, the RAN chaplain is explored as a powerful human symbol immersed in the juxtapositions of the ordo and navy community. The pastoral-liturgical identity of a RAN chaplain is seen by recognising liturgy as the ‘whole of life’ that is navy service and Christian ministry.