100 Years of Christian Scientists in Military Chaplaincy
The pastor’s heart and the heart of the Church must always be profoundly compassionate.”
—Chaplain Janet Horton, Christian Science Sentinel, November 14, 2011
Christian Science chaplains have been involved in every major conflict since World War I. Although duties have evolved, in many ways their core mission of ministry remains the same. Chaplains today have also provided ministry in military prisons and veterans hospitals. They are still influenced by Mary Baker Eddy’s belief that philanthropy is part of a healing outreach to the world.
Fort Irwin, California: Chaplain Brian Hall conducts a Protestant field worship service at National Training Center, amid a training exercise. In attendance, from left to right: Staff Sergeant Candice Piercy; First Lieutenant Dustin Brown; Staff Sergeant Omar Cedeno; First Lieutenant Molly Baker; and First Lieutenant Chris Becker.
Chaplain Brian Hall conducts a Protestant field worship service, April 2016. Photograph by Specialist Talisha Young. Courtesy of Brian Hall.
The success of the Christian Science chaplaincy over the past 100 years can be attributed to a blending of old and new traditions, as well as a willingness to evolve with the times. Following the Korean War, The Mother Church placed more emphasis on interfaith collaboration and ministering more widely to communities in need. Through training programs and periodic conferences, dialogue about what constituted a chaplain’s role progressed.
After Vietnam the US military chaplaincy expanded to include women. In 1976 Janet Horton became the first woman Christian Scientist endorsed and commissioned as a chaplain. She faced considerable resistance but through persistence gained respect. Horton went on to have a 28-year career as a chaplain. In her words, “It is satisfying to realize that we all joined together to make history—to establish equity and opportunity for all….”
Chaplain Janet Horton and Dick Mather, Endorsing Agent, The First Church of Christ, Scientist, October 1998. Church Archives, Box 35975, Folder 346958.
Janet Horton served in Korea, Germany, and at the Pentagon, where she was stationed on 9/11. She also served as Executive Director of the Armed Forces Chaplains Board, where she continued to challenge the status quo. Thanks to her efforts, women can now wear pants with their dress blues.
Janet Horton has written several poems about her experiences as a chaplain. This poem (shown below) in particular showcases the importance of her work—and tells how much it has impacted her life. View poem text.
Faxed poem by Janet Horton, Church Archives, Box 35875, Folder 346958.
Terese “Terri” Erickson – excerpts from our oral history project
Terese “Terri” Erickson in uniform, c.1987. Unknown photographer. Church Archives, Box 35975, Folder 346972.
Terese Erickson was appointed chaplain in 1984 and served in the US Air Force until 2009. She was the first woman to serve as a senior chaplain in the South Pacific.
Terese Erickson, interviewed by Stephen Graham and Judy Huenneke, June 13, 2018.
Erickson discusses her motives for joining the chaplaincy.
Erickson tells how she faced sexism when entering chaplain training. Describing her experiences, she talks about how Chaplain Janet Horton inspired her.
Erickson explains how the approach she took in her ministry influenced chaplains of other faiths, helping them to better understand Christian Science, as well as their own roles.
