Spiritual fitness can be a good defence against the chaos of war.
That's the message South Pacific military chaplains and faith leaders wanted to spread when they met in Canberra for the second Pacific Defence Faith Forum from March 29 to April 4.
Chaplains from Australia, Chile, France, Fiji, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea and Tonga spoke about the challenges personnel could face if they were sent to war.
Army Principal Chaplain Kerry Larwill said they also talked about spiritual fitness and conditioning.
"The alignment of our service members' beliefs, values and behaviours can prepare them to fight and die for their nation and know why," Principal Chaplain Larwill said.
The forum focused on Pacific voices and perspectives, enabling greater cooperation and coordination for military chaplaincy throughout the region.
In 2023, it was decided the Pacific Defence Faith Network would be established as an outcome of the South Pacific Defence Ministers' Meeting.
Principal Chaplain Larwill believes we can't be good neighbours without acknowledging the faith and spirituality of our partners.
'We're listening to each other and we're using the Pacific Island idea of talanoa [to talk or discuss] to bring people together and share stories.'
New Zealand Chaplain William Hay said building relationships with other chaplains gave him more confidence to operate.
"It's about building those people-to-people connections and trust in our region," Chaplain Hay said.
"I can tap into the shared language of faith and culture and things we can speak to."
For Papua New Guinea Chaplain Bernard Nosum, the week meant bringing God's hope and healing to people back home.
He said when people see a chaplain, they feel stabilised and comfortable to approach them.
"We represent God; they feel healed because they know that God is there," Chaplain Nosum said.
He believes the network, a previously missing element for Pacific Islander people, would have a big impact on the lives of personnel.
Principal Chaplain Larwill said Australia's Pacific partnerships were built on mutual respect, trust, and strong and enduring personal connections.
"We're listening to each other and we're using the Pacific Island idea of talanoa [to talk or discuss] to bring people together and share stories," Principal Chaplain Larwill said.
