Organization and Functioning of the Military Chaplaincy in the Army of the Czech Republic

Abstract

This article deals with exercising of the special law of accredited Churches and religious societies in the Czech Republic to authorize persons which pursue the pastoral activities into army system, it is to exercising the service of military chaplains. This model in Czech Republic is unique both on legislative, like as on organizational level. Military service in the Army was founded by the Agreement between the Ministry of Defence and the Ecumenical Council of Churches and the Czech Bishops’ Conference and the subsequent and established order of the Minister of Defence. The article summarizes the legislative framework for working of Churches in the army system; than describes the organization of military chaplaincy in the Czech Republic and Church activities in this area. The main content of work of military chaplains is the human formation of soldiers, action is essentially amissionary. This model is ecumenical one and different from the usual Catholic understanding of this service.