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Organization works with other faiths to provide chaplaincy ministry.
The Salvation Army expanded its chaplaincy ministry at Scotland’s Glasgow Airport, appointing a new officer to serve alongside current chaplain Commissioner Keith Banks.
Captain Stephen Baker–originally from Pennsylvania–will join the chaplaincy team, supporting passengers and staff. Approximately 30,000 passengers pass through the airport every day.
The Salvation Army chaplaincy team–which also includes Jim McDonald, a Salvation Army volunteer–are available to respond to any call for assistance, from an individual to the demands of a major incident, offering assistance to distressed passengers and supporting family members.
The mission of the chaplaincy team is to be there for anyone who needs its service, regardless of denomination, faith or creed.
“I’m so excited by this new role,” Baker said. “It sounds daunting because of the vastness of the airport but I can’t wait to get started. I have a heart and a passion for chaplaincy so this is a wonderful opportunity.
“We have a fantastic team in place at the airport, which is well respected and trusted by staff and passengers. Keith himself has such a wealth of experience and it will be an honor for me to work with him.”
Current chaplain Banks has been in his post for nearly seven years but has served as a Salvation Army officer in different parts of the world for almost 53 years.
“It’s an absolutely incredible opportunity for Stephen and The Salvation Army,” Banks said. “It demonstrates the vital role our chaplaincy team plays at the airport.
“Of course it’s not just The Salvation Army involved. I am supported by a team of representatives from other faiths that I can call on.
“Our chaplaincy roles at the airport are very complex. Stephen will support me two days a week but because of the nature of the airport I could need him for 10 hours one day and none the next. We could also be called to support in the event of an emergency situation so we need to be flexible.”
New assistant chaplain Baker moved to the U.K. in 2002 after meeting his wife Joanna at a Salvation Army summer camp in the U.S. in 1998.
The couple married in 2003, entered The Salvation Army’s training college in 2005, and were commissioned as officers in 2007. They have three children: Kaitlyn (11), Rachael (9) and Samuel (4).
“This is also a new step for Joanna as well,” Baker said. “She’ll become the commanding officer of The Salvation Army in East Kilbride and I will be there to support her in any way I can. I’ll be assisting two people to do other jobs so it will be a new experience for me. But it’s one I’m looking forward to.”
Major Russell Wyles, leader of The Salvation Army in the west of Scotland, said: “We are delighted at the appointment of Captain Stephen. His role underlines the good relationship we have with Glasgow Airport and the respect in which Keith and his chaplaincy team are held.”
From salvationarmy.org.uk
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