Defence Anglicans

Chaplains: Supporting the Australian Defence Force family… anywhere, anytime.

Remembering The Sacrifice: Anzac Day 2024

Grant Dibden, Anglican Bishop to the Australian Defence Force, shares the story of sacrifice about Corporal Reginald Samuel Thorn from Broken Hill, NSW.

A recently discovered letter from Corporal Thorn was sent one day prior to his sacrifice at Pozières, France.

At deaths door, Reginald Thorn’s letter shares the hope of a better place beyond the grave made available through the greatest sacrifice made by Jesus.

Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. John 15:13

Image Corporal Reginald Samuel Thorn, 10 Battalion, AIF
Play Video about Image Corporal Reginald Samuel Thorn, 10 Battalion, AIF

Sign-up to our News and Updates to be notified of any special events and announcements. You’ll be notified direct to your email in-box.

Image of Local children (L-R), Jesmina and Velona, watch on as Australian Defence Force personnel conduct Phase 2 of the Vanuatu Government National Emergency Radio Network in Kerembei, Maewo.
Play Video

Connect - Chaplains

We make a difference by working alongside Defence Force personnel by listening, advising and supporting them.

Inform

Learn about the scope of the Defence Anglican Chaplaincy, history, activities, leadership, beliefs, and services across the Australian Defence Force.

Image of Petty Officer Musician Nigel Barrett plays the Last Post during a commemoration of the 23rd anniversary of the fire aboard HMAS Westralia (II) in the chapel at HMAS Stirling, Western Australia.
Play Video

Events - Key Australian Commemorations

We provide resources to assist you in conducting events related to the Australian Story.

ANZAC DAY

ANZAC Day Resources provide key information in running an ANZAC Day Ceremony
APRIl 25

AUSTRALIA DAY

Australia Day reflects on the nation’s diverse people and their story. We provide resources to assist
January 26

OTHER COMMEMORATIONS

Events, Battles and other Special days are significant in the life of Australia and the Defence Force.

FAQs - Frequently Asked Questions

Defence Chaplains get asked the best questions related to the defence force, life in general spirituality and being a christian, here are some of those questions:

Q Is my conversation confidential?

Yes Indeed, In fact we can’t divulge any information due to the privacy laws of Australia. The integrity of a Chaplain is that of confidentiality.

Q Can Christian’s serve in the military?

There’s nothing in the Bible that precludes Christians serving in the Military.

Q Who is Jesus?

According to the New Testament of the Bible, “Jesus, also called Jesus Christ, is God the Son, God in the flesh.  After a public ministry of preaching and performing miracles, Jesus was sentenced to death.  He died a gritty death by crucifixion on a Roman cross, but He rose from the grave, victorious over Satan, sin, and death itself.  All who believe in Jesus and put him in charge of their life will spend eternity with Him in heaven.”

What people say

Hear what some serving Members say about Chaplains

News and Updates

Prayer Diary Sign up

Signing up for the prayer diary taps you into regular prayer encouragement, a way to pray, and ideas for things to pray for focused on Defence and the Nation. Sign up below to receive daily prayer emails to your inbox.

News Updates Sign Up

We occasionally release a newsletter to bring people up to date on what’s occurring, matters of importance and celebrations. Sign up below to receive our updates to your email inbox.

Defence Anglicans