At the beginning of each new year, ecclesiastial endorsers for military and VA Hospital chaplains and church officials of many denominations travel to the Nation's Capital, namely Alexandria, Virginia, for the following endorsers conferences which begin on Monday, January 9, 2017:
The NAE Commission on Chaplains, NCMAF (National Conference on Ministry to the Armed Forces), ECVAC (Endorsers Conference for Veterans Affairs Chaplaincy), and AFCB (Armed Forces Chaplains Board) meetings.
For the first time in 25 or more years there will not be a Centurion Banquet. That dinner banquet, one of the highlights of the week, was always scheduled on Tuesday evenings.
In addition there is the Chaplain Alliance for Religious Freedom meeting on Wednesday evening. Bishop Thompson, Chairman of Chaplains Ministries, IPHC Council will be there for the NAECC on Monday, but he will return to OKC on Tuesday for the GMC Day of Prayer on Wednesday.
There are significant changes that have been made during the last year. Jerry Jones and Bishop Chris Thompson will be briefed on those changes. Hopefully with the new administration of President Donald J. Trump signifcant chanages will be forthcoming and our chaplains and servicemembers will have a greater freedom of religion.
The NAE Commission on Chaplains, NCMAF (National Conference on Ministry to the Armed Forces), ECVAC (Endorsers Conference for Veterans Affairs Chaplaincy), and AFCB (Armed Forces Chaplains Board) meetings.
For the first time in 25 or more years there will not be a Centurion Banquet. That dinner banquet, one of the highlights of the week, was always scheduled on Tuesday evenings.
In addition there is the Chaplain Alliance for Religious Freedom meeting on Wednesday evening. Bishop Thompson, Chairman of Chaplains Ministries, IPHC Council will be there for the NAECC on Monday, but he will return to OKC on Tuesday for the GMC Day of Prayer on Wednesday.
There are significant changes that have been made during the last year. Jerry Jones and Bishop Chris Thompson will be briefed on those changes. Hopefully with the new administration of President Donald J. Trump signifcant chanages will be forthcoming and our chaplains and servicemembers will have a greater freedom of religion.