Press Release
☷Chaplain confidentiality “Go tell it to the chaplain”
U.S. Army ( By Press Release office)
Mar 17,2024
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This article , written by Chaplain ( Colonel ) Robert Nay and Chaplain ( Lieutenant Colonel ) Gary R . Rhodes from the U . S . Army Office of the Chief of Chaplains , marks the 80th anniversary of Army chaplain confidentiality on March 15 , 2024 . This confidentiality has been in place since the founding of the Army Chaplain Corps in 1775 , but it wasn ' t officially recognized in military regulations until the 1940s . Today , military members , their families , and authorized Defense Department civilians can trust that their conversations with chaplains are completely confidential , thanks to a Supreme Court ruling in 1980 and Rule 503 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice . This confidentiality allows chaplains and religious affairs specialists to provide support and guidance to those in need without fear of disclosure . The importance of chaplain confidentiality was highlighted during World War II when a Soldier confided in a chaplain about a wrongdoing . The chaplain maintained the Soldier ' s trust by not revealing his name , ultimately leading to the establishment of legal protection for chaplain confidentiality . This protection has since been shown to increase help - seeking behavior and decrease domestic violence within the military community . The commander allowed Scanlon to keep the Soldier ' s confidentiality , and a General Order was issued stating that all communications with chaplains would be treated as privileged . The War Department later clarified that any communication with a chaplain , whether in a confessional or not , is privileged and protected from disclosure . This privilege extends to prisoners of war as well . Since World War II , the Chaplain Corps and Judge Advocate General Corps have worked together to protect this privilege . Army regulations and manuals have reinforced the protection of privileged communication with chaplains . The Army Chaplain School developed training on confidentiality , emphasizing the importance of safeguarding Soldiers ' confidential communication . This training continues to this day , with a focus on providing absolute confidentiality in cyberspace . Army chaplains and religious affairs specialists ensure 100% confidentiality for all privileged communication related to religion or conscience . Being able to talk to a chaplain in confidence has been a long - standing tradition in the Army , helping soldiers , family members , and civilians to share their thoughts and receive support . This focus on hope and well - being strengthens the unity and resilience of Army communities . This concept of "go tell it to the chaplain" has been emphasized for years , highlighting the importance of seeking help when needed . This confidentiality has been studied and proven to be beneficial for soldiers in increasing their willingness to seek support . The role of chaplains as personal counselors has been recognized and valued throughout history in the Army .
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