The document outlines 50 years of humanist chaplaincy within the Dutch armed forces, emphasizing the principles of self-determination, equivalence, and responsibility inherent in humanism. It highlights the role of humanist chaplains in providing pastoral care to military personnel, veterans, and their families, in line with the Dutch constitution's emphasis on religious freedom and the equality of religious organizations. Humanist chaplains also engage in various support activities and training, promoting a human-centered approach to moral dilemmas and personal challenges faced by military members.

1. 50 Years of
Humanist
Chaplaincy in the
Dutch Armed
Forces

2. Humanism is one of the three
main cultural historical traditions
that have built the Netherlands

3. Unique values in Humanism are:
self-determination, equivalence
and responsibility

4. Humanists believe, according to
the Dutch Constitution, in the
freedom of religion for our
military, veterans and their
families

5. In the
Netherlands
we have a
separation
between
church and
state.
All (non)
religious
organisations
are treated
equally

6. The ‘Humanistisch Verbond’ is
fully acknowledged as the
endorsement organization by the
Dutch Government as one of the
six denominations that provide
pastoral care in the Armed Forces

7. The Statistics Administration in the
Netherlands calculated that 48,4% of the
Dutch population are non theistic

8. The Dutch Parliament think it is
important to facilitate secular
irreligious chaplaincy

9. Humanists know that no
religion has an exclusive right
to give an answer on the
questions about the meaning
of life

10. We respect other religions and we
work closely together

11. We are convinced in the own power of
human beings and their resilience

12. We provide professional chaplains
educated at universities, including
the University of Humanistic
Studies

13. We maintain
confidentialty
and use our
own code of
professional
standards

14. Humanist Chaplains took part in every
deployment, from Lebanon to
Afghanistan

15. We organize the same activities
for our military, veterans and their
families as our Christian
colleagues

16. From a humanist perspective we
give our own training to military
for example: the art of living, LGBT
discussion groups and Personal
Humanism

17. Humanists have their own traditions
and ceremonies. On June 21st we
celebrate World Humanist Day and
we provide weddings and funerals

18. We understand that military at
moral dilemmas search for an
answer in human conditions and
circumstances and not in a higher
power

19. We support and comfort people
with grief and loss by
listening, asking
questions, showing empathy and
unconditional commitment

20. Why Humanist Chaplaincy?
Because we care about
military, veterans and their
families!
Presentation made by
Humanist Chaplain
Commander Erwin A. Kamp MSc