Courtesy Photo | Chief Petty Officer (SW/AW) Leon Whaley, yeoman, leads non-denominational religious...... read more read more
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By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class (SW/AW) Andrew McCord,
CARIBBEAN SEA — Sailors aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Wasp have two new lay leaders aboard to assist with guiding them in their personal faiths. Wasp Training Officer Lt. Bradley Lewis has assumed the responsibility as the Jewish faith lay leader, and Chief Yeoman (SW/AW) Leon Whaley has assumed the responsibility as the non-denominational Christian lay leader.
"Although chaplains are responsible for ensuring that freedom of worship is provided to all personnel, they also facilitate religious services for all," said Wasp Command Chaplain Cmdr. Dean Hoelz. "Since chaplains are not faith specific for all religious groups, lay leaders, who belong to a specific faith group, are appointed by the [commanding officer] to lead worship for the particular group to [which] they are a member. The lay leader will see that worship is carried out in accordance with that group's prescribed religious customs and practices."
Hoelz noted lay leader positions carry great responsibility, especially to those members who they intend to lead in their respective faith. He added that there is a process involved that includes training and, what could be considered a religious background check on the individuals prior to their appointments.
"Lay leaders attend training that is provided by the chaplains at Norfolk Fleet Ministry Center," said Hoelz. "They need to have a letter from the Pastor, Rabbi or Iman, from their home church, synagogue or mosque, stating that they are a person in good standing. With the proper endorsements from their religious leader and successful completion of lay leader training, the commanding officer then appoints the lay leader in writing for this important position."
Lewis explained lay leadership onboard is not only about guidance and fellowship, but also about achieving a better understanding of one's faith through communication with others.
"I grew up not understanding much about Judaism, or with not as great an understanding as I would have liked," said Lewis. "When I met my wife, I got more involved in my faith and was able to learn more. Being a lay leader on Wasp means that I'm responsible for ensuring faith members have opportunities onboard to express and embrace their faith. It was something I wanted to do, and something that felt right to do."
Whaley, a licensed minister in the state of Virginia, said that while his reasons for becoming a lay leader were numerous, his main goal was to assist Sailors on their paths of faith.
"Just being a leader, and helping Sailors with their transformation of belief and mind makes it worth it," said Whaley, Administration Division Leading Chief Petty Officer. "In this role I have the opportunity to be an example for those that maybe want to believe, but just don't know how."
Wasp is currently deployed on Southern Partnership Station-Amphib 2009 with Destroyer Squadron 40 and embarked Security Cooperation Marine Air-Ground Task Force. SPS is part of the Partnership of the Americas Maritime Strategy that focuses on building interoperability and cooperation in the region to meet common challenges.
| Date Taken: | 12.04.2009 |
| Date Posted: | 12.08.2009 18:44 |
| Story ID: | 42467 |
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| Web Views: | 182 |
| Downloads: | 142 |
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