I am completing my eleventh year as a volunteer chaplain with the Regina Police Service. I share the ministry with the Rev. Don Miles, a retired pastor with the Alliance Church of Canada.

It continues to be more clear that there is a need for chaplaincy programs in our society as we experience the social shift in the various institutions. The mainline Church not only has less influence in our society but it also has less contact with the general public through congregational life. The situation demands a different approach to ministry as the Church attempts to impact our society with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Police Chaplaincy is an avenue through which our Diocese provides Christian service.

One aspect of the police chaplaincy ministry is the diversity of the people to which we belong and are there to serve. There is a variance of faith perspectives as well as a general lack of understanding of Church tradition and practice. My role does not include relating to an individual as an Anglican priest unless that is a particular request. The primary role is to be a spiritual resource for the sworn and civilian members of the Service.

Don and I are committed to spend at least six hours each week in the ministry. That may be in the form of informal listening, planning a liturgical event, or participating in a formal event. Although there are a number in the Service who are active members of a local congregation, there are a large number which have no connection to any religious community. We are available to those who are searching for the sacrament of baptism and marriage as well as the arrangements for a funeral.

My partner and I are very fortunate to have the support and encouragement of the Chief of Police and the other senior officers. They provide us with the necessary resources necessary to be effective in our ministry. That support includes the opportunity to attend the annual training sessions held in Canada and the United States. (Note: the Rev. Allan Higgs was instrumental in the establishment of each of those organizations while he served as the RCMP Depot Chaplain).

I thank God for the opportunity to serve in this particular ministry through the support and encouragement of the people at St. Matthew.

Respectfully submitted,
Canon Blair A. Dixon