WASHINGTON — The Armed Forces Chaplaincy Board has approved the Baptist General Convention of Texas (BGCT) as a “recognized endorsing agency” for military chaplains.
As a result, BGCT is poised to begin endorsing chaplains for the first time.
The board unanimously approved the state Baptist convention in its regular July 24 meeting, said Bobby Smith, director of the BGCT’s Office of Chaplaincy Relations.
Since other federal agencies and nongovernment entities typically follow the Department of Defense’s lead, Smith said they are expected to recognize BGCT as an endorsing agency, as well.
Thirty-one people already have completed the necessary paperwork in order to be considered for endorsement by the BGCT when its Chaplaincy Endorsement Board meets in August or September, Smith said. Other applications are in process.
Three federal agencies utilize ordained chaplains — the Department of Defense, the Federal Bureau of Prisons and the Veterans Administration, Smith said.
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