A full time police chaplain has been appointed in the Thames Valley to build bridges with the Muslim community, especially in the wake of the terror attacks on the London tube.
The Revd Mark Badger is based at Kidlington, alongside Thames Valley Police’s headquarters. It is the first time the Force has had a full time chaplain. He is there to provide pastoral care for the police, and to act as a ‘facilitator’ for other faith communities.
He said the London terror attacks in July had given his work a particular focus. ‘We need to be ready to bring in faith groups to respond to major incidents, as happened after the London bombings. ‘I’m here to build bridges, to talk to other faith communities and the police,’ he said.
He is establishing a multi-faith chaplaincy team, and is looking to recruit up to 50 voluntary police chaplains, who will each have a station to look after. So far he has recruited ordained and lay Christians, Sikhs, Muslims and a pagan. He said: ‘It is very important for the wider community to have a multi-faith team, so we can be involved in dialogue between the police and other faith communities.’
The Bishop of Dorchester, the Rt Revd Colin Fletcher, worked closely with the police over Mark’s appointment. ‘I’m delighted with the progress Mark is making in this post. His work will benefit us as a Diocese and the police’s relationships with churches and other faiths through the Thames Valley region,’ he said.
Mark can be contacted on 01865 846916 or mark.badger@thamesvalley.pnn.police.uk
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