AR165-1

5–5. Distinctive faith group leaders

a. Distinctive faith group leaders may provide ministry on an exception to policy basis when military chaplains are not available to meet the faith group coverage requirements of soldiers and their families.

b. Distinctive faith group leaders—

(1) Are normally volunteers.

(2) Do not function as military chaplains.

(3) Must be sponsored and supervised by an assigned chaplain.

(4) May receive offerings at services they conduct with the funds being handled IAW chapter 14 of this regulation.

(5) Will receive no payment for their services, travel, or other expenses from APF (unless under contract). Military members will not be paid. However, if these leaders are nonmilitary full-time ordained clergy, they may be contracted. Pay rates will not exceed the contract prices for civilian clergy contracted with APF.

(6) Will not perform collective Protestant services.

c. Distinctive faith group leaders seeking to provide religious services in chapel or unit facilities must submit an application (to be resubmitted for approval upon change of sponsoring chaplain) to the local installation chaplain for approval. The prospective leader must—

(1) Be approved by a religious organization recognized by the AFCB or recognized as a tax-exempt religious organization by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). In the latter case, the prospective distinctive faith group leader shall submit a letter of approval by an authorized leader of the distinctive faith group with a full description of the group. This will include its origin, the length of time it has existed, and the number of members of the parent faith group.

(2) Establish the need for the requested distinctive faith group service.

(3) Provide a list of those persons requesting the service.

(4) Provide an explanation of why the service cannot be conducted by a military chaplain.

(5) Provide reasons why the local chaplain-led services cannot meet the specific theological/denominational requirements of the group.

(6) Establish with the installation chaplain that the proposed distinctive faith group leader is qualified for the position.

d. Distinctive faith group leaders will not conduct services before approval by the MACOM/STARC/USARC MSC Staff Chaplain.