EvanL
01-06-2004, 07:28 PM
EDMONTON - The Canadian Forces' first Muslim chaplain began work this week at the Edmonton Garrison, bringing a little more religious diversity to the military.
Capt. Suleyman Demiray, 37, is a Turkish-born Muslim cleric, or imam, who came to Canada 10 years ago and pursued a Masters degree from Carleton University in Ottawa.
While he's happy to finally be on the job, he is also feeling the weight of his new role, calling it a "big responsibility to represent a faith and you know … be (a) good model."
Two years ago, Demiray was invited to a dinner for the National Cemetery Project in Ottawa. "I met a couple of padres and they recommended me … I learned there was an openness there and I put in my application."
Officials estimate there are about 200 Muslim soldiers in the Canadian forces.
Cpl. Efros Hanif is one of them. While he has appreciated the work of Protestant and Roman Catholic chaplains during his 17 years in the service, he's thrilled to finally have an imam to touch base with.
"It's a bit more understanding, a connection."
Hanif compares it to a Protestant soldier talking to a Roman Catholic priest: "It's easier for him to talk to a Protestant priest. Or a person of Jewish faith talking to a Roman Catholic priest… it would be easier for him to talk to a rabbi… who understands."
Capt. Demiray says his chaplaincy shows a shift in thinking in the Canadian military – that it is becoming as diverse as the country it serves.
He will act as chaplain to soldiers of all faiths in his new posting.
Written by CBC News Online staff
Capt. Suleyman Demiray, 37, is a Turkish-born Muslim cleric, or imam, who came to Canada 10 years ago and pursued a Masters degree from Carleton University in Ottawa.
While he's happy to finally be on the job, he is also feeling the weight of his new role, calling it a "big responsibility to represent a faith and you know … be (a) good model."
Two years ago, Demiray was invited to a dinner for the National Cemetery Project in Ottawa. "I met a couple of padres and they recommended me … I learned there was an openness there and I put in my application."
Officials estimate there are about 200 Muslim soldiers in the Canadian forces.
Cpl. Efros Hanif is one of them. While he has appreciated the work of Protestant and Roman Catholic chaplains during his 17 years in the service, he's thrilled to finally have an imam to touch base with.
"It's a bit more understanding, a connection."
Hanif compares it to a Protestant soldier talking to a Roman Catholic priest: "It's easier for him to talk to a Protestant priest. Or a person of Jewish faith talking to a Roman Catholic priest… it would be easier for him to talk to a rabbi… who understands."
Capt. Demiray says his chaplaincy shows a shift in thinking in the Canadian military – that it is becoming as diverse as the country it serves.
He will act as chaplain to soldiers of all faiths in his new posting.
Written by CBC News Online staff