February 16, 2010
OTTAWA – The Chaplain General, Brigadier-General David Kettle, issued the following statement today:
“I am aware of charges brought against retired Brigadier-general Roger Bazin, former Chaplain General, for what was then the Roman Catholic Chaplain Branch of the Canadian Forces. As the present Chaplain General, I was shocked by these allegations. I take very seriously the charges laid against a former Chaplain General for alleged actions committed while serving as a unit chaplain in 1972.
I will not comment on the charges as they are being dealt with by the criminal justice system, but I am certain that I speak for all Chaplains when I say that my heart goes out to the victims of such crimes, and their families.
The chaplains of the Canadian Forces undergo a thorough endorsement and selection process by their faith groups before joining Canada’s military. The Interfaith Committee of Canadian Military Chaplaincy (ICCMC) has among its responsibilities to recommend a nomination in the selection of Chaplains General, and is committed to ensuring that chaplains in the Canadian Forces uphold, for the welfare of all, the highest moral standard as dictated in the Code of Ethics for Chaplains.
The Chaplain Services remain committed to supporting and enhancing the effectiveness of the CF, their leadership, the men and women who serve and their families, through the provision of comprehensive religious and spiritual support, advice and care.
This office will cooperate with all parties involved in the investigation, including the Military Police and the Roman Catholic Military Ordinariate of Canada.”
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