What Is The Defence Christian Network (DCN)?
The DCN is a unified, multi-denominational Christian Network for both military personnel and MOD Civil Servants. Its mission is ‘To connect, support and inspire Christians across Defence, make a Christian contribution to D&I and support the MOD’s engagement objectives by reaching out to Christians in wider society.’ The DCN exists to support Christians from a wide range of backgrounds and has adopted the Nicene Creed as an ancient and inclusive Basis of Belief. The vision of the DCN is ‘A visible, unified, quad-service Christian community, growing together in faith, providing a positive Christian presence in the MOD and making a valued contribution towards Defence engagement.’
How can I join the DCN?
Individuals may become members of the DCN by joining one of our member organisations. These include the Military Christian Fellowships and Christian Workplace Groups both listed below. In addition, individuals may ask to receive periodic DCN updates by emailing us at:
Our Military Christian Fellowships
Armed Forces’ Christian Union
The AFCU is a quad-service UK military Christian fellowship. Its main areas of work are: prayer for our serving members; discipling members through events and visits; and providing quality resources.
Catholic Military Association (CMA)
To inspire new saints for Christ on the sea land and air. We are the lay association of military Catholics. Wherever you are on your journey, we cooperate together to strive closer to God’s plan for us.
Soldiers’ and Airmens’ Scripture Readers Association (SASRA)
SASRA provides uniformed Scripture Readers who work alongside Chaplains to support our service personnel pastorally and spiritually, with the aim of introducing them to a practical experience of the Christian faith.
MOD Civil Servants and civilians (including dependants and Veterans) are
very welcome to join the above Military Christian Fellowships. The DCN also
supports a number of Royal Navy Anglican Churches in the South West.
Origins
The DCN is the official MOD employee network which represents all Christians serving in Defence. It brings together three existing Military Christian Fellowships with a growing number of local Christian Workplace Groups located on a range of Defence sites. The DCN was formally established in 2019, with the support of the Armed Forces’ Chaplaincies and the MOD Central Diversity & Inclusion team. The DCN’s logo is taken from a military ‘dog tag’ created by Royal Navy Chaplains serving with 3 Commando Brigade in Afghanistan. Worn alongside issued ID disks, these hang close to the heart as a reminder of the primary identity of the wearer – as a follower of Jesus Christ. The DCN has adopted this design to reflect the operational purpose of all Defence Christians as they seek to follow Christ, support their colleagues and serve their country. The MOD burgundy colour denotes the quad-service nature of the DCN, whilst also acknowledging the contribution of MOD Civil Servants, who not only provide vital support from the home base, but also deploy on operations with the Armed Forces.
What They Say…
What are our members saying about us?
“In basic training I asked if I could get to Mass and Confession but was told “you don’t need it“. Now the DCN exists, spreading awareness of Christian practice. This helps Christians in Defence to live the fullness of their faith in an atmosphere of tolerance and understanding.”
– Capt Francis Osborn AGC
“Being part of the DCN has given me the confidence to both grow personally in my faith but also share my beliefs with people around me. As well as being supported DCN, it has been a real privilege to be empowered to assist others in ensuring their faith is understood and respected.”
– Cpl Elizabeth Driver, RAF
Get In Touch…
If you have a question or would like to find out more…