The most senior Anglican chaplain in each branch of the British Armed Forces (Royal Navy, British Army, and Royal Air Force) is made an archdeacon in the Church of England. Respectively they are titled the Archdeacon for the Royal Navy, the Archdeacon for the Army, and the Archdeacon for the Royal Air Force. As an archdeacon, they are styled The Venerable.[1]
The Archdeacon for the Royal Navy is the senior Anglican chaplain of the Royal Navy Chaplaincy Service. Since 2021, this has been Andrew Hillier.
Until 1998, the most senior Anglican chaplain had also been head of the Chaplaincy Service as the Chaplain of the Fleet. Since then, chaplains from other denominations have also been able to be appointed Chaplain of the Fleet but when an Anglican becomes head they hold both appointments concurrently.
The Archdeacon for the Army is the senior Anglican chaplain of the Royal Army Chaplains' Department (RAChD), British Army. Since 2022, this has been Stephen Dunwoody.
Until 1987, the most senior Anglican chaplain had also been head of the RAChD as its Chaplain General. Since then, chaplains from other denominations have also been able to be appointed Chaplain General but when an Anglican becomes head they hold both appointments concurrently.
The Archdeacon for the Royal Air Force is the most senior Anglican chaplain of the Royal Air Force Chaplains Branch. They also hold the position of Principal Anglican Chaplain. Since 2022, this has been Giles Legood.
Until 2001, the most senior Anglican chaplain had also been head of the Chaplains Branch as its Chaplain-in-Chief. Since then, chaplains from other denominations have also been able to be appointed Chaplain-in-Chief but when an Anglican becomes head they hold all three appointments concurrently.
