US Military Chaplains (Active(18) and National Guard(7), Partner Nation Chaplains(14), Non-Governmental Organization Leaders(13), Local Clergy(5), Academics(5) and USSOUTHCOM Command and Staff elements(15), joined together for 3 days of presentation, professional exchange and collegial dialogue on how “Religion is good for Business”- “How Religion and Politics mix” and “How best to consider Religion as a factor for analysis, a source of healing, a place of hope and an encourager of reconciliation.” Keynote speakers, Dr. Brian Grim President of the Religious Freedom & Business Foundation, http://religiousfreedomandbusiness.org/, and Mr. Knox Thames, Director of Policy and Research at the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom, http://www.uscirf.gov/, engaged the assembly; challenging assumptions and offering thoughtful perspectives for the future.

1. 20-23 April 2015
Conference Center of the Americas
United States Southern Command
Doral, Florida

2. US Military Chaplains (Active(18) and National
Guard(7), Partner Nation Chaplains(14), Non-
Governmental Organization Leaders(13), Local
Clergy(5), Academics(5) and USSOUTHCOM
Command and Staff elements(15), joined together
for 3 days of presentation, professional exchange
and collegial dialogue on how “Religion is good for
Business”- “How Religion and Politics mix” and
“How best to consider Religion as a factor for
analysis, a source of healing, a place of hope and
an encourager of reconciliation.” Keynote
speakers, Dr. Brian Grim President of
the Religious Freedom & Business Foundation,
http://religiousfreedomandbusiness.org/, and Mr.
Knox Thames, Director of Policy and Research at
the United States Commission on International
Religious Freedom, http://www.uscirf.gov/,
engaged the assembly; challenging assumptions
and offering thoughtful perspectives for the future.

3. Participants enjoyed a ‘cultural day’ in Miami, receiving information
from Rabbi Lipskar at the Shul, http://www.theshul.org/, and Fr. Sosa
of St. Joseph’s Parish, http://www.stjosephmiamibeach.com/. The
group also received briefings from unit Commanders at Homestead
Air Force Reserve Base. http://www.homestead.afrc.af.mil/

4. Dr. Grim and Mr. Thames not only gave
presentations but they fully participated in
discussions during Focus Group Sessions. We
were also happy to welcome The Reverend
Thomas Wenski, Archbishop of Miami and Imam
Asim Hafiz, Islamic religious advisor to the Chief of
the Defence Staff, United Kingdom who offered
remarks and participated in the symposium.

5. “Communication, Cooperation
and a Spirit of Goodwill.”

6. JFHQs Chaplains from
Arkansas, Florida,
Wisconsin, Massachusetts
and one Assistant from
Texas; well supported by
Colonel Tom Hanley,
National Guard Liaison/ SPP
Director for USSC, and
Chaplain Peter Lawson of
the National Guard Bureau,
contributed greatly to the
entire symposium and
worked toward increased
State Partnership Program
involvement.
All attendees participated in four focus group sessions in which
they engaged SMEs on areas of interest.

7. “Let us focus on opportunities
not obstacles.”

8. Mission: Participants (Partner Nation Military Chaplains and Clergy who work with Military) develop a
better understanding of how Religion Matters by building networks of religious people, caring for
the needs of military members and their families; bringing together different countries for mutual
dialogue and action in order to discover commonalities towards a consensus document on
religious rights and religious relationships.
Objectives: To gain increased awareness, lessons learned and specific examples of:
a. The role of religion in the Soldier’s Life
b. The role of the Chaplain in the Military Context
c. The ability of religion to influence individuals and institutions towards peaceful coexistence

9. Special Thanks to these and
others who provided logistics,
expertise, consultation,
development and who spent
a lot of hours ensuring the
success of Religion Matters II.
COL Tom Hanley, Division Chief
/ Sr Guard Advisor, SCJ7
MSgt Tabitha Harris,
Religious Affairs Office
Project Officer
Chaplain Chuck Towery
SSgt Julene Amerson
Chaplain
Gregg Caggianelli
Mr. Peter Sarracino
Mr. Ray Sarracino, PAO
Protestant Women of the Chapel Volunteers
Beth Towery, Nancy Lembke and Joyce Kennedy 1LT Rojas, SCJ8
Ms. Leana Bresnahan,
Human Rights
Chaplain Vic Sheldon,
Joint Staff
The Reverend Eric Wester,
Chaplain (Colonel), Retired
Chaplain Peter Lawson,
National Guard Bureau
Mr. Luis Subirats, SCJ9

10. Religion Matters III,
19-21 April 2016,
USSOUTHCOM , Doral Florida
19-21 April 2016