United States Navy chaplain Rear Admiral Barry C. Black took up responsibilities as Chief of Navy Chaplains on August 18, becoming the first Seventh-day Adventist and the first African American to hold the office. As head of the more than 1,000 U.S. navy chaplains around the world, Black says his mandate is to “ensure that the millions of people we serve have their constitutional religious free exercise, and that no one is placed in a position where their spiritual needs are not met.” Black will also have the task of advising navy leadership on “ethical, moral, religious, and spiritual matters.”
In his new position Black will serve navy personnel from more than 190 different religious traditions and backgrounds. In this “pluralistic milieu,” says Black, there is always the challenge of maintaining unity, treating everyone fairly, and keeping a level playing field and it is vital to be “assiduous in guarding [religious] free exercise rights of Navy Servicemembers.”
“The moment equal accommodation is permitted to be jeopardized, it becomes an ethical slippery slope,” says Black. He adds that the Adventist Church’s emphasis on religious liberty and Sabbath-keeping has made him more sensitive to the religious accommodation needs of all naval personnel, no matter what their faith.
Black cites “the opportunity to serve” as one of the most rewarding aspects of his role. “Leadership involves being a servant,” says Black. “Jesus said that if you want to be great and lead, you have to serve. The opportunity to receive rank, to open doors for other people, and to empower them is exhilarating.”
Friday’s ceremony took place at the Washington Navy Yard. Referring to his upbringing as the child of a single parent family in the projects of Baltimore, Black told the audience “When you see a turtle on a fencepost, you know he had some help getting there.” He paid tribute to all those who helped him grow spiritually and in technical expertise over the years.
A graduate of Oakwood College and Andrews University, Black has been a Navy chaplain for more than 24 years. For the past three years he has served as Deputy Chief of Chaplains. According to Richard Stenbakken, director of chaplaincy ministries for the Adventist Church worldwide, Black has a “spectacular” service record. “In his new role, I’m sure that he will continue to serve with distinction,” says Stenbakken, who attended the change of office ceremony. “He has the prayers and best wishes of his church family around the world.”
Black is now responsible for U.S. Navy, Coast Guard, and Marine Corp chaplains, who represent more than 100 different faith groups. He was nominated for the position by President Bill Clinton and the Secretary of the Navy Richard Danzig in April this year, and was confirmed by the U.S. Senate.