A clergywoman in Durham Diocese has taken on a chaplaincy role with the Royal British Legion (RBL).
The Revd Anita Burke will serve the Seaham branch of the RBL, supporting current military personnel, veterans and other people with links to the armed forces.
She will carry out her new duties alongside her ministry at Christ Church in Seaham, where she has served since January 2024 – initially as curate before being appointed as Priest in Charge last year.
Anita brings a unique military connection to the chaplaincy, having previously lived in Germany for eight years while her husband Jason served as a tank commander in the British Army.
“It’s an honour and a privilege to be appointed as chaplain,” said Anita. “Jason is currently a Branch Standard Bearer at Seaham and I have been a member of the branch for two years. When they asked if I would like to be involved in an official capacity I was delighted to accept.
“Seaham is a very strong community with a rich military history. In terms of my ministry, being part of the branch has helped me to meet more people and build valuable connections in the town.”
As part of her chaplaincy, Anita will open and close each branch meeting in prayer. She will also offer pastoral support to people who have suffered injury, illness or bereavement.
“I have an appreciation of what army life is like, having experienced it from being an army wife,” said Anita. “I know what it can feel like to send off somebody you love to serve their country.”
Jason, who was also stationed in Bosnia, served for 23 years in the army before leaving in 2004. He has remained an active supporter of the RBL, which also supports the Poppy Appeal and leads national Remembrance events.
Having accepted her invitation to become chaplain, Anita was presented with a Stole of Office by the Branch Chairman, Gary Richardson (pictured), at a meeting which took place in August.
The Seaham branch currently has between 20 and 30 members. Many of them are veterans and other people with military connections. One young member of the branch has just been accepted for a role in the Royal Navy.
Anita continued: “The branch serves the community as a social place for veterans and people in the forces to meet. They have social trips and there is a huge emphasis on Remembrance in Seaham, in honour of our fallen service men and women.
“The branch is there for anyone who would like to join. You don’t even need to have a military connection to join and support its work.”
Anita was halfway through her curacy when she joined Christ Church in January 2024. Since then, the congregation has increased from about eight to between 35 and 40. In addition to Sunday services, there is now evening worship, as well as a weekly community hub, which works with local businesses to support people affected by food poverty and social isolation.