Dr. Neil Weddell is the first non-religious (humanist) chaplain appointed within the British Army, bringing grounded pastoral and existential support to service personnel, veterans, and their families. In a force where a growing proportion of soldiers identify as non-religious, Neil’s role embodies a practical, human-centred approach to pastoral care that respects diverse worldviews while fostering resilience, purpose, and ethical reflection.
Neil was a career army officer from 2003, with multiple operational tours including Afghanistan, Sierra Leone, and Nigeria. He has served as an instructor, leadership tutor, and cultural adviser, before moving into pastoral care work. His experience ranges from helping recruits through the trials of basic training to supporting individuals through loss, transition, and existential challenge, drawing on both humanist philosophy and his lived understanding of military life.
Neil’s appointment reflects a broader evolution in military chaplaincy, one that recognises spiritual and moral support need not be tied to religion, but can be rooted in shared human values, empathy and reason.
Join this talk online on Monday 2nd March at 7.30pm. Participation is free but we ask that you register via Meetup to receive joining instructions.
You are also very welcome to join the Humanist Pub Night in the back room of The Kenilworth Pub on Rose Street, Edinburgh on Wednesday 4 March from 7pm onwards. This will allow people to meet informally and discuss the topics raised by the talk further if they wish to.
