18 June 2026
On Monday 15 June, a service of Choral Evensong was held at Chelmsford Cathedral at which the Bishop of Chelmsford, the Dean of Chelmsford and the Diocesan Secretary signed the Armed Forces Covenant on behalf of the Diocese of Chelmsford.
The service was a public expression of the Diocese of Chelmsford's commitment to recognise the value, service, and sacrifice of those who serve or have served in the Armed Forces of the Crown, together with their families.
In signing the Covenant, the Diocese affirms its intention to uphold the principle that members of the Armed Forces Community should not face disadvantage, and that they and their families should be treated with respect, fairness, and appropriate support in recognition of their contribution to national life.
The Covenant was signed during the service by representatives of the Diocese and the Armed Forces in Essex and East London:
Lt Colonel Ed Rankin - Commander of Colchester Garrison
The Rev'd Gavin Smith CF - Senior Chaplain 16 Air Assault Brigade
WO2 Timothy Armon Jones - Warrant Officer Class 2 (WO2) Army Reserves Centre, West Ham
The Rt Rev'd Dr Guli Francis-Dehqani - Bishop of Chelmsford
The Very Rev'd Dr Jessica Martin - Dean of Chelmsford
Canon Michaela Southworth - Diocesan Secretary and Chief Executive Officer, the Diocese of Chelmsford
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The signing of the Armed Forces Covenant by representatives of the Diocese of Chelmsford and representatives of the Armed Forces in Essex and East London
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The service was a public expression of the Diocese of Chelmsford's commitment to recognise the value, service, and sacrifice of those who serve or have served in the Armed Forces of the Crown, together with their families.
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The signed Armed Forces Covenant
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The service was attended by representatives from Chelmsford Diocese, the Armed Forces, civic leaders and people from churches and armed forces communities in our diocese
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The service was attended by representatives from Chelmsford Diocese, the Armed Forces, civic leaders and people from churches and armed forces communities in our diocese
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Chelmsford Cathedral, ahead of the service
About the Armed Forces Covenant
The Armed Forces Covenant was introduced to underscore the commitment of the people of this nation to continue to support those who have served and continue to serve, in our Armed Forces. It acknowledges that those in the military are called upon to make personal sacrifices in order to serve the people of this nation, and asks that this is recognised by the population as a whole.
It also recognises the contribution of family members of military personnel in supporting those who serve. The Covenant affirms the nation's moral duty to support military personnel and their families, ensuring they face no disadvantage and, when injured or bereaved, may recieve special considerations.
