Barbara Putnam

Barbara Putnam was ordained in 1996 and soon after began a career in military chaplaincy. In 2016 she became the first woman to attain the rank of Colonel in the Royal Canadian Chaplain Service. In 2022 she was awarded an honorary Doctorate of Divinity by Acadia University. Most recently, Barbara has been working in the area of Restorative Engagement, addressing issues of sexual misconduct in the military. Now about to enter retirement, Barbara describes what first drew her into chaplaincy. She shares some of the highlights and challenges from her career, including her role in responding to 9/11, working in ecumenical and multifaith environments, and listening to people’s stories through Operation HONOUR.

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