Doug has been involved in many high profile incidents at Sellafield. He has been alongside colleagues as they undertook painful and upsetting disciplinary procedures following an incident of falsifying records. His ministry has also been appreciated following a fatal incident last year; an incident which Doug believes will 'affect us for the rest of our lives.'
Ken offered equally fascinating and challenging stories. Before his ordination he had worked for British Steel. However his roots were as a butcher boy for the co-op in Sheffield and he posed the question 'what divvy does the church give?'
Ken had been involved in the privatisation of the Power industry and asked many questions of this policy. He challenged the right of shareholders to own a utility company and queried the policy of bringing in managers with no experience of the power industry into positions of influence and power.
The privatisation of the industry had ramifications for the Chaplains who had always been able to network and meet together. Following privatisation there was a fear that Chaplains may share trade secrets and were discouraged from meeting.
In all of this turmoil Ken preached that the church should be alongside people who give their skills for society.
Ken ended his presentation in telling a story of hope and resurrection of Corus on Teeside which had seemed doomed to closure but now was a thriving enterprise and finally posed the question, 'If Jesus Christ had been born an American would the world be a better place that it is today?'
Doug and Ken provided the platform for a discussion that brought the conference business to an end. The final session provided the conference with a challenging morning leading to equally challenging worship.
Pros and Cons of Chaplaincy
The penultimate session was led by Doug and Ken. Both men are experienced Chaplains and brought many insights from their experience. Insights which I am sure many people present were able to resonate with in their own ministry. So reports Gordon Morton.
As a preamble Doug posed the question to the conference, "Are there any people who are now more nuclear friendly?" The response was that over half admitted to feeling friendlier towards the nuclear industry.
Doug offered three drawbacks to his ministry in the industry.
As someone involved in the industry there was a hostile reaction from people he met during his holidays in the Orkneys. This has prompted Mrs McDevitte to insist he tells people he is an ice cream seller next time they meet strangers!
Time is an enemy because the plant is so big. He has too little time to visit the whole plant as often as he would like.
His final drawback was the question, 'what exactly do you do as a chaplain?' which he dreaded having to answer for MIBIC Matters. He later pointed out that he felt everyone on the plant knew what a Chaplain did except Doug!
But Doug continues to highlight the positives of his work
Everyone knows the place; there is not a need to explain where he works.
It is a wonderful privilege to be given access in his role as Chaplain
His management are very supportive and have offered office space and PCs for his use. Doug made the point that he is better off walking around than sat in his office
It is a great opportunity to feedback to the Church.
It is also a great opportunity to be alongside people, and alongside God in the workplace.
In spite of Doug's self effacing style and natural humility it is clear that the fruits of his ministry are there for all to witness. 'Father Ted' as he has been nicknamed by the fire fighters has links into many areas of Sellafield life and has made a difference in many situations. He exercises a strong pastoral ministry and has had conversations with people at the deepest and painful levels. His ministry is valued in more public situations.
Doug is 'wheeled out' at formal functions in order to say Grace before the meal. However, Doug rightly takes the opportunity to add some extra value to his allotted time and people will hear more than a Grace! He also pointed out the warmth of his welcome at such affairs and posed the question whether the Church can learn a lesson re- welcoming and looking after people.
