United States Air Force Academy

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Spiritual Life

Cadet Chapel

U.S. Air Force Academy cadets are truly a diverse group of future leaders–young men and women from different family backgrounds, states and countries, ethnic groups and a variety of religious faiths and beliefs.

Supported by the Air Force Chaplain Corps, cadets come to thrive in this setting and live out the enduring values of respect, magnanimity and human dignity for all. Whether exercising their own freedom of religion or learning to ensure the same freedoms for those they will lead in the Air Force, cadets have a robust group of faith communities to help them grow.

The Academy’s faith communities include:

  • Buddhist
  • Earth-Centered
  • Hindu
  • Islam
  • Jewish
  • Latter-day Saints (LDS)
  • Orthodox
  • Other Faiths
  • Protestant
  • Roman Catholic
  • Sikh

In addition to the main office in Sijan Hall, chaplains and chaplain assistants are also assigned to each of the four cadet groups with offices in those respective groups within the two dormitories. Chaplains provide all cadets with daily opportunities for worship, regular visitation within the cadet-training areas and are available to provide confidential counseling and mentorship. Cadets voluntarily participate in spiritual and religious opportunities of their own choosing.

SPECIAL PROGRAMS IN RELIGIOUS EDUCATION (SPIRE)

Home to a variety of faith communities, the Cadet Chapel also hosts Special Programs in Religious Education (SPIRE), the largest religious education program within the Air Force. Currently SPIRE hosts 14 groups from seven distinct faith backgrounds. Led by qualified and gifted instructors, SPIRE groups meet weekly in a casual environment to focus on spiritual formation and character development. These groups also offer times of worship, community building activities, spiritual retreats and mentorship.

CADET INTER-FAITH COUNCIL

The Cadet Inter-Faith Council (CIFC) is comprised of cadet representatives from different faith backgrounds who focus on religious education and discussion across the Cadet Wing. Their mission is to build trust, respect and community through cadets of different faiths and beliefs to ensure the religious needs of Academy cadets are accommodated to the fullest extent possible. Currently, the CIFC is made up of 16 cadets from nine religions, who provide interfaith opportunities and help educate and model religious respect.

SPIRITUAL FITNESS

Chaplains provide confidential counseling and mentorship. They are religious ministry professionals who support the spiritual resilience of our cadets. They provide pastoral care ministry and counseling to those of faith and those of no faith, offer personal guidance, and act as advocates for our cadets.

CONTACT US

Cadet Chaplain Office
2348 Sijan Drive, Suite 100
United States Air Force Academy, CO 80840
(719) 333-2636