Supporting the Armed Forces community across the Diocese of Oxford
The Diocese of Oxford signed the Armed Forces Covenant in 2026, joining organisations across the country in recognising and supporting those who serve, or have served, in the Armed Forces, along with their families.
The Covenant is a public commitment that members of the Armed Forces community should be treated fairly and should face no disadvantage because of their service. It also recognises that special consideration may sometimes be appropriate, particularly for those who have been injured or bereaved.
For the Church, this is both a practical and pastoral commitment. It reflects our desire to support serving personnel, reservists, veterans, chaplains, cadet organisations and military families through prayer, welcome and care.
The Diocese of Oxford is home to one of the largest Armed Forces communities of any Church of England diocese, including RAF Brize Norton as the main operational hub, the Defence Academy at Shrivenham, Headquarters Air Command, and military communities across Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire.
The Covenant was approved by Diocesan Synod in November 2025 and formally signed by the Diocese of Oxford and Christ Church Cathedral alongside Armed Forces representatives in a special service in 2026.
Our commitment
In signing the Covenant, we commit to:
- recognising and valuing the contribution of serving personnel, reservists, veterans and military families
- supporting military chaplaincy and reservists
- encouraging church schools to understand the needs of Service children and families
- marking Remembrance and other civic occasions with care and dignity
- ensuring, wherever possible, that our churches and facilities are accessible and welcoming to the Armed Forces community
- prayer for the people and work of the Armed Forces.
Prayer for Armed Forces community within the diocese
‘Nothing in all creation will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord’.
We thank you, Father, that we are more than conquerors through you who love us.
We pray for the families of the Armed Services community, for the ministry of their chaplains, for the flourishing of the schools where their children learn, for all who support the welfare of veterans.
We pray particularly for those who find it hard to make the transition from military to civilian life, or who struggle to cope with their experiences.
Bless the relationship of our parish churches with local military units, that we may be communities of care in the love of our neighbour and in the name of Christ.
Amen.
Resources for churches and services
Resources include readings, liturgy, a hymn, prayers and more. Download the resources:
Armed Forces contacts
Please reach out to your episcopal Area office.
Further information about the national Covenant is available from the Armed Forces Covenant website.