PROTESTANT WOMEN OF THE CHAPEL
POSITION STATEMENTS

HOW DOES PWOC FIT INTO THE OVERALL MISSION OF THE MILITARY?
The Protestant Women of the Chapel (PWOC) is an integral part of the installation’s religious support mission which directly assists the commander in caring for his/her soldiers/sailors/airmen, Marines and their families.  PWOC is a part of the commander’s religious program and it organizationally exits under the supervision of the installation chaplain.  PWOC’s part of the religious program is to minister to the unique needs of the military woman and spouse.  PWOC equips women to flourish in the unique challenges of the military lifestyle through its emphasis on nurturing and mentoring.  This is accomplished by seasoned military spouses and mature military women.  PWOC provides the environment to nurture a spiritually enriching community which enhances personal enrichment and family readiness.  During times of deployment, the soldier, airman, sailor or marine can be assured the PWOC will be a close, caring group who will be there to support his spouse and provide a helping hand when needed.  PWOC is grounded in spiritual principles, and is a unique force multiplier for the commander.  This is accomplished by training women in personal and family skills, by being a compassionate safety net to hurting women, and by supporting the ideals that military personnel are called to protect and defend.

WHY ARE WE PROTESTANT WOMEN OF THE CHAPEL INSTEAD OF CHRISTIAN WOMEN OF THE CHAPEL?
The name Protestant Women of the Chapel represents both our heritage and our future.  Theologically, our aims are to build upon the adherence to Protestant beliefs.  Practically, PWOC is an integral part of the military Protestant community and is funded by Protestant congregations.  PWOC aims provide the foundation for the overarching ministry of PWOC-International.
We do fellowship with women from the military Catholic community. Joining together with Catholic women in activities is fun, enriching and unifying.  However, just as the Catholic worship is distinct from the Protestant worship, the distinctive worship aspects of PWOC and MCCW can only be exercised if the two ministries maintain their individual characteristics and organizations.  Further, the Military Conference of Catholic Women is responsible to the Bishop of the Roman Catholic Church’s Archdioceses for the Military Services.
Growing Protestant chapel ministries will produce a vibrant PWOC.  In the same manner, the growing Catholic chapel community will have a flourishing MCCW.  This is our goal to ensure that both groups give and receive spiritual nourishment to and from their congregations. 
We remain inclusive not exclusive in that anyone may attend the gatherings of PWOC, but our strength of vision and purpose are firmly established in our Protestant heritage.