A conversation nearly twenty years ago set Reverend Josefa Mairara on an unexpected faith journey with the British Army.
Reverend Josefa Marian, the first Fijian Army Chaplain at the Garrison Church of St Alban The Martyr.
Commissioned in 2008, the Reverend who now holds the rank of Major, had no background in the Armed Forces and was surprised by the “diverse community.”
As a non-combatant who does not carry weapons, Joe deployed to Iraq in 2009 and Afghanistan in 2011, providing pastoral, spiritual, and moral support.
He describes it as a spiritual service he “did not choose” but one of calling:
“The Royal Army Chaplains’ Department (RAChD) needed Fijian clergy because of the growing Fijian population in the forces,” said Padre Joe, as his South Pacific parishioners call him.
“I was the first Fijian Padre. I've loved every minute of my 17 years and thank the Lord for guiding me on the right path.”
“I didn’t plan to come and stay in the UK or serve in the British Army, but it came at the right time when I was about to finish my studies.
“I was the first Fijian Padre. I've loved every minute of my 17 years and thank the Lord for guiding me on the right path.”
Already an ordained Methodist clergyman in Fiji, he had served for nine years before moving to the UK to study for a Master of Arts in Theological Studies at Birmingham University. It was here that his military future was mapped out and gave him his multi terrain pattern, camouflage uniform.
Commissioned in 2008, the Reverend who now holds the rank of Major, had no background in the Armed Forces and was surprised by the “diverse community.”
Born in Savusavu, Vanua Levu Island, he is one of 184 chaplains -127 regular and 57 reservists - who serve alongside British, Commonwealth, and foreign soldiers that are the British Army.
As a non-combatant who does not carry weapons, Joe deployed to Iraq in 2009 and Afghanistan in 2011, providing pastoral, spiritual, and moral support.
Joe, a keen rugby player and tug-of-war enthusiast, reflected on his earlier deployments:
“Serving as a chaplain in a war zone was both challenging and exciting. Grounding ourselves on something deeper and trusting in a higher power was a daily experience,” he said.
“It was a life-changing experience because it tested my perception about life and core beliefs. Death was always imminent, and life was at risk all the time.”
Stationed at the Defence School of Logistics and Administration, Worthy Down, his long service to the British Monarch and God has had its ups and downs.
One highlight was the New Colours parade for the Mercians Battalion at Worcester Rugby ground in 2013, attended by the Prince of Wales, now His Majesty King Charles.
His posting to Germany as the only chaplain brought its own “trials and tribulations.” He faced the repatriation of three soldiers to the UK and the personal loss of his mother on the day he left for the overseas role.
“Losing a close family member is hard; it’s something human we all share,” said Joe.
“Having a clear sense of calling is vital in any context of service. For me, I felt that when I made up my mind to pursue crossing the channel to Germany rather than booking an air ticket to Fiji.”
Recently, Joe and Reverend Roko Nimilote, the second RAChD Padre in Defence, who was recruited in 2023, organised the first Fijians in Defence Ecumenical Church Service with the Fijian Support Network.
This event united Christians from different denominations in worship with readings, prayers, and hymns in English and Fijian. It encouraged all service personnel, veterans, and families to foster shared Christian heritage, values, and culture -the ‘Vuvale Spirit,’ meaning family in Fijian.
“As the Fijian community in the Army grows, we are looking at how to support the young people serving,” explained Joe.
“I feel for them, moving away from home. Back in Fiji, there are far more support mechanisms: the community, the elders, the tribes, and the church. Whilst here they are by themselves, so those of us who are older want to encourage the soldiers to see each other as a bigger family. It is biblical, theological, cultural, and traditional.
“We want to create a sense of ownership and belonging, even though we are far from home. The UK is our home as well, and we can make an impact here!”
Fiji, an island nation with a diverse mix of ethnicities, has been serving alongside the British Army for over a century. This legacy dates back to the First World War, where about 1,600 Fijians wore British uniforms.
The first British Armed Forces recruitment drive was in 1961, with many posted to Scottish regiments. They were known as the 212s, an intake of 200 men and 12 women.
After Fiji gained independence in 1970, Fijians continued to serve. Today, there are over 2,000 Regular Army personnel with current Fijian nationality.
