2.3.A The Historical and Sociological Roots of Spiritual Fitness Policies and Moral Injury in the Military Contexts of Ukraine and Belgium: A Comparative Study (continued)
Tracks
Concurrent Session C
| Thursday, May 21, 2026 |
| 5:10 PM - 5:35 PM |
| Room 3 |
Overview
Presenter:
Lieutenant Pawel Cecha
Lieutenant Pawel Cecha
Speaker
Lieutenant, Phd Candidate Pawel Cecha
Researcher
Belgian Defence, Royal Military Academy In Brussels, Uclouvain
The Historical and Sociological Roots of Spiritual Fitness Policies and Moral Injury in the Military Contexts of Ukraine and Belgium: A Comparative Study
Abstract Document
The workshop, titled "Historical and Sociological Roots of Well-being Policies in the Military Among the Nations," explores how historical and sociological factors shape well-being policies in military institutions worldwide. It aims to understand how to support spirituality, mental health, and resilience among military personnel by utilizing insights from historical and sociological analysis, findings, and the knowledge of participants.
During the 1.5-hour session, participants will discuss the historical paths of moral injury and well-being policies in the military. They'll cover political decisions, societal changes, and global conflicts. Using case studies, they'll explore how sociocultural dynamics affect service members' experiences and well-being policies.
Key themes include how moral dilemmas have evolved over time for military personnel, how societal and cultural factors influence moral decision-making and moral injury outcomes, and how different identities intersect within military communities. The workshop will highlight stories of resilience and resistance, showcasing examples of moral courage and collective action that have shaped ethical leadership and well-being policies in the military, including the role of chaplaincies.
Through collaborative dialogue and sharing best practices from different countries, the workshop aims to offer actionable insights for promoting holistic well-being and ethical practice in the military. Benchmarking will help understand different approaches and familiarize participants with national practices worldwide, as well as inspire deeper research to identify the patterns shaping military chaplaincies and other organizations with the goal of enhancing the well-being of military personnel.
During the 1.5-hour session, participants will discuss the historical paths of moral injury and well-being policies in the military. They'll cover political decisions, societal changes, and global conflicts. Using case studies, they'll explore how sociocultural dynamics affect service members' experiences and well-being policies.
Key themes include how moral dilemmas have evolved over time for military personnel, how societal and cultural factors influence moral decision-making and moral injury outcomes, and how different identities intersect within military communities. The workshop will highlight stories of resilience and resistance, showcasing examples of moral courage and collective action that have shaped ethical leadership and well-being policies in the military, including the role of chaplaincies.
Through collaborative dialogue and sharing best practices from different countries, the workshop aims to offer actionable insights for promoting holistic well-being and ethical practice in the military. Benchmarking will help understand different approaches and familiarize participants with national practices worldwide, as well as inspire deeper research to identify the patterns shaping military chaplaincies and other organizations with the goal of enhancing the well-being of military personnel.
Biography
Graduated from the Orthodox Theological Seminary and University in Fribourg, Switzerland, with a Master's degree in inter-Christian studies specializing in neuroscience of religion and bioethics. Since 2014, ordained as an Orthodox priest, actively serving in his parish in Brussels. Serving as a reserve officer in the medical component of the Belgian Defense, holding a research support position within the Service of Religious and Moral Assistance. Currently pursuing a Ph.D. studies in Religious Sciences at the Catholic University of Louvain-la-Neuve in Belgium, focusing on the historical and sociological reconstruction of Belgian military chaplaincies. Supplementing the academic journey, garnered experience in the private sector business arena. Appointed as a principal advisor in the Representation of the Ecumenical Patriarchate to European Institutions. A member of the Concertation of the Christian Churches in Belgium and the network of Orthodox Partners for Migration (OPAM), collaborating closely with the International Organization for Migration (IOM). He speaks French, English, Polish, Russian and Ukrainian.
