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Each Chapter has its own unique cult, which is often thousands of years old. As these cults often predate the rise of the [[Ecclesiarchy]], the Chapter cults are not simply facets of the common [[Imperial Cult]]. While the Ecclesiarchy and its lay followers worship the [[Emperor of Mankind]] as a deity, several Chapter cults regard him as merely a brilliant and inspirational [[man]], though with scarcely less reverence. As in all things, this view of the Emperor's divinity, or lack thereof, varies from Chapter to Chapter. The chapter's own [[Primarch]] is also a major part of the Chapter's specific cult, revered as much as the Emperor.{{Cite ThisFn|19}}

A formal sign of entente between the Ecclesiarchy and the Space Marines is the [[rosarius]], a holy symbol, taking the form of a necklace, amulet or brooch which often displays the [[Imperial Eagle]] or the [[Crux Terminatus]], or other shapes to suit the particular devotional qualities of the [[Chapter]] concerned (for example, the [[Space Wolves]] and their wolf iconography). Gifted to Space Marine Chaplains by the Ecclesiarchy, this blessing represents the brotherhood of the Imperial Faith and formally marks the continuance of religious concord between the two groups. In practice, though, the link between the organisations remains rather tenuous.{{Cite ThisFn|19}}

Chaplains are the most well-versed in the knowledge of the Chapter's cult. This knowledge is put to practical use as Chaplains are responsible for the spiritual health, discipline and faith of the Chapter brethren. The bond between Marines and their Chaplains is a strong one. Chaplains are present in a Marine's life from the moment he is chosen as a [[neophyte]], presiding over their indoctrination as they progress toward becoming full battle-brothers.{{Cite ThisFn|19}}

Within a Chapter's [[fortress-monastery]] is the [[Reclusiam]], a large chamber devoted to cult activities, and where the Chapter's holy relics and, sometimes, the body of its Primarch, are housed. The Chaplains lead their sermons from here, and rouse the Marines in their love of the Emperor. The [[Battle Barge]]s and ships of the Chapter's fleet also include huge cathedrals in the heart of each ship, allowing the Space Marines to pray while away from the fortress. Chaplains always lead the Space Marines in prayer, but a Chaplain is not always needed for a Marine to pray.{{Cite ThisFn|19}}

Each [[Space Marine Company]] has its own Chaplain. At the headquarters level of the Chapter organization are Chaplains holding the ranks of [[Reclusiarch]] and [[Master of Sanctity]], whose responsibilities extend to the Chapter as a whole.{{Cite ThisFn|19}}

The [[power armour]] suits worn by Chaplains are considered holy in themselves. Often they are hundreds, if not thousands, of years old. A Chaplain's armour is highly stylised and archaic in appearance. Black is the colour associated with Chaplains, and most or all of their armour is painted in this colour. Symbols such as skulls and Imperial eagles commonly adorn the armour, but Chapter-specific symbols are also used. The face plate or the entire helmet is traditionally skull-shaped. Skulls are also repeated throughout a Chaplain's armour - adorning an entire shoulder plate, the upper chest armour or the groin guard. One area of the armour, such as a shoulder guard, is always left in the Chapter colours, displaying the Chapter symbol. Part of the Chaplain's formal regalia is the [[Crozius Arcanum]], the Chaplain's staff of office. Used in chapter ceremonies and worship, many Chaplains take them into battle, symbolizing that battle is the highest ritual of the Chapter. The crozius is usually topped with an Imperial Eagle or winged skull. It incorporates a potent energy field, allowing it to be used as a weapon; one that will punch through armour easily, showing the power of faith.{{Cite ThisFn|20}}

The [[Rosarius]] that Chaplains wear around their neck incorporates a powerful [[force field]] generator, offering the bearer protection against weapons that even power armour would offer no hope of survival against. In light of this, the rosarius is sometimes referred to as a Chaplain's "soul armour."{{Cite ThisFn|19}}

Although the [[Dark Angels]] have normal Chaplains, above the [[Space Marine Company|company]] level are specialised Chaplains known as [[Interrogator-Chaplain]]s, who form part of the chapter's [[Inner Circle]]. Their primary task is hunting down the [[Fallen]], their damned brethren, and forcing them to repent, which usually involves torture.{{Cite ThisFn|1}}

This highly confidential mission makes the Interrogator-Chaplains a secretive and somewhat sinister group. Once a member of the Fallen has been captured, it is the duty of the Interrogator-Chaplains to force the prisoner to confess and repent. Those who repent are spared further torture and receive a painless death. Those who hold to their innocence are exorcised of their sins through excruciation and death.{{Cite ThisFn|1}}

The [[Iron Hands]] use the specialised rank of [[Iron Father]], combining the roles of Chaplain and [[Techmarine]]. Iron Fathers hold a particular reverence for the mechanical, and are rumoured to spend time on [[Mars]] as guests of the [[Adeptus Mechanicus]] during their training. It is said that they venerate the [[Machine God]] aspect of the Emperor ahead of any other version, which does not please the Ecclesiarchy at all. Due to this animosity between the Iron Hands and the Ecclesiarchy, the Iron Fathers are not issued with a [[rosarius]] and they must instead manufacture their own versions of the protective holy symbol.{{Cite ThisFn|7}}