Posted on 01/09/2006 5:32:52 AM PST by Former Military Chick
WASHINGTON — The Navy chaplain who had pledged a hunger strike until rules were changed to allow him “to pray publicly in Jesus’ name” broke his 18-day fast Saturday, calling his protest a victory for religious liberty.
Navy officials said they made no policy changes since the start of his fast, and disputed charges that he would have been dismissed if not for his public protest.
But Navy Chaplain (Lt.) Gordon Klingenschmitt said he was on the verge of losing his commission before he began the hunger strike and said he believes the Navy changed its policy to keep him in the service.
The chaplain had received poor reviews from his commander prior to the latest protest, which he believed were the precursor to his dismissal.
Along with that complaint, Klingenschmitt took issue with Defense Department rules mandating nonspecific language in public, nondenominational events, and an order from superior officers prohibiting him from wearing his uniform during television appearances related to his protest.
Klingenschmitt had asked for the president to sign an executive order overruling those restrictions, but said a Navy memo affirming his right to wear his uniform in certain public events and use Christian-specific language during certain instances satisfied his protest goals.
“Today the Navy has reluctantly obeyed the law, to grant me the religious liberty I always should’ve had,” he said during a prayer rally outside the White House on Saturday.
The memo sent to Klingenschmitt specifies that sailors cannot wear their uniforms for media appearances without prior approval from command, but are permitted to do so for any legitimate worship services.
Navy officials said it is not a change in policy, and Klingenschmitt was not given a blanket order not to wear his uniform in public.
Officials also said that Klingenschmitt all along has been an active-duty sailor in good standing, with no disciplinary action pending, and has not received any punishment for language used in public forums.
Update PING
Still something seems mighty odd with this story.
Why?
Yeah, this guy seems to be a publicity whore. Anyone with the least bit of brains knows that the Navy, and other services, are changed/subverted quietly from within.
This sea-lawyer should have shutup, done 40 years, become an admiral and called the shots and changed policy to the degree that he could within the scope of his power.
This guy is lying through his teeth about what the Navy is doing to him.
Why's that. The Air Force doesn't allow the name of Jesus to be used in prayers at the academy.
Our Sec.Def. doesn't have the guts to correct this discrimination against Christians, nor does the President.
This guy is an idiot. Every evening prayer aboard the ships I was on was ended with "amen" in deference to the entire crew. Chaplains can pray however they want when they're conducting services appropriate to their own religion on Sundays (or Fridays for the Jewish faith).
You're correct, and writing with common sense. Stay tuned...someone will be along to insult you shortly.
If you have not read recently, the Left went on a major push to control religion in the military claiming Christians were too uppity. They got reaction to their protests in the brass.
I respect this guy's protest back. It probably has made the brass leery of knee jerk support for the lefties' demand for speech/Christian control in the military. If you don't push back, you lose. Christians need to push back.
I understand what you are saying, and do not disagree with your characterization of the lefts' attack on religion in the military.
What I do disagree with is the martyr manuever and statements made by this United States Naval Officer. He is first and foremost responsible to the NAVY and to those in the Navy who will be impacted by his methods. He wears the uniform and is responsible for conducting himself in a professional manner. He has failed in this regard. He is a danger to good order and discipline and should be jettisoned from the fantail during a high-speed run.
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