Posted on 05/04/2006 9:14:42 AM PDT by DesScorp
NORFOLK, Va. -- A chaplain stationed at Naval Station Norfolk said he could face court-martial for praying in uniform outside the White House.
Lt. Gordon Klingenschmitt said he prayed at a March 30 protest opposing Department of Defense rules forbidding military chaplains from invoking the name of Jesus Christ.
He's accused of violating an order not to appear in uniform at news conferences in support of personal or religious issues.
The issue seems to hinge on whether his praying at the event was permissible participation at a bona fide religious service. Klingenschmitt is rejecting non-judicial punishment in favor of trial by court-martial.
In addition, he's filing a complaint against the Navy claiming the threat of punishment against him amounts to religious harassment and he's appealing to the White House to end what he claims are the military's attempts to take reprisals against a whistle-blower.
(Excerpt) Read more at nbc4.tv ...
A little more background on this guy...note the comments IRT kosher meals from the ships Corpsman.
http://www.getreligion.org/?p=1323
Bla, bla, bla. You still have made absolutely no argument that is going to change my mind. So, ends the discussion.
So it does but I was already aware that your mind is not capable of any changes.
What ever floats your boat pal.
**Navy Chaplain May Face Court-Martial For Praying**
Good grief!! A chaplain is supposed to pray.
Well, that is your take on their duties.
I have had many chaplains invite me to come to their services, and believe me, that creates no pressure whatsoever. That is proselytizing, as is explaining what their religion is, later on after the service.
They wouldn't be good Christian ministers if they didn't.
"hound"?
Your language betrays you. Chaplains should invite military personnel to their services; this is proselytizing and there's nothing wrong with it. As a Christian, the Chaplain might then have a sermon at that service in which they quote Jesus, "None come to the Father but through me." Then they should answer any questions that come up. Spritual pressure? You bet.
He messed up by wearing his uniform. But other than that, he's right. Any Christian knows if you aren't praying in the name of Christ, you might as well just pray to your shoe or a rock.
Nice scenario, but that's not what's at issue.
Look, this thread is far afield from the original.
All I'm talking about is whether Chaplains can proselytize. In a sense, they can, and they should, as Christian ministers. And inviting enlisted folks (or officers or Cadets)to Christian services is certainly what they should do. And it is not "hounding".
>>Misleading headline. Chaplain on trial for disobeying a direct order.<<
Very misleading headline - uniformed military aren't supposed to protest any personal issue particularly not at the White House and especially not in defiance of a direct order.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.