[xzins]

That's simply not so.

Navy chaplains pray in Jesus' name every day. Under law no chaplain can be forced to participate in rites that are a violation of his/her conscience.

If a chaplain doesn't want to to to a public ceremony in which the commander does not want a sectarian Christian prayer, then that chaplain can turn down that mission.

There is an issue here, but the media keeps misstating it.

The issue is requiring a certain type of prayer at a general, non-religious gathering. No arm of the government should be allowed to accept only types of prayer that are supposed "neutral."

In doing so, they favor some religious denominations over other religions. That's dangerous constitutional territory.

[P-Marlowe]

Boy there is a lot of disinformation being spewed about from WND on this issue. Quite frankly I am sorely disappointed in both WND and Chaplain Klingenschmitt. Chaplain Klingenschmitt violated a direct order from his superior officer who told him not to wear his uniform to that political gathering, yet he did it, he held a press conference and then he prayed (like a hypocrite) in front of the cameras so that everyone could see how holy HE was and draw attention to HIMSELF.

And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. (Matthew 6:5 KJV)

He also violated numerous other commandments about following the orders of your superiors in your work. Here's a few:

Servants, be obedient to them that are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as unto Christ; (Ephesians 6:5 KJV)

Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work, (Titus 3:1 KJV)

Servants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh; not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but in singleness of heart, fearing God: And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; (Colossians 3:22-23 KJV)

Servants, be subject to your masters with all fear; not only to the good and gentle, but also to the froward. (1 Peter 2:18 KJV)

Exhort servants to be obedient unto their own masters, and to please them well in all things; not answering again; Not purloining, but shewing all good fidelity; that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things. (Titus 2:9-10 KJV)

He had every right to pray in Jesus name. He did not have every right to stand before the cameras in uniform at a political rally in front of the white house and pray a prayer (that Jesus himself would have condemned for its ostentatiousness) in Jesus' name.

He created a media circus and now he is allowing false information to be spread about his alleged "conviction for praying in Jesus name" which was not what happened.

We cannot be expected to win this fight to change the rules if we take the low road. Chaplain Klingenschmitt and WND seem to have embarked on that road. Let us hope they do not do anymore damage to the cause in the interim.

[jude24]

The issue is requiring a certain type of prayer at a general, non-religious gathering. No arm of the government should be allowed to accept only types of prayer that are supposed "neutral."

I vehemently disagree. If the government is going to force some sort of religious exercise upon all its soldiers, it had better remain non-sectarian. Sectarian prayers must be reserved for sectarian services. Time and place.