"The Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals, based in Cincinnati, ruled officials of an Ohio prison had the authority to punish chaplain William Akridge for refusing to permit an open homosexual to lead an inmates’ praise band in a Protestant worship service. The three-judge panel upheld a federal judge’s decision rejecting Akridge’s contention that his First Amendment rights were violated."
"Appeals court favors homosexuality over chaplain’s rights", May 3, 2006, Baptist Press

     As Christendom becomes increasingly dethroned in the United States, I suspect we will see more and more cases like this one. It will become more and more blatantly apparent that alliances of church and state are costly to the kingdom of God. In this particular case, I don't know if I'd actually argue on the chaplain's side. As a public employee, it does seem that the government can dictate how he leads his services. I think this case exposes the dangers of ministers of any stripe working in the pay of the state. As unScriptural sexual behavior becomes protected with non-discrimination clauses across the nation, the acceptance of government funding will of course necessarily entail the acceptance of such standards as well.

     I will give kudos to Chaplain Akridge for his stand. It is encouraging to see an American Baptist chaplain coming under fire for taking a firm stand on issues of sexuality. I pray that his conduct is loving and in accordance with the Gospel in other matters as well.