Navy Chaplain May Lose Job for Praying In Name of Jesus

Family News in Focus

Religious intimidation in the Armed Services has caught the attention of both houses of Congress. Due to a 1998 regulation, chaplains are not allowed to pray in the name of Jesus. “You know our soldiers and sailors, they go overseas to promote religious freedom for other people, but here in America, they can’t even hear the diversity of religions from their own chaplains,” said Navy Chaplain Gordon Klingenschmitt, who is facing termination of a stellar 14-year career after his commanding officer “told a Navy board that Klingenschmitt overemphasizes his own faith system, and he was talking about my sermons and prayers, and he specifically cited the Chaplain school director who told him that I was an immature Chaplain because I pray in Jesus’ name.” Jim Backlin of the Christian Coalition believes the situation presents a chance for President Bush to get involved, and so far seventy-four congressmen have signed a letter asking the President to take action. Backlin says that the President can change the situation with the stroke of a pen. “We do need an executive order protecting the First Amendment rights of military chaplains and other members of the military to pray according to their faith.”