May 01, 2006
Navy Prayer Discrimination
| Host: | Vic Eliason |
| Guest: | Gordon James Klingenschmitt |
| Listen: | RealAudio | Windows Media | MP3 | Order Tape or CD |
According to Navy chaplain Gordon James Klingenschmitt, it was originally only a suggestion that he not pray in Jesus name, a suggestion that in itsef is a violation of federal law because since 1860, U.S. code has allowed chaplains to pray the way their civilian bishop prays, and not the way the commanding officer would order them to pray. In spite of that, Chaplain Klingenschmitt's commanding officer tried ending his career for not only praying in Jesus name, but also for quoting from the Bible in a chapel memorial service.
The Secretary of the Navy has now signed a policy overturning 231 years of Navy history, ordering that outside of a chapel setting, chaplains must pray non-sectarian prayers; that to use the name of Jesus is too faith-specific. All faiths must be appealed to equally in each prayer.
Action Points
Capitol Switchboard:
202-224-3121
202-225-3121
Duncan Hunter-Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee:
202-225-5672
President George Bush:
202-456-1111
202-456-1414
