August 22, 2006

Navy Prayer Discrimination

The Navy has gone on the offensive to punish Chaplain Gordon Klingenschmitt at court-marshal for the crime of praying in the name of Jesus while in uniform outside of a chapel setting.

According to Chaplain Klingenschmitt, Navy regulations allow him to wear the uniform and that he had prior written permission to do so during prayers as long as he didn't pray in the name of Jesus. When he did so while wearing the uniform, he was accused of making a political speech and now he's under the threat of court-marshal.

Vic Eliason and Chaplain Klingenschmitt encouraged listeners to call the U.S. Senators on the Conference Committee, and ask them to support HR-5122, which includes Section 590, an amendment clarifying that chaplains are allowed to pray in the name of Jesus.

This version of the bill passed in the House, but is currently sitting on Senator Lindsey Graham's desk awaiting the conference committee which will work to remove the differences between HR-5122 and the House version, S-2766, which does not contain the amendment concerning chaplains.

More Information

For more information on Chaplain Klingenschmitt's fight for the right to pray in Jesus' name, and similar matters:

http://persuade.tv

Action Points

To contact senators on the Conference Committee to give them your views on accepting the House version of the Defense Authorization Act, HR-5122, especially Section 590 which specifically authorizes chaplains to conduct services in accordance with their conscience, including the right to pray in Jesus' name:

Senator Lindsey Graham
202-224-5972
803-933-0112

Senator John Warner
202-224-2023
757-441-3079

Senator Carl Levin
202-224-6221
313-226-6020

Capitol Switchboard
888-355-3588

President Bush, as Commander in Chief, can also move to override the rulings of military officers and free chaplains to pray in Jesus' Name.

To contact the White House:

202-456-1111
202-456-1414