Baptist group opposes “unnecessary and unwise” language on chaplains in Defense bill

September 19, 2006
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

WASHINGTON—A diverse coalition of religious and civil liberties groups, including the Baptist Joint Committee for Religious Liberty, has announced its opposition to language in the Defense Authorization Act that would show a lack of respect for the diversity of religious beliefs in the U.S. military.

The language provides chaplains the “prerogative to pray according to the dictates of the chaplain’s own conscience except as must be limited by military necessity, with any such limitation being imposed in the least restrictive manner feasible.”

A letter signed by the Baptist Joint Committee and 14 other groups called the language “unnecessary and unwise” and pointed put that the legislation is opposed by the National Conference on Ministry to the Armed Forces, which represents a vast majority of military chaplains.

“The fact is, there was no outcry from chaplains or their endorsing organizations concerning an adverse environment for ministry,” said K. Hollyn Hollman, general counsel for the Baptist Joint Committee. “Chaplains recognize that ministry in the military takes place in a pluralistic setting and that their focus should on the armed service members and the soldiers’ freedom to freely express their faith.”

According to the letter, under current law and regulations, military chaplains are permitted to pray in a manner fitting their individual religious tradition in the divine worship services they lead for armed services members. On the occasion a prayer is called for in a large-group setting or ‘command ceremony’ where attendance may not be voluntary, chaplains should pray in a more inclusive manner. If a chaplain does not feel comfortable offering a non-sectarian, inclusive prayer in such a setting, he or she should have the right to refuse to participate without negative consequences.

“This issue is best left up to chaplains, the Department of Defense and religious endorsing agents, not lawmakers on Capitol Hill,” Hollman said.