FROM: CitizenLink  [citizenlink@family.org]
DATE: 09/14/06
SUBJECT: Special Alert: Protect Chaplains' Right to Pray

Your Voice Needed 
to Protect Chaplains' Right to Pray 
by Stuart Shepard, managing editor


There is an attempt under way to change language in the Defense Authorization Bill that would protect a military chaplains' right to pray according to his or her conscience.

The bill is currently in a conference committee where differences between the versions that passed the House and Senate are being worked out. The House version contains language authored by Rep. Duncan Hunter, R-Calif., that would allow chaplains to pray according to their faith.

The Hunter language states: "Each Chaplain shall have 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."

However, Sen. John Warner, R-Va., and others are pushing for alternative language that reads, in part:

"In situations other than theological services or sectarian ceremonies when a prayer is offered, the policy shall require chaplains to be sensitive to and respect the diversity of faiths represented."

Amanda Banks, federal policy analyst for Focus on the Family Action, said the alternative language would clearly violate the First Amendment rights of chaplains.

"The alternate language seeks to establish a right not to be offended, rather than protecting freedom of speech," she said. "It rejects religious liberty and would likely prevent a chaplain from praying 'in Jesus' name' outside of a church service."

She said chaplains must have the freedom to pray according to their conscience.

Take Action: 
Call Sen. John Warner at (202) 224-2023 and your two U.S. senators. Ask them to ensure the Hunter language is adopted in the Defense Authorization Bill so chaplains may pray according to their conscience.

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