Navy Chaplain a “Kentucky Colonel”
Former Navy Chaplain Klingenschmitt has been named a “Kentucky Colonel” by the Kentucky state legislature and has apparently kicked off a tour with the intent of praying in every state legislature.
Former Navy Chaplain Klingenschmitt has been named a “Kentucky Colonel” by the Kentucky state legislature and has apparently kicked off a tour with the intent of praying in every state legislature.
World Net Daily has reported that the restraining order keeping Navy Lt Klingenschmitt in the military has been lifted; the Navy is expected to discharge the Chaplain immediately.
Americans United for the Separation of Church and State picked up on the story of the Army Chaplain who wanted to switch from Christianity to Wicca, claiming that the Army’s treatment of him was “so obviously a case of religious discrimination.” As noted in the public comments on the article, there are questions as to why the AU hasn’t made the same appeal about Chaplain Klingenschmitt, who the Navy attempted to discharge when he switched endorsers. The basic circumstances are nearly identical; in fact, Klingenschmitt’s is arguably harder to justify.
A Washington Post article opines about a former Pentecostal Army chaplain who lost his endorsement when his denomination found out he wanted to switch to Wicca. He was attempting to become a Wiccan chaplain, which is heretofore unknown.
The Rutherford Institute, which is representing Navy Chaplain Klingenschmitt, has announced that they have stopped the Navy’s attempt to separate the chaplain prior to the upcoming trial.
According to a copy of the court order, Chaplain Klingenschmitt’s dismissal from the Navy may be delayed pending the outcome of filings.
The Navy Times reports that a judge has refused to prevent the Navy from discharging Chaplain (Lt) Klingenschmitt at the end of January. The Chaplain’s suit against the Navy is still outstanding.
The ACLJ has updated their call for petition signatures (see 01/05 post below) here, framing themselves as the legal opposition to the Americans United for the Separation of Church and State.