Last week saw the government of Afghanistan restrict the conduct of two Christian aid groups accused of attempting to convert locals. A protest ensued.
This particular controversy was also highlighted by Michael Weinstein’s “religious freedom” organization. The response of his organization was typical, as communicated by board member Leah Burton: Read more
A variety of news sources are reporting that Secretary of Defense Robert Gates will submit the name of current Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps General James Amos as the next Commandant of the Marine Corps. Interestingly, Amos’ appointment would break Marine Corps tradition because he is a fighter pilot (much like the appointment of General Norton Schwartz — a cargo pilot — broke the Air Force tradition of fighter and bomber pilots).
General James Amos is also a Christian.
In 2009, Gen Amos was one of several speakers at the Capitol Hill celebration of the National Day of Prayer. In his remarks he was unequivocal about his faith and the power of prayer in his military life: Read more
Previous discussions have highlighted research papers from Professional Military Education (PME) courses that have addressed topics of religion in the military. Again, as noted at the time, these papers are the result of an academic course of study and do not reflect official positions or policies. The fact that religion in the military is coming up so frequently as a topic, however, does say something about the current culture.
Yet another example of this trend is the paper “Constructing Religious Empathy in the US Military” (pdf) by USAF Major Jess Drab; the paper was written for the US Air Force’s Air Command and Staff College in 2008.
In the paper, Drab argues that while some believe religion in the military should Read more
Afghan nationals recently enjoyed their exercise of free speech when they burned the Pope in effigy. Apparently, the Pope (whose effigy had green shirt and tie with jean shorts, and who had to be identified to the press) is somehow responsible for the actions of the two aid groups recently accused of proselytizing.
As asinine as their accusations are, they are certainly free to make them, with at least some thanks to US and NATO forces that have helped secure their country. (Arguably, the Taliban may have also permitted, or even required, such an anti-US rally.) The disturbing part is the Afghan’s total lack of comprehension of religious freedom:
“We are demonstrating to express our disgust towards the activities of Christians trying to covert Afghans,” student Abdul Karim told AFP.
“We want the government of Afghanistan to find those people, try them and punish them. We want both the converted and those who have converted them to be brought to justice and punished,” he said. (emphasis added)
And yes, American military forces are supporting a foreign government under which Mr. Karim’s demands are actually actionable.
Michael Weinstein of the Military Religious Freedom Foundation isn’t shy about litigation. He previously sued the US Air Force Academy and the US Department of Defense (twice). He has threatened Trijicon with litigation after Trijicon said their critics were “not Christian.” He threatened to sue a critic who sent him mocking emails. He is currently suing former Navy Chaplain Klingenschmitt and his endorsers for “terrorist acts.” His organization claims to be preparing to sue the Army over the treatment of a Muslim US Soldier. And these are just the examples made public.
Now, Weinstein has threatened to file yet another lawsuit in his efforts to “litigate and agitate” his way into influence with regard to religion in the US military.
His latest lawsuit target? ChristianFighterPilot.com.
The lengths to which Weinstein will go — even beyond a lawsuit — are a testament to his desperation. Read more
Many events were sponsored by New York City and the US Navy in the 2010 Fleet Week, which ran from 26 May to 2 June. Some may be surprised to hear about the “religious” events that were an official part of the prestigious celebration.
As noted in the 2010 New York City Navy Week schedule, Sailors served meals at a soup kitchen, housed in the landmark Church of the Holy Apostles. There was a “blessing of the fleet,” conducted by Monsignor James Dorney of St. Peter’s Roman Catholic Read more
Update: Bachmann’s amendment has reportedly been refused due to not being “relevant to the bill.”
US House Rep Michele Bachmann (R-MN) has introduced an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act that would “protect the religious freedom” of Chaplains in the US military, allowing them to pray in accordance with the dictates of their faith. From the rules committee (pdf), the amendment Read more
Update: The recently erected cross at the Mojave site has been removed, according to local sites.
Just a week after it was stolen, and a few days after a huge reward was offered, the World War I memorial in the Mojave National Preserve in southern California may have been returned…maybe.
The caretakers for the site had already built a replacement, but had said they wouldn’t erect it without permission from the government, because to do so would have made them as bad as those who stole it: Read more