Updated with statement from Tony Perkins.

US Senator Roger Wicker expressed concern, and a US House member is now calling for hearings on the US military’s treatment of “prominent conservative Christian leaders.”

Rep. Jack Kingston (R-Ga.) said

“I am concerned about it,” Kingston said. “It shows that the Pentagon is using a systematic practice of weeding out preachers and leaders of the clergy who are willing to give biblically-based messages and sermons which might ruffle some feathers in the diplomatic circles in which they are very concerned.”

The Representative implied the military’s policies originated at the top:

“I think that the crowd in the Pentagon right now (knows) that the president and this administration have a very mixed message when it comes to Christianity and Judeo-Christian ethics and values. I think the military is reflecting the commander-in-chief’s preferences,” he added.

Tony Perkins’ Family Research Council supported the Congressman:

The Administration [has] made it very clear that no one in uniform who disagrees with overturning the law dare speak out.  As a result, an environment of political correctness and fear is enveloping the military.  Clearly, there is fear among chaplains and officers who want to avoid offending their superiors who take their orders directly from the White House.  My disinvitation followed by Rev. Franklin Graham’s disinvitation last week is further evidence of this Administration’s politicization of the military.

I join Congressman Kingston in his call for a thorough Congressional investigation, which will hopefully put a stop to this Administration’s efforts to compel the military to do its political bidding.  DOD should stand for the Department of Defense – not the Department of Disinvitation of Bible-believing Christians.

Also noted at the Army Chaplaincy blog.