FRC: Protect Your Military Chaplains from a Bully
Chris Gacek of the Family Research Council recently urged readers to voice their support for military chaplains in a blog entitled “Protect Your Military Chaplains from a Bully.” The context of his call was the most recent “histrionics” of a bully — Michael “Mikey” Weinstein — as he attacked Chaplain (MajGen) Dondi Costin and others for attending the CALL awards event:
What is of particular note is Weinstein’s complete and utter lack of perspective. Does he honestly believe that a retirement-type event honoring a member of Congress who has supported the needs of chaplains would not be attended by appreciative members of the military chaplaincy? Is he really so misguided as to think that the DOD IG is going to state that military chaplains attending a retirement event for a member of the House in the company of other House members and a U.S. Senator is a punishable offense? Sadly, he appears to be.
That’s true, with nuance. Weinstein wouldn’t have had a problem had the event been gay-affirming, for example. As with most of Weinstein’s attacks on religious liberty, his demands are content-based: Since those in attendance held views he did not like, he believed the chaplains should be punished for being there.
Gacek links to a petition from The Chaplain Alliance for Religious Liberty that will ultimately be hand-delivered to members of senior military leaders and Congress:
As a deeply concerned citizen, I am calling on leaders in Washington, D.C. to stop these unprecedented attacks on military members exercising their freedom of religion and expression. Our servicemen and servicewomen put themselves in harm’s way to protect our freedom and God-given constitutional rights. It’s time for you to protect theirs!
As to whether the DoD IG is actually a viable path for Mikey Weinstein or not, it remains to be seen. In the interim, Weinstein seems to be happy to use the DoD IG as a vehicle for publicity. While he does want to attack Christians, publicity is the primary means to his financial ends.
ADVERTISEMENT
I am reluctant to write on this forum; but, enough is enough. I am a recently retired Chaplain whose last position was that of command Chaplain and retired at the rank of Colonel. In addition, I am a spirit filled Pentecostal that is endorsed by a strong Evangelistic/Charismatic group. I say all that to say do you really want Religious Fundamentalism as the norm for Chaplaincy? Do you realize what you are espousing? We see the actions daily of Religious Zealotry all over the news. The role of the Chaplain is to perform (those Religious/Educational aspects allowed by their endorser) or provide (for those members that are of a different faith background or persuasion) for all members of the Military, DoD Civilians (US Contractors) and their Families. When a Chaplain furthers their own agenda regardless of what it is, they will alienate many. In my long course of service to our wonderful Service People I have lead several to the Lord (even some that died shortly afterwards) and have had the most powerful opportunities to preach in places that would never even be thought of. I have had leaders as well as subordinates that have been Atheist, Agnostic, Jewish, Muslim, Buddhist, Wiccan, Scientology, Jedi and of course the largest group Christian (but of every variety that can be conceived). Amazingly they have all respected me and have been more than willing to let me talk with them and in some occasions afforded the opportunity to share my faith. This includes, Gays, Lesbians, Transvestites and those questioning (before and after “don’t ask, don’t tell). I have dealt with adulterers, murderers, fornicators, suicidal persons, drug and alcohol abusers and countless others. Far be it from me to slam the door in the face of any and as such, the vast majority of the people I dealt with have been open to a spiritual solution. How then can I as a leader stand up and say “I encourage more lying in order to stay in the military service I love”? It can be done in so many ways, using my position to pontificate on my beliefs is the biggest.
I love the Chaplaincy and would have loved to remain longer; however, due to injuries received while engaged in my Mission (notice not Missionary but Mission) I am unable to continue. I am deeply concerned about what is happening in the Chaplaincy. We have forgotten our direction to “Nurture the living, care for the wounded and honor the dead” and instead feel compelled to pressure all to our specific belief. I will shock Ch Costin, and even Ch Hernandez with my next statement, “I personally believe that there is only one Son of God and I believe that he is the way, the truth and the life”. With that said, militaristic, bombastic and deceitful actions to get others to come to that is not in the true sense of loving others. As I have said on countless occasions, nobody cares about you if you don’t show you care. I have never been denied my personal Constitutional Rights; but, as a Servant I seek to ensure that our charges are not denied theirs.
Sorry for the long statement; but, would you be as militaristic in your approach in defense of an Imam, Rabbi, Wiccan or Satanistic Priest? Equal access means that all are equal in the Chaplaincy. Think about the avenues that are being focused here. Second and third order effects are enormous. The military has enough to be concerned about than Christian Chaplains being Charged with Evangelizing them. The establishment clause is there for a reason. Let’s stop trying to pursue our own agendas. Only ignorant people rush in where the Holy Spirit dare not trod. Yes, I am an advisor to Mikey at MRFF, and my overt reason is to try and alleviate the need for MRFF in regards to the military. But, if Chaplains insist on pursuing their own Mission Field – then MRFF will be needed.
@Quentin D Collins
Who are these “fundamentalist…zealot[s]” with “militaristic, bombastic and deceitful actions” you so strongly oppose? Mikey Weinstein makes similar statements, yet he has never produced a real-life, factual example of anyone who has ever done the things you are opposing. He’s fighting a bogeyman. By your definition, there is no “need” for the MRFF.
Take the Weinstein blinders off for a minute, and you’ll see the vast majority of the people you’re criticizing actually defend religious freedom. Religious freedom is accessible to all. Liberty is protected by its practice, not its suppression. By contrast, your friend Mikey Weinstein has demonstrated by his actions that he thinks some people are undeserving of religious liberty.
That said, you might be blinded by some of the same passion:
Chris Rodda has publicized the fact you have complained to the Air Force Chief of Chaplains no less than three times about the beliefs of Chaplain Sonny Hernandez, despite the fact he has not done any of the things you have decried in your comment above. Rather, you explicitly stated it is the content of his beliefs you oppose — notably, beliefs similarly held by many Airmen.
Do you not believe those troops are included in the direction to “nurture the living, care for the wounded and honor the dead?”
Please square your attempt to surreptitiously undermine the career of Chaplain Hernandez with that, as well as your contradictory assertion that “equal means equal” in the chaplaincy. You seem to believe equal only means equal when you approve of the content of the belief system.
Sir, there are several problems that exist with your argument.
First, your arguments could have been explained without having to expound on your BIO or injuries in an attempt to elevate your point. If you profess to be a Christian, “you should let others praise you, and not your own mouth” (Proverbs 27:2). You should know that God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble (James 4:6).
Second, just because you use the appellation of “spirit filled” or claim to be endorsed by a “strong evangelistic/charismatic group” will not add any depth to your scholarship, or arguments. This self-described “strong evangelistic/charismatic group” that you are part of is led by David Plummer, who writes for a gay advocacy group (Forum on Military Chaplaincy), while criticizing Bible-believing chaplains for praying. This does not sound very spirit-filled or evangelistic to me, especially since there are no spirit filled, born again Christians in the Bible that accept the things that God commands Christians to purge from among them (1 Cor. 5:13), and not have fellowship with (Eph 5.11).
Third, when you write: “do you really want Religious Fundamentalism as the norm for Chaplaincy?” “Do you realize what you are espousing? You seem to be ill-advised on policy with your aforementioned questions, and are acting naïve about the innumerable Bible-believing fundamentalists that are serving faithfully, to include chaplains. The constitution protects the rights of all Airmen, Soldiers, Sailors, and Marines to hold to their sincerely held theological convictions or no convictions at all (either conservative or liberal), without intermeddling from the government. Born again Christian will always profess Christ alone as Lord (Acts 4:12), and will endeavor to teach people the same (Matthew 28:18-20).
Fourth, when you assert that the CFP is “slamming the door” in the face of others, you are engaging in a fallacy. They are doing no such thing. Would you accuse a doctor of slamming the door in the face of their patient if they were writing about the cure for maladies? A doctor has a fiduciary responsibility to their patients, and if they failed to instruct them, prosecution would likely occur. This is why the role of the watchman is important (Ezek. 33), and why Bible –believing chaplains are needed who will actually put their faith into practice by telling people the truth (1 Tim 4:1-3), and not those who just offer lip service (Matt. 15:8).
Moreover, I am not shocked that you profess to believe in God, because even the demons believe. The difference between you and the demons is that they tremble (James 2:19) and you do not. If you did tremble, then you would certainly not be aligning yourself with anti-God advocacy groups like the MRFF that conspicuously target Bible-believing Christians, which shows which side you are on (Matt. 12:30).
Furthermore, you clearly contradict yourself when you claim that “equal access means that all are equal in the chaplaincy.” What about the fundamentalists that you seem to dislike? Do their constitutional rights matter? What about mine? What about the servicemen and women who died for religious liberty (to include fundamentalists)? Given the fact that you have written to the AF Chief of Chaplains a few times because you do not like my theology, clearly unveils just how much you could care less about equality, and more about your agenda. Also, you claim that the “military has enough to be concerned with than Christians chaplains evangelizing them,” while earlier you claim to be endorsed by a strong “evangelistic” group, which shows that the word evangelism is just a conundrum to you, or you are just spiritually discerned (1 Cor. 2:14).
In closing, since you align yourself with the MRFF, I will pray for you, that Christ will open your eyes (Acts 16:14). Also, I will pray for those that you have served in your long career, that they are not more worst off then you (Matt. 23:15).
JD, Chaplain Hernandez,
Keep up the good fight. It is comforting that there is a resource such as this for those of us that actually believe in the Bible to go.
Thank you Justin. For His Glory.
There appears to be a disconnect between Quentin Collins’s remarks and Christian Fighter Pilot’s original article about the blog of the Family Research Council’s Chris Gacek: “Protect Your Military Chaplains from a Bully.” The focus of Gasic’s blog is Mr. Weinstein’s unprovoked and unreasonable attack on Air Force and Army chaplains who appeared in uniform and the Air Force Chief of Chaplains who prayed at the Chaplains Alliance for Religious Liberty award ceremony for Congressman Randy Forbes.
Rev. Collins’ comments completely miss that point, the right of chaplains to appear in an open public forum and respond to an invitation to pray at a private event in a public forum with military, retired, government, media and civilian guests who were there to honor and encourage those who defend religious liberty. In effect, Rev. Collins illustrates the problem of persons with some religious and military credentials using their ignorance and alleged influence to bully others into silence or agreeing with their erroneous and corrupt beliefs.
After stating “I personally believe that there is only one Son of God and I believe that he is the way, the truth and the life”, Rev. Collins then states:
“With that said, militaristic, bombastic and deceitful actions to get others to come to that is not in the true sense of loving others. As I have said on countless occasions, nobody cares about you if you don’t show you care. I have never been denied my personal Constitutional Rights; but, as a Servant I seek to ensure that our charges are not denied theirs.”
One reading Rev. Collins’s comments would think the Chaplain Alliance award ceremony was an extraordinary evangelistic event where people were forced in from the streets or deceptively lured into a meeting and kept there contrary to their will in order to listen to high-ranking chaplains in uniform giving altar calls and trying to use their rank to force people to believe. Rev. Collins is attacking a bogeyman of his own creation. As a guest at that event, I can testify there is no similarity between what actually happened that night and Rev. Collins’ implied imaginary description or Mr. Weinstein’s misshapen and corrupt caricature of the ceremony. I cannot recall any derogatory language addressed at denominations or specific personnel, rather it was uplifting and encouraging to many of us who have been battling for religious liberty. The award ceremony was not a political event as that term is commonly understood and no political agenda was presented or pushed; the emphasis was on religious liberty and its importance to our nation.
Rev. Collins’ article actually appears to illustrate the ignorance or willful blindness of many as to the real religious liberty issues. This is not surprising since he works for an organization whose actions label it clearly anti-Christian and show it is clearly ignorant of relevant constitutional religious liberty and speech law.
If Rev. Collins were truly interested in religious liberty as he claims, especially as it concerns religious speech, he might choose to read Town of Greece v. Galloway, 134 S. Ct. 1811 (2014), rejecting the argument having ministers offer sectarian prayer at the beginning of town Council meetings violated the Establishment Clause. Prayer at governmental events is clearly an area where religion touches on government. While the award ceremony in question was not government-sponsored, Town of Greece provides a clear refutation that prayer is somehow forbidden in government circles and events. Therefore, it certainly is not a problem at a civilian event unless you’re looking for an opportunity to exercise bullying and raise funds.
Town of Greece reemphasized an earlier ruling which “instructed that the ‘content of the prayer is not of concern to judges,’ provided ‘there is no indication that the prayer opportunity has been exploited to proselytize or advance any one, or to disparage any other, faith or belief.’” Id. at 1822-23 (citation omitted). In holding prayer at legislative bodies did not violate the Constitution the Supreme Court clearly rejected the concept that mere offense to the content of religious speech resulted in a constitutional violation.
Adults often encounter speech they find disagreeable; and an Establishment Clause violation is not made out any time a person experiences a sense of affront from the expression of contrary religious views in a legislative forum, especially where, as here, any member of the public is welcome in turn to offer an invocation reflecting his or her own convictions. Id. at 1826.
Town of Greece reminds us “the Constitution does not guarantee citizens a right entirely to avoid ideas with which they disagree”. Id. We would do well to remind ourselves and others the Town of Greece’s logic, legal history and analysis shows the Constitution provides and protects religious liberty and expects adult citizens to appreciate and respect that freedom when it is displayed and/or attacked by Military Freedom From Religion members.
Arthur Schulcz Sr.
Chaplains Council
@Quentin Collins
Dear Chaplain Collins,
I am an ordained Spirit-filled Evangelical Charismatic minister and I think your idea of what it means to be Spirit-filled and mine are completely opposite. To be truly Spirit-filled is to be completely controlled by the Holy Spirit in every area of our life and listening intently to the voice of God through His Word and by His Spirit. As Chaplain Hernandez has already written above that you belong to a Charismatic group that that is lead by David Plummer who is involved with a gay advocacy group called Forum on Military Chaplaincy which is a very pro-homosexual group! If you were truly Spirit-filled as you say you are, then you would know that the Spirit which is behind the writing of the inerrant Word of God says that homosexuality is an abomination and sin (Lev. 18:22; Lev. 20:13 ; Rom. 1:24-27; 1 Cor. 6:9-11).
Let me ask you Chaplain, you say that military chaplains are not to proselytize then what do you do with the Great Commission (28:18-20)? We are all called to as the Greek renders this verse, in your goings make disciples of all the nations… Did you ever once share the gospel of Christ with those soldiers you ministered to? Did you ever tell those who are caught in the sinful bondages of homosexuality, transgenderism, transvestism, fornication etc., that there is hope for them through Christ that He could deliver them from their lifestyle?
You said that that being a military chaplain is not a mission field, well dear chaplain, any occupation we may find ourselves in is our mission field that we are to bring the light of Christ into and the saving hope of salvation found only in Jesus Christ. Are we not called Ambassadors for Christ? (2 Cor. 5:20). You see chaplain, there is no sacred and secular to God, all is sacred to Him!
Let me ask you one last question chaplain, if you are Spirit-filled, then why are you yoking yourself with a gay advocacy group which you are or were endorsed under and with a group like Forum on Military Chaplaincy which just as much anti-Christ as Mikey Weinstein’s Military Religious Freedom Foundation is? Does not 2 Cor. 6:14-16 says not to be “unequally yoked with a non believer. For what partnership has righteousness has with lawlessness or what fellowship does light have with darkness.” Then verse 17 says that we are to go out from their midst and be separate from them.”
Let me exhort you with this chaplain, “if are not with God then you are against Him,” and it is time you repent or your ways and listen to what the Spirit is saying!
Rev. Bob Fritch
Founder – Watchmen for Zion Ministries