In what seems like one of the longest running military religious litigations in recent history (ongoing since 1999, or earlier), the DC Circut denied a preliminary injunction requested by chaplains who have sued over US Navy Chaplain promotion practices.
The short version is the plaintiffs allege the Navy procedures favor Catholic and liturgical chaplains. See prior discussions.
Via the Religion Clause.
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The Marine Corps motto Semper Fidelis means “Always Faithful.” For USMC’s entire existence, Marines and sailors have fought gallantly on the battlefield with ever-present faith. That faith was administered through the wise words of Navy chaplains and religious program specialists, who preach religion to devil dogs and promote ethical and moral behavior as well as provide them guidance. Today, Navy chaplains continue to play an integral role in supporting Marines and sailors to improve combat readiness.
The Chaplain of the Marine Corps, Chaplain (RAdm) Margaret Kibben, Read more
As has been the trend for the past few years, issues of religion and the military seem to have largely fallen from the visibility they once had. This year, as religious liberty sites have compiled their “top tens” for the year, the focus has largely been on DOMA and the challenges to the Affordable Care Act, otherwise known as Obamacare. The left-leaning Baptist Joint Committee included only one military story, saying the “Pentagon debunks rumors of a policy change on religious expression” in reference to the springtime controversy over Michael “Mikey” Weinstein “consulting” with the Air Force (#9 on the list below).
The Top 10 most-read stories on ChristianFighterPilot.com for 2013: Read more
US Air Force SMSgt Philip Monk was the unit First Sergeant whose commander allegedly “agreed” that he should step away from his duties earlier than planned because he was unable to say that opposition to homosexuality was de facto discrimination in the military.
The Air Force found his allegations of religious discrimination “unsubstantiated” because “religion was never discussed between the two.” The Air Force released portions of an investigation alleging he made false, but not punishable, statements, though it has not yet released anything about his commander’s statements, including the allegation she called a fellow Air Force officer — and chaplain — a “bigot” because he did not affirm homosexuality.
“The right thing to do is often the most difficult thing to do…
We weren’t called to do what’s easiest for our career. [We’re] called to do the right thing.”
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On December 7th, the US Navy chaplain corps memorialized two chaplains who died in the line of duty during the attacks on Pearl Harbor in 1941. Chaplain (CAPT) Leroy Kirkpatrick, aboard the USS Arizona, became the first Navy chaplain to die in what became known as World War II. Chaplain (Lt) Aloysius Schmitt, aboard the USS Oklahoma, was the first Roman Catholic chaplain killed in the war.
Few may realize that two years later the US Navy launched the USS Schmitt (DE-676) and the USS Kirkpatrick (DE-318), two of only seven US Navy warships named after chaplains.
The Chaplain of the Marine Corps, Chaplain (RADM) Margaret Read more
The State Chaplain in the Minnesota Air National Guard participated in a traditional “changing of the stole” as Army Chaplain (Col) John Morris passed the stole to Air Force Chaplain (LtCol) Tim Martenson, Air Force chaplain.
The Minnesota National Guard command Read more
An official Army release highlights the military chapel congregations at Fort Stewart, GA, and Hunter Army Airfield who worked with their local commissaries to help offset expenses for local military families:
As part of a longstanding tradition, chaplains gave their religious congregations the opportunity to give what is called a “designated offering…”
“This is a tradition that shows the generosity of Read more
Michael “Mikey” Weinstein targeted two Nativities erected on Guantánamo Bay, Cuba.
A pair of Nativity scenes, one in the dining room for prison camp guards, are apparently causing a bit of a stir among a few troops at this remote outpost…
Ironically, Weinstein’s own letter undermined his cause, when one of an anonymous 18 complainants wrote [emphasis added]:
When they finally have time to relax with their military family they should not have to feel uncomfortable, out of place, or insignificant because their beliefs are not represented.
So its not about the presence of the Nativity, but the absence of other beliefs? Odd thing is, no one has complained that GTMO prohibited other displays, though its unclear what other belief systems celebrate Christmas. (GTMO residents say the base has been fairly public about several holidays, including Ramadan and Hanukkah.)
Weinstein, a former lawyer, called the displays “wholly Read more