Challenges of Evangelicals in the Military

MNA Chaplain Ministries Requests Prayer Regarding Recent Challenges to Evangelicals in the Military

Recently the Air Force issued "Interim Guidance for the Free Exercise of Religion" resulting from recent findings at the Air Force Academy by Yale Divinity School. A former graduate of the USAF Academy, Mickey Weinstein, has filed a law suit against the Air Force to stop alleged proselytizing and evangelizing. In response to the law suit, the Air Force has withdrawn the Covenant and Code of Ethics for Air Force Chaplains that states: "I will not proselytize from other religious bodies, but I retain the right to evangelize those who are non affiliated." The Chief of Air Force Chaplains, MGEN Charlie Baldwin, invited religious bodies who endorse Air Force chaplains to reply to the "Interim Guidance". The Presbyterian and Reformed Joint Commission on Chaplains and Military Personnel (PRJC), which includes the PCA, responded to this on 27 Oct with a lengthy document that includes a historical precedent and principle, theological principles, conclusions, and finally three recommendations. It also includes specific responses to the Air Force document by both our Air Force chaplains and the PRJC Commission members. The PRJC believes that the "Guidelines" could seriously restrict, even suppress, the historic freedom of speech and the free exercise of religion within the military services. On 25 Oct Congress members sent a letter to President Bush, asking him to issue an Executive Order giving chaplains the right to pray in public according to their faith. For further updates on this issue you may go to: www.aclj.org (The American Center for Law & Justice/Jay Sekulow). Please be in prayer for this matter, since it has the potential to impact the future of the military chaplaincy.

The following documents provide an overview of the issues at stake in this important matter:

Original Interim Guidelines and PRJC Response

Revised Interim Guidelines (PDF)

PRJC Response to the Revised Interim Guidelines

Code of Ethics for PRJC-Endorsed Chaplains

Praying in Jesus' Name