Navy Charges Protesting Chaplain

[IChing]

Saturday, April 29, 2006; Page A09

The Navy is bringing charges against an evangelical Christian chaplain who wore his uniform during a protest in front of the White House.

Lt. Gordon J. Klingenschmitt attended a March 30 news conference on Lafayette Square with former Alabama chief justice Roy S. Moore, evangelist Rob Schenck and conservative radio commentator Rick Scarborough to call attention to what they said are restrictions on military chaplains who pray in Jesus's name.

Klingenschmitt said he received a letter yesterday from Capt. Lloyd Pyle, commanding officer of Norfolk Naval Station, summoning him to a captain's mast, an administrative hearing that could result in a reprimand. He said he has not decided whether to accept the summons or to insist on his right to a court-martial.

Pyle's letter said the chaplain violated Navy regulations by "wrongfully wearing his uniform while attending and participating in a news conference in support of personal views on political and religious issues.">>>>.snip

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/04/28/AR2006042801877.html?nav=rss_print/asection

They got it right this time

[BOSSHOG]

1. THROW THE BOOK AT HIM

He's nothing more than a plant of those who hate the constitution. He has soiled my uniform and soiled my Navy. He does not deserve to wear it and has no business ministering to our Sailors. Take the courts martial bitch. You are subject to the UCMJ, and that, like the constitution trumps the bible every time. Prima facie evidence indicates you are guilty as charged. I hope he and his evangelical haters make this a show trial for their cause.

[IChing]

2. Totally agree

If he was discharged or retired it would be another matter...
throw the book at him.

[acmejack]

4. If he is assigned to a command afloat (which he is not)

But if he was, he does not have the right to a court martial. A command afloat is the only place in the military and hence the US of A where you don't have the right to a trial by a jury of your peers.

[Massacure]

11. What is a command afloat?

[acmejack]

12. A ship

[Ian David]

3. This is not about "the right to pray in Jesus' name" for chaplains..

This is about them wanting to force a captive audience to attend mandatory prayer services for a religion and/or sect that is not their own.

[IndianaGreen]

5. Chaplains are not to pray in a sectarian manner

The military is infested with evangelical scum, their chaplains are actively seeking converts which is not permitted by the regulations.

As to the specific incident involving the demonstration, the rightwing would be screaming for the chaplain's scalp were he at an antiwar demonstration while in uniform.

These Christian Dominionists are the spiritual brethren of the Taliban and the Wahabbis.

[IChing]

6. Navy Charges Protesting Chaplain

Saturday, April 29, 2006; Page A09

The Navy is bringing charges against an evangelical Christian chaplain who wore his uniform during a protest in front of the White House.

Lt. Gordon J. Klingenschmitt attended a March 30 news conference on Lafayette Square with former Alabama chief justice Roy S. Moore, evangelist Rob Schenck and conservative radio commentator Rick Scarborough to call attention to what they said are restrictions on military chaplains who pray in Jesus's name.

Klingenschmitt said he received a letter yesterday from Capt. Lloyd Pyle, commanding officer of Norfolk Naval Station, summoning him to a captain's mast, an administrative hearing that could result in a reprimand. He said he has not decided whether to accept the summons or to insist on his right to a court-martial.

Pyle's letter said the chaplain violated Navy regulations by "wrongfully wearing his uniform while attending and participating in a news conference in support of personal views on political and religious issues.">>>>.snip

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/04/28/AR2006042801877.html?nav=rss_print/asection

They got it right this time

[BR_Parkway]

7. War on Xtians, War on Xtians! - that should be good to fill their coffers

another million or so.

[MADem]

8. They sure did--but that dickweed BOYKIN got off with a slap on the pinky

This nonsense about JEEEEEBUS's name has been going on way too long. If these assholes keep it up, they'll end up being the end of the Chaplain Corps, and that will really give them something to cry about.

They need to look at their job description. Their role is to "FACILITATE the free exercise of religion" for EVERYONE, from Wiccan to Orthodox Jew, and any praying they do is secondary, and can be constrained at official military events like changes of command and other formations.

It's why the liturgical chaplains are more frequently pushed to the top slots, to the dismay of some of these clowns who graduated from FlyByNight Jeebus College and are certified by the PRAISETHEHOLYROLLER Ministries--they GET that, and it's likely a function of a better and more rigorous education, frankly.

[valerief]

9. I think this man is NEEDED on the front lines in Iraq, don't you? n/t

[qazplm]

10. why does he think he's special?

no one else is allowed to wear their uniform in issues like this, why does he think he gets to?

He could have shown up in a suit.

Being a military chaplain is NOT about exercising his own religious freedom, it is about ensuring military members can exercise THEIRS.

[rppper]

13. absolutly right.....you can protest, but NOT in the uniform.....

it's pretty cut and dry in the UCMJ....the chaplin knew it to...all officers know it...they are the ones who drill it into the heads of the enlisted ranks. not only are you expected to be a defender of this nation, you are expected to be a diplomat for ALL americans...you are told this from your 1st day of boot camp on. he should lose his commision......

[Big_Mike]

14. Not only as a Chaplain, but as an officer

you are precluded from wearing uniform at purely political functions. Were he testifying before court or Congress, then it would be proper. This was a political issue. Toss his ass out!

And regardless of our own views, calling them "evangelical scum" only helps the fundies.

Personally, I've noted scum at the top of the lake. Fish shit, on the other hand...