Baptists, Catholics Threaten to Withdraw Chaplains Over DADT

The Southern Baptist Convention, the Roman Catholic Church and other conservative denominations have threatened Defense Secretary Robert Gates and President Obama to withdraw their endorsements for military chaplains if "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" is repealed, reports the Associated Press.

"In the Army, the U.S. military's largest branch, the largest denomination is the Southern Baptist Convention, with roughly 450 active chaplains. Next is the Roman Catholic Church, with 270, followed by chaplains from the Full Gospel Pentecostal church; Presbyterian and Reformed churches; and Assemblies of God. A spokeswoman for the Pentagon said chaplains must have the endorsement of their church or religious organization to serve the role. If a chaplain's church withdraws its endorsement, the military begins processing the chaplain to leave the military.

"Several denominations have already threatened to take such a step, citing long lists of potential conflicts the chaplains could face with openly gay soldiers. The Southern Baptist Convention, the Roman Catholic Church, the Orthodox Church in America, the Presbyterian Church in America, and the Rabbinical Alliance of America have issued statements or written to the Obama administration this year with their concerns that repealing "don't ask, don't tell" could force their chaplains to choose between serving God and serving the military.

"The Orthodox Church in America, for example, condemns homosexuality and mandates that the appropriate action its ministers should take toward gay people who seek counseling is to steer them to repent and renounce the gay lifestyle. 'If such an attitude were regarded as 'prejudice' or the denunciation of homosexuality as 'hate language,' or the like, we would be forced to pull out our chaplains from military service,' the church informed the Pentagon in May."

The Defense Department says chaplains' religious beliefs "and their need to express them" will be respected.

Several dozen retired military chaplains are echoed the fear-mongering. Sixty-five retired military chaplains have signed a letter urging President Barack Obama and Defense Secretary Robert Gates to keep "Don't Ask, Don't Tell." The retired chaplains say that serving both God and the armed forces "will become impossible" for those whose faiths consider homosexuality a sin.

"[It's] absolutely stunning that church leaders would actually end their relationships with the Pentagon over this," notes AMERICABlog's Joe Sudbay. "It shines a light on just how rabidly these anti-gay religions are. Now, the gay community is used to this crap. But, that they're willing to give up on the U.S. military is beyond the pale."

Apparently for some religions, hating gays and lesbians takes precedence over ministering and feeding the soul.

Comments

[Jim]

“...repealing ‘don’t ask, don’t tell’ could force their chaplains to choose between serving God and serving the military.”

Actually, from mankind’s beginning, that has always been the choice they have been faced with.

[Derrick from Philly]

Yeah, Jim:

Most the time they serve God's military...or so they'd have you believe. "Onward Christian soldiers....."

Speaking of military: SlimJim, get us the hell out of Afghanistan...please!!! Just channel the ghost of Lyndon Johnson--he'll tell you where you're headed.

[mjolnir202]

This is a positive development as the rabid Christian-Right has basically used the military as captive audience for recruits. It's frightening how the extreme right wing churches have wormed their way into the military. Let them leave, PLEASE!!! One more reason of a thousand to hate religion.

[gb]

I say let them go. If God has a message for a active duty soldier I believe the message will get through without the help of a Elder,Father,Rabbi,Priest,etc. Even Jesus says he came NOT to condemn. If man's denominational teachings wants to continue to neglect the TRUE SPIRIT of God, then again I say Let them go. If the spirit of God dwells within you then no intermediary is needed.
The Bible also states that Thou Shalt not Kill, what is the main intent of any military?! to plant a garden? Why then don't the Religious chaplains have a problem with that tenet?! I'll stop now.The hypocrisies of the church is why I left.

[Bellah]

Goodbye. dont let the door hit you in your pedohile, racist homomophobic sexist classist robed ass on the way out. Great job on deserting those who need spirtitual guidance the most. in the end you are doing us all a great big favor.

[S Maglott]

There are plenty of Christian denominations who do not practice hate for God's creations. Let them fill the void. We'll all be better off for it

[Kevin Perez]

"There are plenty of Christian denominations who do not practice hate for God's creations. Let them fill the void. We'll all be better off for it"

Yeah right, trivializing how much religion plays a role in the continuation of discrimination against LGBTs is denial. So what if a couple of churches don't pratice what's in the mainstream? Why are they not going public about it? What are they doing other than feinging outrage? Why do they continue to give lip service? Sorry, some us of are better off without religion. Many of us are tired about God's love or what ''true'' Christianity is.

[ReggieH]

I agree, if they walk out, let them go. Proves that these so-called Men of the Cloth are filled with prejudice, not religion.

[Alex]

If as a gay soldier you choose to go to a chaplain that has antigay opinions, you certainly shouldn't expect him or her to hold their tongue... after all, their job is to offer advice and opinion on moral issues. Surely chaplains aren't the only counseling option readily available to soldiers?

On the other hand, chaplains should not be entitled to verbally harass or encourage harassment of individuals because of their perceived sins.