Make the Chaplain Corps Great Again
The Secretary of Defense has promised to make the military chaplain corps great again. I have been associated with the military chaplaincy for 35 years. I can tell you that it is already great. Foundations Here are some basic truths about the chaplaincy that I did not hear the secretary mention. Military chaplaincy is rooted in the first amendment. Congress shall make no respecting an establishment of religion or prohibiting thereof . The chaplaincy exists first and foremost to facilitate the free exercise of religion for those whom the government has ordered away from home. In Army language, chaplains perform religious ministry for those who wish to receive what they have to offer and provide opportunities for religious life for members of other faith groups. Chaplains are advocates within the command for the free exercise of religion. That includes protecting those who do not wish to participate in religious activities from religious coercion. The United States governmen...