Posted on Mar 16, 2018
Can I be denied religious services while on extra duty?
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my chain of command said that I can’t go to religious services while I’m on extra duty
Religion
UCMJ
Punishment
Church
Posted 6 y ago
Responses: 38
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No you can't be denied religious services. However, they can limit the number of times you are allowed to attend. If you are allowed to go to the regularly scheduled worship service on Sunday (or whenever it is scheduled) they can say that you have been afforded the opportunity to worship and deny the right to attend additional opportunities like Bible study. Not sure about the Army, but at least in the Navy things like Bible study don't fall under the heading of "religious services", but "religious education."
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LCDR (Join to see)
Oh, I absolutely understand. I spent 6 weeks in the field with the Marines at 29 Palms, twice, and yeah, it's very hard as a chaplain to get to everyone every week. That's why I say service SHOULD be offered, not WILL be offered every week. I tried my best to get to all my Marines every week, but it just wasn't always possible. While deployed to Okinawa I had one company that spent a month in South Korea. I couldn't get to them at all. I had to rely on other chaplains that were in-country.
And BTW, it's LT not LTC. I'm Navy so it's the equivalent of an Army Captain.
And BTW, it's LT not LTC. I'm Navy so it's the equivalent of an Army Captain.
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CPL Leslie Martinez
LCDR (Join to see) - So, how would you handle the various denominations and beliefs? As it is, not all are even covered, but in the field, you would have logistics hell.
I Like SSgt Baptists solution.
I Like SSgt Baptists solution.
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Cpl Bill Broom
SSgt Joseph Baptist - Yes, we call them "lay leaders" because they have not been ordained by a denomination. However, God ordains through the Holy Spirit. Same goes for Baptisms. It can be done in the field by "lay leaders". God knows what's in our hearts. (My step son is an Army Chaplain (Major) and I'm USMC vet and retired hospice chaplain.)
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The best I can say is, carry your Bible with you, and read a little when you get time, God doesn't care where you are when you want to commune with Him, I've done it in the field and while waiting for the commander to get out of his meetings.
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SPC Casey Ashfield
Good advice. Many unit chaplains carry pocket Bibles for the worshiping service member on the go.
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SGT (Join to see)
CPT (Join to see) - I can’t honestly say I ever read 670-1 cover to cover, every single word. So I can’t say that it’s not in there. But I dont recall ever seeing the religious service attendance provision in 670-1.
If I’m off base, I hope someone can provide some clarity.
If I’m off base, I hope someone can provide some clarity.
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SFC (Join to see)
MSG Francisco Ojeda - It's actually AR 600-20 that covers accommodating religious practices. Para 5-6/
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You are permitted to attend one religion service a week. If they don’t allow either then you should have a reason for recourse. Just deal with it tactfully as you don’t want to end up in more trouble.
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PFC (Join to see)
Yes sir. My chaplain talked to my CO and cleared the air. CO said that since he was allowing me to go on Sunday that he would not make an exception for bible study.
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