Posted on Jun 4, 2017
Should a Chaplain be reported for sharing political beliefs in his mandatory briefings at events (such as commander's call)?
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Need much more information:
What type of Chaplain (Catholic, Protestant, Jewish, Muslim, the list may be endless)?
What political belief did the Chaplain espouse?
Example: If he said sharia law is inconsistent with the US Constitution and the oath we took to defend it, then that's a fact, not a political belief. If he said Hillary Clinton probably did things that would cause most people with a security clearance to be in jail, that also is a fact, but may be viewed as a political statement. If he out-and-out said God loves only Republicans and hates all Democrats, so we all should vote for Republicans, then he is most likely out of bounds.
What type of Chaplain (Catholic, Protestant, Jewish, Muslim, the list may be endless)?
What political belief did the Chaplain espouse?
Example: If he said sharia law is inconsistent with the US Constitution and the oath we took to defend it, then that's a fact, not a political belief. If he said Hillary Clinton probably did things that would cause most people with a security clearance to be in jail, that also is a fact, but may be viewed as a political statement. If he out-and-out said God loves only Republicans and hates all Democrats, so we all should vote for Republicans, then he is most likely out of bounds.
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Lt Col Jim Coe
TSgt (Join to see) -- Reading your posts on other peoples' answers, I see that the Chaplain publically endorsed one political party or point of view over others. IMO this is out-of-bounds. If you have multiple Chaplains at your base, you should talk with the most senior Chaplain about this Chaplain's remarks.. If this person is the senior Chaplain, then you may need to talk with your Commander. The Chaplaincy is a fairly independent group of personnel within the Air Force, but they do have a chain of command with a General Officer Chaplain at the top. Chaplains are "advisors" to the Commanders.
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Since the man is a Chaplain I would treat it differently from a regular officer because a Chaplain really has two Chain of Commands if you think about it. I would speak one on one with the Chaplain and allow them to self correct first or explain to you why God takes a specific political position on anything.
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SPC Erich Guenther
BTW, Political endorsements or comments made from the pulpit are a NO-GO among most Abrahamic Religious Orders.
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PO2 Rev. Frederick C. Mullis, AFI, CFM
SPC Erich Guenther - Say What??? Since When? Erich May I suggest you do a little reading about American History. Specifically a group called the Black Robed Regiment This name was given to patriot preachers by the British, because of the way they preached the need for Revolution from the Pulpit. Boldly proclaiming the Biblical principals of Government and Liberty to their flocks. When war did come to the Colonies these outspoken men of God, like REVEREND PETER MUHLENBERG" after preaching the Sermon, Ecclesiastes 3 where it explains, 'To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven; a time to be born, and a time to die, a time to plant, and a time to pluck what is planted...'"
Coming to the end of his sermon, Peter Muhlenberg turned to his congregation and said, 'In the language of the holy writ, there was a time for all things, a time to preach and a time to pray, but those times have passed away.' As those assembled looked on, Pastor Muhlenberg declared, 'There is a time to fight, and that time is now coming!' Muhlenberg then proceeded to remove his robes revealing, to the shock of his congregation, a military uniform."
"Marching to the back of the church he declared, 'Who among you is with me?' On that day 300 men from his church stood up and joined Peter Muhlenberg. They eventually became the 8th Virginia Brigade fighting for liberty."
Peter wrote to his Brother, 'I am a Clergyman it is true, but I am a member of the Society as well as the poorest Layman, and my Liberty is as dear to me as any man, shall I then sit still and enjoy myself at Home when the best Blood of the Covenant is spilling? ...So far am I from thinking that I act wrong, I am convinced it is my duty to do so and duly I owe to God and my country."
Erich, There are still many of us who are in the Clergy who are members of the Black Robed Regiment today, Many were prior Military, and if the need be will pick up arms again to defend our homelands, but till them we let our beliefs known from the Pulpit, in the Classroom, and in conversation. As long as they follow the scriptures, and brother I can show you everything happening now in the Scriptures. Read Psalm 1:1.
It is our RIGHT as Americans. Chaplains may have to be more discreet, but they can still get their point across. I have known, and still know many great ones. Their use of the English language is exemplary!
Coming to the end of his sermon, Peter Muhlenberg turned to his congregation and said, 'In the language of the holy writ, there was a time for all things, a time to preach and a time to pray, but those times have passed away.' As those assembled looked on, Pastor Muhlenberg declared, 'There is a time to fight, and that time is now coming!' Muhlenberg then proceeded to remove his robes revealing, to the shock of his congregation, a military uniform."
"Marching to the back of the church he declared, 'Who among you is with me?' On that day 300 men from his church stood up and joined Peter Muhlenberg. They eventually became the 8th Virginia Brigade fighting for liberty."
Peter wrote to his Brother, 'I am a Clergyman it is true, but I am a member of the Society as well as the poorest Layman, and my Liberty is as dear to me as any man, shall I then sit still and enjoy myself at Home when the best Blood of the Covenant is spilling? ...So far am I from thinking that I act wrong, I am convinced it is my duty to do so and duly I owe to God and my country."
Erich, There are still many of us who are in the Clergy who are members of the Black Robed Regiment today, Many were prior Military, and if the need be will pick up arms again to defend our homelands, but till them we let our beliefs known from the Pulpit, in the Classroom, and in conversation. As long as they follow the scriptures, and brother I can show you everything happening now in the Scriptures. Read Psalm 1:1.
It is our RIGHT as Americans. Chaplains may have to be more discreet, but they can still get their point across. I have known, and still know many great ones. Their use of the English language is exemplary!
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