Navy rule on prayer ignites a debate

A new Navy policy that encourages chaplains to use only “nonsectarian” language outside of divine services has prompted criticism that regulating prayer services violates the chaplains’ First Amendment rights.

Under new rules signed by Secretary of the Navy Donald C. Winter, chaplains of all faiths in the Navy are asked to consider the views of their audience before invoking specific religious beliefs in prayer.

“I’m very disappointed with the secretary of the Navy,” said Navy chaplain Lt. Gordon James Klingenschmitt. “He’s doing the opposite of what President Bush wants.”

Navy spokesman Lt. William Marks says Lt. Klingenschmitt has exaggerated the policy’s reach.

“The only thing we ask is that chaplains be inclusive of the people in their audience,” Lt. Marks said.

“We’ve never said they can’t invoke Jesus in their prayers. You aren’t going to get into trouble for that.”

Lt. Klingenschmitt is urging Mr. Bush to sign an executive order to allow military chaplains to pray according to their individual faith tradition. He said that if the president decides not to sign such an order, he might sue the Navy.

The Navy policy appears to be similar to that of the Air Force, which reads, “nondenominational, inclusive prayer or a moment of silence may be appropriate for military ceremonies.”

The rule change completes an evolution of the Navy’s official policy toward religious language.

In 1998, former Chief of Navy Chaplains Byron Holderby submitted a “memo of suggestion” that chaplains who wish to use sectarian language withdraw from events such as evening prayer services aboard Navy ships.

On Feb. 21, Mr. Winter quietly signed the regulation making the suggestion official Navy policy.

Yesterday, Lt. Klingenschmitt filed a “formal whistleblower complaint” against Mr. Winter and Chief of Navy Chaplains Rear Adm. Louis V. Iasiello.

The complaint was sent to Senate Armed Services Committee members Hillary Rodham Clinton, New York Democrat, and James M. Inhofe, Oklahoma Republican. Lt. Klingenschmitt, a New York native, says Mrs. Clinton has already written a letter to the Navy on his behalf.

Reps. Thomas M. Reynolds, New York Republican, and Walter B. Jones, North Carolina Republican, received copies of the complaint as well.

“We have been working on Chaplain Klingenschmitt’s behalf since last May,” Reynolds spokesman L.D. Platt said. “The congressman is not satisfied so far with what the Navy has come back with.”

Story Continues →