12/19/2005

White House Protest of Military Chaplain Policy

WASHINGTON, Dec. 19 /Christian Wire Service/ -- On Tuesday, December 20, at 10:00 AM, clergy leaders representing numerous denominations will hold a news conference in front of the White House to protest the escalating crisis surrounding military chaplains who are forbidden from ending their public prayers "in the name of Jesus."

The group will ask President Bush to issue and executive order directing that chaplains of all faith traditions be allowed to pray according to their own religious beliefs and practices.

"This new policy of the military is an outrage. We now have well documented proof of this blatant violation of First Amendment guarantees. It is an egregious insult to the good men and women of every religious persuasion who serve in the chaplain corps," said Rev. Rob Schenck, an Evangelical minister and president of the National Clergy Council. Rev. Schenck is also a board member of the Evangelical Church Alliance, an official endorser of military chaplains.

The Reverend Patrick J. Mahoney, a Presbyterian minister and director of the Christian Defense Coalition, said, "Sadly, we are witnessing a growing hostility toward expressions of faith in the public square. It is important the public be reminded that the First Amendment promises freedom 'of' religion not freedom 'from' religion. We call upon President Bush to issue this Executive Order, allowing each military chaplain to pray according to their respective faith tradition, to ensure that religious freedom and the First Amendment are honored and protected." Pluralism and tolerance toward religion is not the removal of faith from the public square. Rather, it is allowing expressions of public faith without government favoritism or intimidation."

News Conference Details---

What: News conference protesting military policy against chaplain prayers in the name of Jesus.

Who: Christian clergy leaders of various denominations under aegis of the National Clergy Council.

When: Tuesday, December 20, 2005, 10:00 A.M.

Where: North side sidewalk in front of Lafayette Park, opposite White House gates.

Why: To ask President Bush to sign executive order allowing chaplain prayers "In Jesus' name" as well as prayers faithful to other religious traditions.