Jones defends military chaplains at gathering

Rep. Walter B. Jones, R-N.C., told military chaplains he is continuing his battle to keep their constitutional right to religious freedom in place with a bill in Congress and diplomatic efforts with President Obama.

Jones told about two dozen chaplains and religious program specialists attending a Friday Atlantic Baptist Association event honoring them that a bill introduced in the 111th Congress seeks to protect their freedom to close prayers outside religious services according to the dictates of their own conscience.

Chaplains and religious program specialists from air stations at Cherry Point, New River, and Beaufort, S.C., were welcomed by wing chaplain, Capt. Ronald Brown, and retired Chaplain George Tumlin, to the dinner and program at CrossRoads Baptist Church in New Bern.

Rev. Charles Royal, pastor of Morehead City Free Will Baptist Church, introduced the U.S. House District 3 congressman, in office since 1995, and said “It impresses me to see this kind of dedication, not only to his country but to his Lord.”

Jones said this bill would give a chaplain of any faith the same right and was spurred by an American Civil Liberties Union suit against actions of an Annapolis chaplain who closed a prayer in Christ’s name. Passage of the bill that would amend the U.S. military codes wouldn’t make the suit go away but could lend legal credibility to the chaplain’s defense.

“Anything we can do legislatively, we should do to better show the intent of Congress in the codes in place,” said Jones. “I’ll continue to be a foot soldier for God.”

He talked with evangelist Joshua Dubois, a spiritual adviser to Obama, in October 2009 and requested a meeting with him to bring the matter to the attention of the White House.

“He didn’t tell me no,” Jones said.

Chaplains attending, like Religious Program Specialist Wai Gie Yau, a naturalized citizen who has served in the Navy since 2006, said they share Jones’ concern and appreciate his efforts to protect the freedom of expression of chaplains of all faiths.

Navy Chaplain Robert Beede said he has been to public meetings presided over by chaplains for 24 years who were rabbis praying in Hebrew and Christians ending prayers in the name of Jesus Christ. And he has seen fallen Marines who were Muslim and prayed to Allah.

“I know we’re appreciated by virtue of wearing the nation’s cloth,” said Beede. He also thinks that should apply to the personal liberties they defend. 

Sue Book can be reached at 252-635-5666 or sbook@freedomenc.com.