Pentagon may court martial soldiers who share their faith.

Religious proselytizing has been against military regulations for a while. 
 
I hear it only applies to IFBXers....
 
FreeToBeMe said:
Religious proselytizing has been against military regulations for a while.
Click to expand...

This policy, if true, is very different than past policy.
 
Christian soldiers should do it any way. Let them know you're not afraid. There is a petition for U.S. residents however. I can't sign it because I'm in Canada.
 
rsc2a said:
4everfsu said:
I hear it only applies to IFBXers....
Click to expand...

No Chick tracts?  :'(
Click to expand...

Is that like Chick flicks? Short romance stories that people leave on benches and in women's washrooms, etc.
 
FreeToBeMe said:
Religious proselytizing has been against military regulations for a while.
Click to expand...
Even when you are off duty?
 
As with many issues in the military, the enforcement depends upon the chain of command.  My husband was reprimanded more than once for sharing his faith with others, visiting an enlisted man at his house on base (the man had visited our church and requested a visit, but his active duty wife apparently objected), having enlisted people to our house for Sunday lunch when they visited our church, having a Bible on his desk, handing our tracks to people and praying with patients. 

If he was called in to be reprimanded, he usually asked for a written report of the incident and for his superior to cite, in writing, a specific article of offense from the UCMJ.  He's a nice guy and was an excellent officer, so that helped. 
 
Just John said:
Ed Stetzer blogged about these claims:

http://www.edstetzer.com/2013/05/wait-do-you-mean-the-story-thr.html

Sometimes we get worked up too quick. Sometimes understandably and sometimes not.
Click to expand...

JJ you and Ed have a point...but there has been a definite change in the attitude and the enforcement of these regulations in the Obama regime. I served for years on the board of the Liberty Church Planting Network....we are an endorsing agency for military chaplains. There has been a change, for the worse in the atmosphere surrounding evangelical chaplains. This controversy has helped to bring about a little change....contrary to what old Ed might say.... :)
 
I might add....don't ask don't tell also added some stress to evangelical Chaplins...
 
16KJV11 said:
Even when you are off duty?
Click to expand...

In my experience, if you are participating in a church function while "off duty" that may be construed as "proselytizing", it's not an issue - as long as you are not in uniform representing or claiming to represent the military.  I should add that anytime you are in military uniform you are representing the military.

The problem occurs when you start trying to convert your fellow soldiers/sailors/marines/airmen against their wishes or objections.  Passing out tracts in the barracks or on the base/post is not condoned.  Door-to-door "soul winning" at military family quarters on post is not permitted. 

Overseas is a different story.  When deployed, members fall under General Order #1 which specifically prohibits any proselytizing anywhere in the country you are deployed in.  This prohibition does not cover Chaplains conducting religious services for military and civilian members of the U.S. armed forces.
 
FreeToBeMe said:
16KJV11 said:
Even when you are off duty?
Click to expand...

In my experience, if you are participating in a church function while "off duty" that may be construed as "proselytizing", it's not an issue - as long as you are not in uniform representing or claiming to represent the military.  I should add that anytime you are in military uniform you are representing the military.

The problem occurs when you start trying to convert your fellow soldiers/sailors/marines/airmen against their wishes or objections.  Passing out tracts in the barracks or on the base/post is not condoned.  Door-to-door "soul winning" at military family quarters on post is not permitted. 

Overseas is a different story.  When deployed, members fall under General Order #1 which specifically prohibits any proselytizing anywhere in the country you are deployed in.  This prohibition does not cover Chaplains conducting religious services for military and civilian members of the U.S. armed forces.
Click to expand...

You are correct.
A military chaplain is there to minister to those of his religious/denominational persuasion, technically speaking.
They don't set up tents and have evangelistic meetings on the parade grounds.

All of that given, there is a subtle intimidation in some quarters of the military toward evangelicals.
 
Tarheel Baptist said:
All of that given, there is a subtle intimidation in some quarters of the military toward evangelicals.
Click to expand...

There always has been.  Those folks just feel more empowered now given latest "happenings" in the military (gays in the military, etc.)...and some appear to be taking matters in their own hand without approval from their superiors.  The actions of the reserve instructor in Pennsylvania are a classic example.  These actions by no means represent the military as a whole.

 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top