Let the chaplins pray

I just received this email from a dear sister in the Lord Ingrid Schluter host of a great and informative program called Cross talk.
We at The Simply Agape Project have and always will be concerned about our troops and their welfare.
We will also continue to get them free music to build their morale and let them know that Jesus loves them and we do to.

Here is the email please respond by calling a congressman--



For some time, we have been hearing of military chaplains being restricted in how they can conduct their religious services. This summer, it came to a head after a Navy Chaplain, Lt. Gordon James Klingenschmitt, was reprimanded because he conducted services in accordance with his Episcopal tradition, and not generic non-sectarian services.

The Secretary of the Navy later officially ruled that chaplains cannot pray in Jesus' name except in the confines of a chapel.

The Navy has now gone on the offensive to punish Chaplain Klingenschmitt at court-marshal for the crime of praying in the name of Jesus while in uniform outside of a chapel setting. A hearing has been held, and the trial could begin September 11.

According to Chaplain Klingenschmitt, Navy regulations allow him to wear the uniform and he had prior written permission to do so during prayers as long as he didn't pray in the name of Jesus. When he did so while wearing the uniform, he was accused of making a political speech and now he's under the threat of court-marshal.

The Secretary of the Navy has now officially ruled that chaplains cannot pray in Jesus' name except in the confines of a chapel.

President Bush can override the ruling of the Secretary of the Navy, restoring the rights of chaplains in all the military services.

In addition, the House version of the Defense Authorization Act, HR-5122, includes Section 590, which specifically authorizes chaplains to conduct services in accordance with their conscience and their own religious traditions. This would include praying in the name of Jesus. The Senate version of the bill, S-2766, does not have this provision, so the two must be reconciled in a conference committee.

Senator Lindsey Graham is holding the bills until the conference committee convenes.

Please contact the senators on the Conference Committee to give them your views on accepting the House version of the Defense Authorization Act, HR-5122, especially Section 590 which specifically authorizes chaplains to conduct services in accordance with their conscience, including the right to pray in Jesus' name:

Senator Lindsey Graham
202-224-5972
803-933-0112

Senator John Warner
202-224-2023
757-441-3079

Senator Carl Levin
202-224-6221
313-226-6020

Capitol Switchboard
888-355-3588

Also contact the White House and ask the President to take action:

202-456-1111
202-456-1414

For updated information on Chaplain Klingenschmitt's fight for the right to pray in Jesus' name, and similar matters:

http://persuade.tv



Thank you!

The Crosstalk Team

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