Written by Don Byrd
Last week, the House Armed Services Committee voted on amendments to the 2014 National Defense Authorization Act. Amendments that passed included one that allows service members to express personal beliefs provided they do not cause actual harm to others or are restricted by military necessity (current law disallows expression that “threatens” to harm others). Another deals with the contentious issue of chaplain prayers.
The Air Force Times reports:
By voice vote, the committee passed an amendment sponsored by Rep. Walter Jones, R-N.C., allowing chaplains to [follow] the traditions, expressions and religious exercises of their faith. That means, for example, to be able to complete a prayer “in Jesus’ name.”
Chaplains already have the right under existing policy to follow practices of their own faith during a religious service, but Jones’ amendment expands this to include situations when a chaplain is called upon to lead a prayer.
The Committee also rejected an amendment that would have authorized chaplain-like counselors for atheist and secularist personnel.
