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Air Date: April 26, 2012
Host: Vic Eliason
Guest: Chaplain Gordon Klingenschmitt
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Chaplain Klingenschmitt served 16 years as a military officer, he is a former Navy Chaplain who dared to pray in Jesus name and as a result, lost his career as a chaplain.
Several developments in the U.S. Air Force in recent months show increasing hostility to Bibles and Christian influences. Among them:
–In August, 2011, the Air Force banned a class on the Christian-based “Just War Theory” because the class used verses from the Bible
–In November, 2011, the Air Force Academy dropped “Operation Christmas Child” after a single complaint from an atheist group. The Air Force apologized to the atheists and ordered chaplains to no longer use official mail to promote the charity. This was not mandatory participation, but voluntary participation by the cadets
–A new policy was instituted last year, under which commanders are no longer allowed to talk about chaplain programs
–In February, 2012, it was revealed that the Air Force removed a Latin reference to “God” from the logo of its Rapid Capabilities Office after an atheist group complained.
–Then just this month, the Air Force, which maintains a list of items to be provided in Air Force-approved lodging facilities, has now removed the word “Bible” from this list. While Bibles currently in the facilities (usually provided by the Gideons) will not be removed, any that do disappear will not be replaced by the maids who no longer have it on their checklist, and Gideons may be unable to go on base to replenish the supply of Bibles.
Looking beyond the Air Force, becaused of the repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell”, military chaplains in all services are being ordered not to preach or counsel against homosexual practices, and in fact must accommodate same-sex ceremonies in military chapels, even though such practices are forbidden in the Bible.
A new organization was formed in the past few years, called the Military Association of Atheists & Freethinkers. Rather than promoting their own beliefs (or lack thereof), this group has concentrated on protesting expressions of faith by those who do believe in God.
Earlier this year, H.R. 3828, known as the “Military Religious Freedom Protection Act” was introduced in Congress.
More Information:
To let your views be known about Air Force policies:
Michael B. Donley, Secretary
Secretary of the Air Force
1670 Air Force Pentagon
Washington DC 20330-1670
Air Force Office of Public Affairs: 703-695-9664
Email: usafinquiries@pentagon.af.mil
The Congressional Oversight Committee to Investigate these Air Force Actions:
202-225-5074
To contact your U.S. Representative about the “Military Religious Freedom Protection Act”, H.R. 3828:
202-225-3121
