WASHINGTON (BP)–Do military chaplains have the right to pray in Jesus’ name in ceremonies outside of chapel services? The military insists they do, but U.S. Rep. Walter Jones, R.-N.C., is attempting to write that guarantee into federal law.
Shortly before Congress’ summer recess, Jones introduced H.R. 6514, which would ensure chaplains the right to close a prayer outside of a religious service according to the dictates of the chaplain’s conscience.
“For Christian chaplains, closing their prayers in the name of Jesus is a fundamental part of their beliefs,” Jones said in a statement. “To suppress this form of expression would violate their religious freedom.”
No hearings have been scheduled yet on the bill, which has attracted former presidential candidate, Rep. Ron Paul, R.-Texas, and Rep. Christopher Smith, R.-N.J., as co-sponsors.
Jones said he regularly has received complaints from officers and chaplains about such restraints.
