Study: Air Force May Further Limit Religious Expression

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Study: Air Force May Further Limit Religious Expression

By Steve Jordahl, Focus on the Family, October 13, 2005

A policy allowing Chaplains to evangelize has been pulled for review.

The policy is part of a code of ethics that states: "I will not actively proselytize from other religious bodies. However, I retain the right to instruct and/or evangelize those who are not affiliated."

The Air Force isn't saying what actions they are contemplating. One military chaplain who spoke to us anonymously, says a harsh crackdown could make his job difficult.

"My denomination requires of me is to be willing to share my faith as it applies in the situations that I find myself in as I serve our military personnel."

The ethics statement is based on a similar document from the National Conference on Ministry to the Armed Forces, the non-military organization that endorses military chaplains. Jack Williamson is a spokesman for the organization.

"I think that we have just, because of some recent events as you're familiar with out at the Academy and other places, become a bit more sensitized to how people do this."

But Williamson warns his organization's wait-and-see attitude could turn to protest if the Air Force changes the policy.

"Yes, if one of the services' chaplains were going to try to restrict that we would certainly object to it."

Our anonymous chaplain would prefer to be allowed to share his faith openly, but isn't too worried if that right is taken away.

"There are many, many opportunities to share faith in Christ with people."

The Air Force current guidelines allow for peer to peer evangelism, but state that chaplains "must be as sensitive to those who do not welcome their offerings of faith, as they are generous in sharing their faith with those who do."

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