Military Chaplains Controversy

[Black_Ivy]

There is controversy over the role of chaplains in the military.

On one side are Christian evangelicals who insist they have an obligation to try to convert non-Christians; on the other, servicemen of other faiths, or none, who don't want to be proselytized or discriminated against if they're not evangelicals.

As Christians who desire to minister and share their faith, many military chaplains feel restricted in their positions. They must serve Christians, Jews, and servicemen and women of all faiths; thus, they are required to be "'sensitive to those who do not welcome offerings of faith,' and in public settings or where attendance is mandatory, to offer only brief 'nonsectarian' prayers." Many assert that the chaplains should honor no such requirement, while others believe that they have a responsibility to the military, in which they must be respectful to all faiths for the sake of unity among soldiers.

http://www.pbs.org/wnet/religionandethics/week921/feature.html