February 19, 2009 Missionaries in Uniform Dear [MRFF supporter's name withheld], I wish I had more time to write, but right now I am in the process of separating from the Air Force and planning a 6-week road trip as part of my terminal leave (starting Sunday). My final day is tomorrow and final out is Friday, so I have much to do. Which leads me to this point: I am doing this work as a civilian. And so is everyone else who is part of this organization. We have a few people who serve part-time as reservists - but their ministry work does not cross over into their military work. [withheld], correct me if I'm wrong, but it sounds like you are saying that all Christians see themselves as being missionaries in uniform, that Christian officers show unfair biases and that they are all walking around quoting the Bible and forcing other members to go to church. [withheld], that is simply not true. Have there been some people who have crossed the line. Of course? And is it wrong? YES! I am not arguing with you about that. I know you went to the Academy and I'm sure that has shaped your viewpoint. I can't speak to that - but only to what we do at Military Ministry. As I mentioned in the previous e-mail we (non-uniformed civilians) work with the military Chaplains - whose scope and mission is to care for the spiritual needs of our troops. We have recources available to assist them in their job. The Chaplains tell us how we can help them...because they know what the troops need and we provide it for them. We don't force or coerce anyone to do anything. Let me put it to you this way. Can you force anyone to eat pizza? No. Would that be wrong and a violation of their freedom? Yes. If a person does or does not want to eat pizza - that is their decision. But is it wrong to tell them where they can go if they ever want pizza? Of course not. In a nutshell, that is what we do. We let people know where they can get spiritual hope and healing - if they want it. It is up to them if they decide to "eat the pizza" or not. (Not the greatest example - but I'm running out of time). Listen [withheld], I don't want this to turn into a he-said, she-said argument. I think we both have valid points - and what i want you to understand is that this ministry is not people going door-to-door or military members forcing anyone to go to a church service. We are a civlian organization that offers free/low cost resources to our members...if they choose to participate/use them - it is up to them. I'm sorry I HAVE to go. Is there a way we can talk about this on the phone? Maybe that would be better? Thanks for your service and your sacrifice. If I wasn't getting out... I would be in Afghanistan right now (with a team from my office). You are in my prayers, [USAF officer's name withheld] February 21, 2009 Response From MRFF Supporter Dear [USAF officer's name withheld], If you do in fact realize the absolutely unambiguous fact that military members cannot endorse religious organizations while in uniform, then I ask you why you have so many military pictures/stories posted on your website. Your website displays pictures of yourself in uniform - with other members of uniform as well as with a General Officer. How can you say that you are not supporting your organization while serving as a military member? You are leaving active duty, but joining the reserves, and your website clearly shows you as a military member. When the average person looks at your website, how can they say that they will not be supporting you as a military officer? Can't you see how you have made a very clear distinction of yourself as a military member publicly advocating your religious beliefs? You say that you cannot force somebody to eat pizza, but yes, you can! And
the military is a special situation where superiors can coerce members to do
things they would not normally do. Your involvment in this (or any Yes, my experience at the Academy has shaped my view of religion in the military. But please understand that I have seen and experienced far more in all sorts of other places in the military and otherwise. I implore you to read the book "With God On Our Side: One Man's War Against an Evangelical Coup in America's Military" you can find it on Amazon). It is a very good description of exactly what took place during the years I was at the Academy. Also, the website www.militaryreligiousfreedom.org goes into much more detail about advocating for religious freedom in the military and fighting violations of such. If you really are about supporting the troops in a non-coercive fashion that does not cross the line of the separation of church and state, then I would recommend removing any of your OWN military affiliations from your website, as you are still a member of the military - active duty or reservist. Helping the military with family issues and mental health problems is a noble cause, but I can clearly see that your efforts come with a highly Christian undertone. Campus Crusade and Military Ministry have clearly stated thier causes as one of evangelising and specifically targeting young troops in need. No, I don't think that All Christians are uniformed bible thumpers, bent on converting the entire military - but organizations like Military Ministry cross the line of where organizations should be allowed into military facilities and where uniformed members are allowed to use their authority. [withheld], the point is, no, I don't think you have a valid point. It is constitutionally unlawful for uniformed members to endorse a religion and use thier authority to affect the beliefs of others in uniform. If you have access to a DSN number, please call me at [number withheld]. I will happily take your call. Otherwise, I can call you when convenient DSN or Commercial. I hope to hear from you soon, [MRFF supporter's name, military rank, and combat unit withheld] |
