Freedom of Speech

Published On: April 24, 2020|Categories: MRFF's Inbox|Comments Off on Freedom of Speech|

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Dear Sir:

Censorship of religious expression protected by the first amendment is an act of reprehensible demagoguery rooted in hate-inspired totalitarian impulses.  Absolutist secularism is a cheap dogma. Sound like anyone you know?

Back off the military chaplains, brother.

(name withheld)

Response from MRFF Advisory Board Member Martin France

On Apr 24, 2020, at 12:30 PM, Martin France  wrote:

 

(name withheld), Are you even aware that some rights that are guaranteed by the Constitution for the public are somewhat limited in the military and civil service in order to preserve the Constitution and the rights of all?  Also, it helps promote unit effectiveness and adheres to the Constitutional provision against the establishment of a state religion.  The chaplains can counsel and preach, but they cannot officially represent a commander or unit and make statements that would imply that ALL in their unit must be religious or follow their religious guidance.   And, what do you think of this comment:  “Absolutist theocracy is a cheap dogma?”  I don’t want an absolutist anything–secularist, prohibiting religion; or religious, prescribing one.

Thanks for your note!
M France, BGen, USAF (Retired)
MRFF Advisory Board
Response from MRFF Board Member John Compere
On Apr 24, 2020, at 3:39 PM, John Compere  wrote:
Please be advised the US Constitution, American law & US Armed Forces regulations prohibit our secular military, as part of our secular government, from promoting or endorsing a religion except in military chapels or military chapel channels. Military chaplains may not proselytize their version of religion as the official military religion on official military channels. That is why the unlawful practice was stopped by the military itself after military members, including Christians, complained.
 
Brigadier General John Compere, US Army (Retired)
Disabled American Veteran (Vietnam Era)
Board Member, Military Religious Freedom Foundation (80% Christians)

 

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