Our commanders’ “non-mandatory” Christian-only services are nothing of the sort
From: (Active Duty Military Officer’s email address withheld)
Subject: Our commanders’ “non-mandatory” Christian-only services are nothing of the sort
Date: January 13, 2026 at 11:10:02 AM MST
To: Information Weinstein <[email protected]>
To the MRFF:
Wanted to pass on a thank you for the advice you gave those of us who reached out to you Mr. Weinstein regarding the Christian-only prayer services being conducted biweekly (every other week) by two of our commanders here at (military installation name and location withheld).
I am the spokesperson for 32 members of several units under these commanders. All 32 of us consider ourselves to be new clients of the MRFF. Although I personally am an agnostic, I was raised Protestant. Of the remaining 31 troops reaching out here 25 are either Protestants or Catholics. The others are Jewish Muslim and Buddhist with two describing themselves as being “secular”.
We were trying to find a way to object to our units’ chains of commands against these Christian-only prayer services held in our headquarters “All Hands” auditoriums by these two commanders. The services are always held right before lunch in the middle of our normal duty shifts. One or the other or sometimes both commanders preside. Some military civilians attend but mostly it is our active duty and active reserve components who attend in full uniform.
These two commanders have made a point of saying that the Christian-only services are “non-mandatory” but they have their staffs there and we know for a fact that they are recording who shows up.
When we contacted Mr. Weinstein with the help of our (military installation name withheld) MRFF rep he made us aware of what the Secretary of Defense is doing in the Pentagon. This seems like the very same thing we are going through here. I was already aware of what Secretary Hegseth was doing but others among our group were not. How is any of this constitutional?
Mr. Weinstein took us through our protest options although it seems as though each one carries a high certainty of reprisal. The fear of speaking out and facing such reprisal is extremely worrisome to our group of 32 and our families too. However, without going into specifics, Mr. Weinstein provided an avenue of protest pursuant to UCMJ Article 138. We are collectively intending to pursue this if we are unable to stop these Christian-only prayer services as described above. None of us were even aware of the Article 138 avenue until Mr. Weinstein explained it all to us. Mr. Weinstein is helping us with the drafting and other matters connected to the Article 138 complaint if we have to do it. Without this guidance, action and advice from MRFF we would have no idea how to fight back. Thank you so much to the MRFF!
(Active Duty Military Officer’s name, rank, MOS/AFSC/SFSC, assigned unit, and installation all withheld)
Recent Posts
- April 20, 2026 | 3 comments
While I’m aware of the resistance within our military personnel it is good to see proof that they still exist. It is also heartwarming to learn (again) that Mikey has their back.
Thinking outside the box, giving hope to those who were facing reprisals of the like that drove my late true love from his beloved Corps. If I had monies this organization would have another yearly donator. As it is, I write snarky comments about the old guard who refuse to acknowledge that this world isn’t ours anymore, it belongs to the kids. I understand the value of my contribution but in these times, I just wish I could do more.
I hear that a lot on the interwebz – I wish I could do more. A thousand small acts alone seem insignificant but taken together they are mighty. Don’t believe me?
Candle light isn’t just doubled when you light two instead of one. The light increases exponentially if my memory is correct, meaning while lighting one candle is the proverbial light against the darkness lighting ten to twenty candles produces Light! and not an insignificant amount of heat. There is power in that math, metaphorically and literally.
Despots, in desperation, do desperate things.
We’re almost there. A full on take over of the United States by Tritler and his SS Nazi storm troopers, arresting, shooting, and killing US citizens, the insurrection act and use of the military in our so-called blue cities and states on the near horizon.
When I was in Iran during the last Islamic revolution, something remarkable occurred. The military, called out after imposition of martial law in September of 1978, deployed on the streets with heavy military weaponry, did fire on civilians (Black Friday, Sept the 8, 1978). But it didn’t take long for them to realize their brothers and sisters were not the enemy. Their own repressive government was the enemy and they, in 1979, turned on their own commanders and leaders, realizing they were being given illegal orders.
For those in the military, when the time comes, and it will, what choice will you make?
Your actions, either way, will follow you to your grave.
“It’s better to die standing than live on your knees.” Emiliano Zapata. The dripping irony.
I really appreciate how your post highlights the alarming contradictions in so-called “non-mandatory” services within the military. It’s crucial to emphasize inclusivity, especially in a diverse environment like the armed forces. Have you considered discussing alternative supportive options for service members from various faiths? That could really expand this important conversation! doodle baseball