“Thank You MRFF” – A Thank You Letter to Mikey & MRFF From a Grateful Rabbi

From: Rabbi Arthur Flicker
Date: May 4, 2017 at 1:04:48 PM MDT
To: Mikey Weinstein

Dear Mikey

I truly appreciate the work that the MRFF does every day to assure both religious freedom and freedom from religion in our armed forces. Our young men and women in uniform need your organization to help them know of their rights and freedoms and to be able to live and pray or not pray in the fashion of their choice.

I would like to share with you an example of how prayer services in the military can take place in a truly constitutional manner.

This morning, I attended the New Mexico National Guard Prayer Breakfast. The invocation was given by a Rabbi (me). The keynote speaker was Archbishop Wester. The benediction was offered by Bishop Vono. Canon Raney memorialized Chaplain Ted Howden for his service in World War II. The service was truly multi faith. In addition, Chaplains from the New Mexico National Guard, the Albuquerque Police Department and neighboring Sheriff Departments were also in attendance.

More important was the respectful way with which all faiths and all believes were supported. All faiths were mentioned. All faiths were honored. The emphasis was on the need for Chaplains to be of service to everyone.

They even had a special kosher meal for me!

This was a wonderful example of how the military can do religion and Chaplaincy in the right way.

I am sure that the MRFF and its advocacy has helped educate many about this.

Rabbi Arthur Flicker