February 15, 2009 Mikey, A female officer I know who had found me through facebook, sent me an invitation to her organization. She has recently left the military to do this with her life: Below is the email I sent to her... [USAF officer's name withheld], I want to commend you for putting forth so much energy towards a cause that you believe in - especially one that helps the military. However, I need to add some concern about your cause. I do understand that you believe whole-heartedly in your faith and the importance it brings to your life, but that is your belief. Unfortunately, the military has recently fostered an environment that shows an unfair bias towards christian beliefs. Have no doubt in your mind - the military is a government entity and falls under the laws of the Constitution of this great country. The constitution spells out that the government will not embrace a religion in government dealings. There are several real dangers of this situation: Often soldiers feel as though they are treated poorly and in many documented cases not given the same opportunities as christian believers. It is fundamentally wrong for superiors to judge their subordinates based on religious beliefs. The other issue is that military members are often a captive audience, who's exposure to many beliefs, issues, news, etc can be easily swayed. Religious beliefs are a personal issues. The military needs to provide it's members with the ABILITY to practice their religion, or non religion, as they see fit - not to push them towards a religion. I know that your organization is not a military entity, however with your access to members of the military, I would caution you to limit your reach into the military community as one of supporting those who already have christian beliefs, and not of a mission to change the military into a christian force. Again, make no mistake about it. The idea of a military who's actions are dictated or even guided by a religious vein (christian or otherwise) is unconstitutional and only brings contempt amongst it's members. A military's actions and the members' religious beliefs are two very separate things. I would love to talk to you more about this if you are interested. As well, I can put you in touch with one organization in particular that deals with the legal matters as they pertain to religion in the military. All the best, [name, military rank, and combat unit withheld] February 17, 2009 Dear [MRFF supporter's name withheld], Thanks for taking the time to e-mail me and voice your concern. I understand quite well the religious sensitivities that abound in the military and any federal/government institution as well. I also fully understand that freedom of religion includes the right to practice one's religion freely. Military Ministry's mission is not to "convert members to Christianity" – but to "Provide faith in the foxhole and hope on the home front." We do this in a number of ways which are explained in more detail on our website: www.militaryministry.org. Feel free to check it out to learn more. You are right that to say that it is wrong for any person (regardless of faith, ethnic background, gender, etc.) to show unfair bias to anyone else in the military. As a female in the military, I can certainly attest to times I felt some bias in a male-dominated organization. However, to say that all men are chauvinistic or that men should not be allowed to supervise females would be excessive, wouldn't you agree? Again – make no mistake about that – any sort of bias is wrong and should not be tolerated, but the solution is to seek out the perpetrators, not to make generalizations and condemn the entire group. You mentioned "real dangers" with people being easily swayed with information. As someone who works with the media, I totally agree with you. However, I think that is a fight we need to take up with the Federal Communication Commission (FCC) which mandates and controls the content on the television and radio today. The mass media plays a far greater role in informing, persuading or swaying our military (and society) than anything or anyone else. Our approach at Military Ministry is to simply inform and educate. We work with Military Chaplains to offer them the resources they need to do their job – which is caring for the spiritual and emotional needs of our troops. If/when these Chaplains ask for our resources, we send them what they request so they can better minister to our troops and help them deal with the many challenges they are facing. I believe these challenges are the "real" dangers. Did you know that: - 20% of troops are returning home with PTSD [MRFF supporter's name withheld], I'm not sure if you have had a chance to deploy yet, but I have, and I've seen firsthand how our troops are being ripped apart internally. I've seen grown men with PTSD cry as they try to understand what is happening to them and why they can't be "normal." I've had friends/coworkers in my unit commit suicide. And I've counseled many troops who were wrought with pain and depression trying to deal with divorce and failing marriages. Those are REAL dangers. They way our troops deal with these dangers doesn't only affect their ability to do their job, and the effectiveness of our military force, but it also affects their families and our communities and the rest of their lives. The reason why I am leaving the AF to pursue this ministry is because I've also seen firsthand how a faith and hope in God heals people. When a Marine Col looked me in the eye, thanked me and told me " You helped facilitate a relationship with me and the Big Guy and it changed me life," I discovered the greatest joy in life is to serve other people and to help them in this often painful journey called life. Every day we get e-mails and phone calls from people who tell us that Military Ministry has helped save their marriage, their career or even their life. How can there be danger in that? [MRFF supporter's name withheld], I hope you never have to experience the pain that some of our fellow service members are dealing with. They and you are the most selfless, courageous people in our country, and they deserve hope and healing beyond what the government and the VA can offer. That is what this ministry is about, and regardless of your religious beliefs, I hope you can see that and why I am so passionate about this. Again, thank you for voicing your concern and taking the time to e-mail me. I respect you, I care about you, and I want you to know that I am praying for you. You obviously have your own views, but as a Christian I know that there IS a loving God who sent his only son to die on the cross for you, for me and for all of us. He created you, loves you unconditionally and died so that you might have eternal life. I pray that one day you will know and experience the true peace and joy that comes only from being in a relationship with Him. May God bless you, February 18, 2009 [USAF officer's name withheld], Let me first tell you where I am to quell any of your concerns about my credentials of understanding military battle. I am currently writing to you from my deployed location in [Middle East theater of operations withheld], in my plywood hut that I call home during these cold and snowy winter months. I fly the [combat fighter aircraft withheld] in combat nearly every other day, with the sole mission of supporting the troops on the ground, in this relentless and hard fought war. It is not uncommon to hear gun fire over the radio as I talk to JTACs and employ with deadly force to save lives in an ever changing environment. I see people die and talk to those who have to deal with the consequences. So, please, don't doubt my ability to understand the implications of a combat scenario. Now to address your last email - your first paragraph says it all. You say that you are well aware of the sensitivities of religion as it has seemed to find it's way into so many government entities. So, I will assume that you also understand that it is constitutionally negligent to endorse or sponsor a religious function while a wearing the uniform (or officially assuming the position) of any said government entities. You yourself say that the Military Ministry's mission is NOT to "convert members to Christianity". However, upon browsing the Military Ministry's website, I found the six (6) Pillars of the Ministry - which I assume is a list of the guiding principles to the ministry. Pillar #1: "Evangelize and disciple enlisted U.S. military members throughout their military careers.". Last time I checked, Evangelize was synonymous with Convert. The Military Ministry appears to be an organization fueled by countless uniformed officers and enlisted, determined to continually increase their numbers through Evangelizing soldiers and sailors at every level - especially when young, scared and just beginning their careers. Again - Uniformed members CANNOT promote/sponsor religious activities to other members while in uniform. That is what freedom of religion is all about - As a fellow officer, you cannot approach young airmen about religion while holding your position. Dressed as and acting as a civilian you are free to do whatever you please with your own time. [USAF officer's name withheld], I have no doubt your heart is in the right place, but I want to warn you of the religious freedoms that you will potentially be trampling upon. What troubles me more is that ranking officers - especially squadron commanders and general officers - are condoning and supporting such organizations that maintain such strong influence and broad access to their installations. This promotes the idea that a Christian belief system is what the leadership agrees to support. And as you know, what leadership supports can have a VERY strong influence on AMN Snuffy. Lastly, is a sentiment that I feel is prevalent in your community of Christians - that you are Gods Soldiers or "Government Paid Missionaries". Do not forget that much of our country's military might is used to fight against those who are waging a Holy War against us. If this skewed view of our enemy's religious beliefs gives them the fervor to kill Americans, how are we any better if we then turn against them in the name of religion. Spirituality is a very private and sacred thing to most people, and it needs to remain that way. When our spiritual choices are dictated to us, we lose the freedom that our country was founded upon. Please do not cross the very defined line between church and state. You pledged an oath to uphold and defend the Constitution of the United States as a military officer - not to your religion. While your faith in God is very strong, it is a private matter and is not what binds the two of us or any other military officer together. Our common threads are the military hierarchy and the Constitution - and nothing else. I hope to hear from you soon. Be Well, [name, military rank, and combat unit withheld] *[editor's note - It is our understanding that [USAF officer's name withheld] is in the process of leaving the active duty military, but will remain an officer in the active duty military reserves.] |
