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Navy Chaplain Who Almost Lost His Job Due To ‘Biblical Views’ Just Won ‘Total Victory’
The Navy will not punish a chaplain who quoted the Bible and spoke from his faith while counseling sailors about morals and sexuality.
Chaplain Wes Modder had been under fire since February, when his commanding officer wanted him punished in response to complaints from a few sailors who didn’t like what they were told when they asked Modder questions about faith and morality in regards to homosexuality and premarital sex. Modder’s answers were from the Bible and aligned with the precepts of his denomination, the Assemblies of God.
“In one instance, an atheist sailor asked him if he believed in God. In another, a young female asked him what the Bible says about the fact that she’s living and sleeping with her boyfriend,” said attorney Michael Berry of the Liberty Institute, the firm that represented Modder. “And then, in another, a young gay sailor asked him about his views on homosexuality and he answered as the Assemblies of God asked him to answer.”
Modder’s commander sought to have Modder relieved from his duties and relocated elsewhere. The officer also wanted Modder removed from the Navy promotion list, disqualifying him from career advancement. He also sought to bring Modder before the Navy’s Board of Inquiry, where Modder could have been discharged.
Instead, last week, the Navy rejected the request to bring Modder before a board of inquiry, and cleared the chaplain of any wrongdoing.
“We’re declaring it a total victory,” Berry said. “This is not only a great day for Chaplain Modder, but for every American who supports religious freedom in our military.”
Modder said the episode will not change his obligations as a chaplain.
“I am relieved the Navy sided with me. I have served honorably for 20 years in diverse units in the Marine Corps and Navy. I am proud of my service but prouder of all those who serve on the front lines regardless of their faith and backgrounds,” Modder said in a statement. “I am called by my faith to express love for all, regardless of the diversity of backgrounds from which they come and I will continue to follow my faith in all things. I am grateful to be able to continue the ministry God called me to do.”
There is a broader message in Modder’s victory, said Liberty Institute CEO Kelly Shackelford said in a statement.
“Violating religious liberty will not be tolerated,” she said.
h/t: TheBlaze
Source: http://www.westernjournalism.com/navy-chaplain-who-almost-lost-his-job-due-to-biblical-views-just-won-total-victory/
