Don't Ask Don't Tell~A Religious Observation

What happens when religious people work for the State, in either a professional capacity or as a layman? The paycheck and rules come from the State, so how does one determine how to render unto Caesar?

There’s a component of the repeal of “Don’t Ask Don’t Tell” (DADT) that hasn’t been addressed by the Jurassic Press or entered the public discourse. What is a Chaplin, who is commissioned to address the needs of everyone in the military, no matter what faith tradition or of no faith at all, to do?

The DADT commission’s report regarding the consequences or removing DADT noted:

 "Existing regulations state that chaplains 'will not be required to perform a religious role ... in worship services, command ceremonies, or other events, if doing so would be in variance with the tenets or practices of their faith.' At the same time, regulations state that 'Chaplains care for all Service members, including those who claim no religious faith, facilitate the religious requirements of personnel of all faiths, provide faith-specific ministries, and advise the command.'"

Chaplains are endorsed by their denominations, and about 70% of those denominations are opposed to DADT being repealed. If DADT is repealed, will the Chaplains be removed from military service? None of the denominations surveyed indicated they would, and that does create some religion and State conflict. From the report: "A significant portion of the respondents did suggest that a change in policies resulting in chaplains' free exercise of religion or free speech rights being curtailed would lead them to withdraw their endorsement."

Chaplains are not required to do things that would violate their ordination vows, yet at the same time Christians are commissioned to minister to everyone. If a Chaplain refuses to minister to homosexuals, will it be career ending, will he loose his commission?

From the report:

"In the course of our review, we heard some chaplains condemn in the strongest possible terms homosexuality as a sin and an abomination, and inform us that they would refuse to in any way support, comfort, or assist someone they knew to be homosexual. In equally strong terms, other chaplains, including those who also believe homosexuality is a sin, informed us that 'we are all sinners,' and that it is a chaplain's duty to care for all Service members."

I would like to think Christian Chaplains would adhere to Scripture and minister to all; they minister with Christ’s voice, not their own, and Christ ministered to all.