Check Jesus at the door
In this world of problems, it really angers me to hear that a governor in the United States would actually tell a Chaplain that he could pray but he could not invoke the name of Jesus in that prayer. But that is what the Governor of Virginia did to the state troopers chaplains for the state of Virginia.Gov. Timothy Kaine of Virginia has affirmed his support for a new statewide policy under which state troopers serving as chaplains will not be allowed to pray "in Jesus name," explaining that he can pray "without mentioning Jesus."
"I would never do anything to inhibit anybody's religious worship. It doesn't diminish my ability to worship my God, to pray to the Father or the Lord without mentioning Jesus Christ," he said.
- John 14:6, "Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me."
Six Chaplains turned in their badge and lost their job. They are no longer permitted to serve as Chaplains unless they agree to this policy.
On November 1, there will be a 'Stand up for Jesus' rally brought about to protest the move that made the 6 Chaplains to decide they had to resign. There were only 17 chaplains for the troopers before this move. The rally is headed by a coalition of pastors from different churches and denominations. This rally will be held at Capital Square Bell Tower at Richmond, VA, which is in earshot of the Governor's mansion.
Chaplain Gordon Klingenschmitt, the former Navy Chaplain who lost his career because he refused to not pray in Jesus name, "won a victory in Congress allowing other chaplains to pray as their conscience dictates."
Klingenschmitt said the chaplains "were given direct verbal orders to stop praying 'in Jesus name' … [and] faced with a choice between disobeying orders and violating their conscience by publicly denying the name of Jesus Christ, they resigned."
That's exactly what persecution is, he continued.
The governor's response was "degrading and insulting to me, to the chaplains, to the 86 pastors, and to our faith," Klingenschmitt said.
What is your impression of this situation? Do you think this is wrong? If not, why not?
Technorati Tags: Jesus, Virginia, Governor Timothy Kaine, Chaplains, State Troopers
4 Comments:
Great post, Barb ~
You are exactly right. We should be able to pray in Jesus name! And I'm glad they are having the rally for the Chaplins who lost their jobs.
Of course this is wrong, especially considering the roots of our country. This is where we're headed, Barbara, if the Lord withholds his mercy on us. We need to be praying for mercy like no other time.
Maxine, you are so right! Yes, we need God's mercy now more than any other time in my life. I'm afraid we are in for a rude awakening if people don't wake up!
People should be able to pray the way they want....until they do so as representatives of the state. That is the issue here.
I oppose the use of my tax money (I'm from Va)to advance any religion. That's what they've been doing. The 1st amendment forbids this too.
These police officers are able to pray, however they need to understand there are many others who do not share their beliefs. Make room for Everyone at the table. This is not a conspiracy against christians. Your god will understand.
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