WASHINGTON, DC- Congressman Todd Akin (R-MO) a member of the House Armed Services Committee today warned that language upholding the right of military chaplains to pray according to the dictates of their own conscience is facing an uncertain future in conference.
The amendment introduced by Congressman Akin and supported by the Chairman
of the House Armed Services Committee, Duncan Hunter (R-CA),
states that “Each chaplain shall have the prerogative
to pray according to the dictates of the chaplain’s own conscience,
except as must be limited by military necessity, with any
such limitation being imposed in the least restrictive manner
feasible.” Although the measure has strong support
in the House conferees to the Defense Authorization bill have
indicated that the chaplain language faces an uncertain future
in conference and may be dropped or significantly altered.
“The reason that I have strongly supported this language is because it protects the rights of a chaplain to pray according to the dictates of his conscience, which is not only a matter of faith, but of a constitutional right to the expression of that faith,” said Congressman Todd Akin. “I believe that many of my colleagues in the House share my concern and that if the language is dropped or significantly altered, that the bill will court unnecessary controversy and opposition.”
