Why Is the U.S. Navy is attacking a navy chaplain?

Chaplain Wes Modder, USN

Chaplain Wes Modder is a decorated Navy chaplain who has been entrusted with the spiritual well-being of the Navy’s most elite forces. His commanding officers praised him as a “national asset” with “charismatic leadership and sound judgment.”  One called him “the best of the best.” He is a respected and decorated chaplain with a doctorate in military ministry; Chaplain Modder had a spotless, even exceptional, 15-year record.

However, a  very small number of sailors requested private, pastoral care and counseling sessions during which they asked him about certain matters of personal conduct and belief.  Chaplain Modder’s answers, as always, were in line with the teachings of his endorsing denomination, as required by his denomination and protected by federal law. Then, a handful of sailors complained, because they disagreed with the biblical views Chaplain Modder expressed in response to their questions.

In reaction, the Navy removed Chaplain Modder from his unit and isolated him at the base chapel, cutting him off from his sailors and forbidding him from ministering to their spiritual needs. Chaplain Modder’s commander launched a three-pronged attack against him, requesting that Chaplain Modder be:  

1)    Removed from the promotion list.

2)    “Detached for cause,” the military equivalent of being fired. 

3)    Brought before an official Board of Inquiry, where he could be involuntarily forced out of the Navy.

Chaplain Modder’s attorney, Liberty Institute Senior Counsel Mike Berry—Director of Military Affairs for Liberty Institute, a former U.S. Marine JAG Officer, and adjunct law

Mike Berry

professor at the U.S. Naval Academy, will be our guest Tuesday on Faith On Trial. 

Liberty Institute has requested that the Navy rescind all three threats against him, and return him to duty and good standing so he can continue his “best of the best” service to sailors and Marines who need him. 

Let Deacon/Attorney Mike Manno, and his co-host Gina Noll keep you up to date with the latest religious liberty news every Tuesday at 9 a.m. (central) and re-broadcast at 9 p.m. on Iowa Catholic Radio, 1150 AM; 88.5 & 94.5 FM and streaming on IowaCatholicRadio.com.

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