Tens of Thousands Rally for Chaplain Accused of Being Anti-Gay

“Thousands of Americans, including former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee and famed evangelist Franklin Graham, have come to the defense of a chaplain who could be thrown out of the Navy because of his Christian faith. Lt. Cmdr. Wes Modder has been accused of failing to show ‘tolerance and respect’ in private counseling sessions regarding issues pertaining to faith, marriage and sexuality--specifically homosexuality. Modder, who is endorsed by the Assemblies of God, has also been accused of being unable to ‘function in the diverse and pluralistic environment’ of the Naval Nuclear Power Training Command in Goose Creek, S.C. The highly decorated, 19-year military veteran previously served in the Marine Corps and has had several high-profile assignments--including being named force chaplain of the Navy SEALs. Just a few months ago, Modder’s commander called him ‘the best of the best’ and a ‘consummate professional leader’ worthy of an early promotion. But all that changed after Modder’s assistant, a married gay officer at the base who was upset about the minister’s views on same-sex relationships and homosexuality, filed a complaint against the chaplain. The young officer had been working for the chaplain only for about a month when he began peppering him with questions about homosexuality. ... Michael Berry, an attorney at Liberty Institute, a law firm that specializes in religious liberty cases, told me his client categorically denies making any such statements. He said the chaplain is the victim of a setup. ... Mike Huckabee, a potential candidate for the White House in 2016, wonders if it is ‘becoming illegal to be a Christian’ in the military. ‘Today’s military planners seem to think there should be nothing but atheists in foxholes, and that includes chaplains,’ he told me. ... Rep. Doug Collins (R-Ga.), a Southern Baptist Air Force Reserve chaplain, told me he plans to raise the issue of Chaplain Modder with the Pentagon. ‘The religious liberty issue in the military needs to stop,’ Collins said. ‘The rulings are clear. As a chaplain we are provided to stay within the tenets of our faith. You cannot force me to counsel or to provide service outside the tenets of my faith.’”

Fox News, Mar. 12, 2015

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