Rep. Jones Urges Executive Order Lifting Restrictions on Military Chaplains

The Washington Times today reports that Rep. Walter B. Jones, a North Carolina Republican member of the House Armed Services Committee is circulating a letter among House colleagues to send to President Bush urging him to issue an executive order freeing chaplains in the military to pray according to their faiths. Rep. Jones says that Christian military chaplains are being told to use general terms when they pray publicly, and to not mention the name of Jesus. Army spokeswoman Martha Rudd said that branch's chaplains may speak freely if they are addressing a service of their specific faith, but in general military assemblies or services they should take a more general approach in order to show respect for all faiths.