The court martial trial of Navy Chaplain Gordon J. Klingenschmitt began yesterday. The Associated Press reported that the case turns on whether or not Klingenschmitt violated an order regarding when he could wear his Navy uniform. A superior officer had ordered him not to wear it during media appearances without first receiving permission, but said he could be in uniform if conducting a worship service. At issue is whether his leading two prayers in uniform at a press conference held in front of the White House violated that order. The news conference was called by the Foundation for Moral Law, headed by former Alabama Supreme Court Justice Roy Moore. It is expected that Moore-- who became famous when he erected a large 10 Commandments monument in the lobby of the Alabama Supreme Court's building-- will testify on Klingenschmitt's behalf. Klingenschmitt, an Evangelical Episcopal priest, has been on a long campaign against Navy rules that call for chaplains to deliver only non-denominational prayers, except when they are conducting their own denomination's religious services. (See prior posting.)
UPDATE: After deliberating for 1 hour and 20 minutes, a jury of 5 officers on Wednesday found Klingenschmitt guilty of disobeying a senior officer's order. Klingenschmitt's attorney called no witnesses for the defense, instead arguing that the government's evidence demonstated his client's innocence. The jury returns on Thursday to determine the appropriate sentence, which could be forfeiture of 2/3 pay for a year and a reprimand. (Associated Press)
UPDATE: On Thursday, the court martial decided that Klingenschmitt should receive a letter of reprimand. The jury also recommended that he lose $250 per month of his pay, but the court suspended that part of the sentence. Klingenschmitt says he will appeal. (WAVY-TV, Norfolk, VA.)
