A rich heritage of religious freedom and respect

  • Published
  • By Chaplain (Maj. Gen.) Charles C. Baldwin
  • Air Force Chaplain Service
WASHINGTON (AFPN) --  On Sept. 23, 2001, 25,000 people gathered at Yankee Stadium for “A Prayer for America,” honoring those who lost their lives in the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Jewish, Roman Catholic, Muslim, Hindu, Protestant, Sikh and Greek Orthodox clergy offered prayers. The prayer service was described as representing the best in America and unprecedented in its interfaith spirit. One commentator even called the diverse gathering of religious expressions a miracle. It was a profound and beautiful response to the hatred and intolerance of the terrorists.

Such “miracles” take place at Air Force chapels throughout the world every day. A spirit of unity and cooperation is seen, not only in the sharing of sacred space by many faith communities, but also in the love and respect we show for one another. For me, one of the absolute joys of being an Air Force chaplain is this privilege of serving such a diverse community. The Air Force Chaplain Service is devoted to serving the religious needs of all Airmen and their families. We are committed to serving the one who is different with the same passion as the one from our own faith group. This is something that is a wonder to the world! Yet, it is true. This is the culture of the Airman.

There are countless inspiring stories of chaplains and chaplain assistants modeling this beautiful spirit and helping to shape this culture of respect within the Air Force. Recently, in the Middle East, two Protestant chaplains rallied parishioners to join several Jewish Airmen in order to have a Seder service. The presence of the Protestant Airmen at the supper made possible the Passover celebration for the Jewish Airmen. It was a moment neither group will ever forget. This is the culture of the Airman.

Chaplains come from many faith communities. We are as diverse as the Air Force. How is it possible that we work together when our beliefs are so different? We rally around three great watchwords. These words, inscribed on our Chaplain Service seal, unite us and give focus to our service. They are freedom, faith and ministry. What a calling is ours! Faithfully representing our faith communities, we cooperate without compromise. And the reason we do this? It’s for the Airmen! We are here to ensure their right to the free exercise of religion. That’s the “freedom” and “faith” part of the seal. “Ministry” captures our commitment to care for the needs of the Airmen everywhere they serve.

There are several documents on religious freedom that are important to military members. They are Department of Defense Directive 1300.17, Accommodation of Religious Practices Within the Military Services, and Air Force Instruction 36-2706 Chapter 8, Accommodation of Religious Practices for the Air Force. These documents affirm that the free exercise of religion is a basic principle of our nation. They make it policy for commanders to approve accommodation of religious practices when accommodation will not have an adverse effect on military readiness, unit cohesion, standards or discipline. Chaplains are here to help commanders understand the issues in our complex, religiously diverse Air Force community and help Airmen as they seek to practice their faith while serving in the military and the federal workplace.

Clearly, there is the expectation that Airmen will respect each other and accommodate one another in the practice of their faith. Through the years, I have heard of individuals who do not understand or appreciate this basic principle of who we are. When one fails to respect the individual rights of others, he or she acts contrary to the cultural and constitutional framework in America which protects our religious freedoms. Lack of respect and tolerance for the rights of others to believe as they so choose hurts each of us and jeopardizes good order, discipline, unit cohesion and our ability to accomplish the missions with which our nation entrusts us. There is no place in our Air Force for disrespectful names, slurs and jokes that make someone feel alienated from the team.

In response to the need to re-enforce this message, the Chaplain Service has introduced Respecting the Spiritual Values of all People program. We offered it first at the Air Force Academy and will follow at other bases. This program encourages people to confidently and authentically live out their own faith commitments and deeply respect others whose faith is different from their own. This is the culture of the Airman.

We didn’t just recently begin to value religious freedom and individual rights. This is a central part of our rich American heritage. It has been re-enforced through the years with countless acts of courage and sacrifice both large and small. One of the most memorable examples of this American character happened Feb. 3, 1943, aboard the U.S. Army Transport Dorchester. An enemy torpedo hit the ship. Four chaplains (two Protestant ministers, a Jewish rabbi and a Catholic priest) gave up their life preservers, and any chance of survival, so that others could live. The four chaplains died together while they clung to each other and prayed. The survivors, of all faiths, found great strength in the chaplains’ prayers and courage, and they never forgot the sacrifice or the spirit of the four chaplains.

Today, in that same spirit, Air Force chaplains and chaplain assistants provide an example of cooperation without compromise, freedom to live out our faith with respect for all and sacrificial service to others. So, too, may we all serve honorably. This is the culture of the Airman.