US House votes to ensure religious services on military bases
October 07, 2013
By a lopsided vote of 400 to 1, the US House of Representatives voted on October 7 to ensure that chaplains would be allowed to lead religious services on military bases, regardless of the temporary shutdown of the federal government.
The House vote came in response to reports that chaplains serving under contract—those who are not active-duty members of the armed forces—would not be allowed to lead services during the shutdown. That policy had threatened to make it impossible for many Catholic members of the armed forces to attend Sunday Mass or receive the sacraments.
The action by the House of Representatives was not binding by itself. But shortly after the vote, the Defense Department announced that civilian employees—including contract chaplains—would be asked to return to regular duties.
For all current news, visit our News home page.
Further information:
- House votes on restoring full chaplain services (Military Times)
- House passes measure aimed at bringing military chaplains back to work (CNN)
- Catholic religious services suspended at some US military bases during government shutdown (CWN, 10/4)
All comments are moderated. To lighten our editing burden, only current donors are allowed to Sound Off. If you are a current donor, log in to see the comment form; otherwise please support our work, and Sound Off!
-
Posted by: jg23753479 -
Oct. 08, 2013 7:57 PM ET USA
Of course this country is in deep trouble; that's a given, and it has been for a very long time. The only novelty in this story is that one representative, Rep. William Enyart, D-Illinois, voted against this measure. Surely in him the Democrat Party has found a new leader! Democrats are always on the lookout for "cutting edge" candidates, politicians steeped in immorality and sheer lunacy, et voilà, Monsieurs, they seem to have found one!
-
Posted by: [email protected] -
Oct. 07, 2013 7:29 PM ET USA
This is a more troubling situation then it appears. First of all, the First Amendment was thrown out the window by idiot appointtees such as Hagel. Also we should be very worried if the President really believes he has this kind of power. This great country of ours is in deep trouble and the economics is the least of our worry.
