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Devin Knox is a junior at The University of Texas at Austin. Originally from the Lubbock, Devin is now a member of the Texas Youth Leadership Council – a project of Advocates for Youth and the Texas Freedom Network.
With the recent repeal of the “Don’t ask, Don’t tell” policy of the United States Military, there are many issues that both the military and soldiers must deal with to make the transition go smoothly.
A recent blog on the Dallas Morning News website raised the issue of how military chaplain should deal with the repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.” The blog featured commentary on the issue by many religious experts across the State of Texas. One of the major questions raised was how the chaplains’ religious beliefs might interfere with their ability to offer advice and religious support to openly homosexual service men and women.
I believe that this should not be a problem. In a survey of military chaplains, only 3 out of the 145 would retire if “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” were repealed. Even if the chaplain believes that homosexuality is a sin, it is not like that he does not have to deal with the sins of other soldiers. As brought up in the blog, many military personnel drink alcohol, which is considered a sin by many hardcore Christians and Muslims, but more than likely any chaplain would be open to talk to the soldier and would not be condemning.
No one is asking military chaplains to change their belief system but they should be expected to be open and caring for any soldier no matter their sexual orientation, race, religion or anything else. Being in the military can be an extremely stressful occupation and everyone should have someone to be able to find comfort in and speak about their religion.
From my experience with church, I was always taught that we should treat everyone the same and that we are all sinners. Because of this, I believe that a man of God such as a chaplain will do the right thing and welcome homosexuals to come to them for assistance.
religionblog.dallasnews.com/archives/2010/12/texas-faith-how-should-chaplai.html
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