Posted on 09/06/2013 4:18:08 PM PDT by xzins
The Southern Baptist Convention, which provides the largest share of active-duty military chaplains, has barred members from taking part in weddings, counseling sessions and couples retreats for same-sex couples.
The North American Mission Board, an arm of the Nashville, Tenn.-based SBC, also prohibits chaplains from participating in any services that would appear to endorse or accept same-sex unions.
"Our chaplains want to uphold the authority and relevancy of Scripture while continuing to serve in a very diverse setting," Doug Carver, a retired Army major general who leads NAMB's chaplaincy efforts, said in a statement Aug. 29. "We believe these updated guidelines will help them do that while still sharing the love and the hope of Christ with everyone."
Mike Ebert, a spokesman for the Atlanta-based NAMB, said the Southern Baptist Convention spoke with defense officials before issuing the guidelines.
Defense Department spokesman Lt. Cmdr. Nate Christensen said chaplains may participate in private ceremonies on or off military installations as long as the ceremony is legal under state and local law.
"Further, a chaplain is not required to participate in or officiate a private ceremony if doing so would be in variance with the tenets of his or her religion or personal beliefs," Christensen said.
NAMB-affiliated chaplains will not conduct or attend a wedding ceremony for a same-sex couple, bless such a marriage or perform counseling before a same-sex union. The guidelines also prohibit chaplains from supporting same-sex events, including relationship training or retreats, whether they are on or off a military base, if participation "gives the appearance of accepting the homosexual lifestyle or sexual wrongdoing."
Chaplains are "free to lead or participate in a worship service" as long as the service isn't with a chaplain, volunteer or contractor who "personally practices or affirms a homosexual lifestyle or such conduct."
(Excerpt) Read more at onenewsnow.com ...
Retired MG Doug Carver is an excellent chaplain and preacher, and he is a former Chief of Chaplains of the US Army, a major general being extremely rare for a chaplain.
Moreover, he was always a firm believer in Jesus Christ, and no one doubted that.
I’m sure his understanding of the military and his leadership position in the SBC has enabled him to carefully outline exactly what SBC chaplains can do and also have it be overwhelmingly defensible legally.
A chaplain is there primarily to represent his/her denomination and must be faithful to that denomination. Secondarily, a chaplain extends care to other faith groups.
Doug Carver is truly worthy of the name Christian. He always was. He was always with his unit. He stood up for the truth.
And now he’s doing it again.
May God bless his efforts. This will be attacked.
Well.....at least one church group hasn’t folded.
Praise Jesus!
Chaplains are sponsored by denomination, the SBC has little control over member churches but they have direct say in Chaplains that use its name in association.
Thank the Lord that this *IS* obvious
You don’t mess around with them bible belt believers.
Amen!
Thank God for the SBC. There is one organized not afraid of the gay mafia.
I wish more were so courageous. Are you listening Glenn Bleck?
I pray they remain so. I am concerned about their newly appointed President of the SBC Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission, 41 year-old Russell D. Moore. Some of his statements leave me thinking he doesn't agree with the past positions of the SBC on homosexuality and evangelism. Maybe someone on FR can is better informed about him.
Thank you so much for the link, dear brother in Christ, and especially thank you for your insights!
Russell Moore took Richard Land’s place, unfortunately. Land was really taken to task when he voiced his unpopular opinion about Zimmerman. Many black members of the SBC were up in arms over it. Moore is a supporter of amnesty for illegal immigrants(among many other liberal agenda items). Look for the many ways he will be subverting the traditional conservatism of the SBC.
I read in a bio of him somewhere that he interned with some democrat politician, wish I could find it again. Here’s a link to story about his support for illegals getting amnesty.
http://www.alipac.us/f12/evangelical-groups-launch-$250-000-illegal-immigration-campaign-279636/
Mrs. AV
A hate crime perpetrated by Tea Party members. Yes, I know, completely insane. I’m just trying to learn to write copy for a job with the MSM.
Didn’t Land recently come out in favor of amnesty, as well?
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