ICC Note: As previously reported, in December of 2014 US Navy Chaplain Wes Modder received complaints and threaten with discharge after voicing his beliefs on sexual morality. In February, Navy Captain Jon Fahs stated that Modder was intolerant and “unable to function in the diverse and pluralistic environment,” in a detachment for cause letter. 35 members of Congress have since signed a letter defending Modder and stating that he should not be punished for voicing his beliefs.
By Heather Clark
04/01/2015 United States (Christian News Network) – Over 30 members of Congress have come to the defense of a decorated Navy Chaplain who is facing possible discharge after superiors called his Christian counseling against premarital sex and homosexuality a “recipe for disaster.”
As previously reported, last December, several sailors allegedly filed complaints against Chaplain Wes Modder, a 19 year decorated military veteran with 15 years in the chaplaincy, stating that he was guilty of discrimination for the way that he had provided counsel regarding issues of sexual morality.
In a “detachment for cause” letter dated Feb. 17, Navy Capt. Jon Fahs, NNPTC commander, branded Modder as being “intolerant and “unable to function in the diverse and pluralistic environment.”
Among the incidents that Fahs cited as being inappropriate, included an alleged statement to a female sailor that she was “shaming herself in the eyes of God” for having sex outside of marriage, “berating” another female for becoming pregnant out of wedlock, and advising several other sailors that homosexuality was wrong and goes against human physiology. He also noted that Modder said that if policies conflicted with his faith, he must still stand for his faith.
Fahs contended that to allow other students to be exposed to Modder would be a “recipe for tragedy.” Calling Modder’s counsel “misconduct,” he recommended the chaplain’s removal.
As Modder was provided an opportunity to respond, he submitted a request for religious accommodation, which was denied last month. Fahs opined that the chaplain already had freedom to exercise his religion, but that he was “insensitive” in his counseling.
“Specifically, under the core capability of ‘care,’ you have the duty to be sensitive to the religious, spiritual, moral, cultural and personal differences of those you serve,” Fahs wrote. “Your inability to comfort and counsel in a manner that was respectful of the counselee while maintaining dignity and professionalism … led you to be relieved of your duties.”
