Modified Oct 20, 2006 - 22:58:17 PDT

IN THEORY:
Chaplains and religious liberty

Secretary of the Navy Donald C. Winter reportedly issued instructions to Navy chaplains earlier this year that religious portions of events such as graduations or command changes should be "nonsectarian in nature" and that chaplains must "be willing to function in a pluralistic environment."

The instructions have prompted a debate about whether a chaplain's ability to express his or her faith is justified in a secular setting and whether phrases such as "praying in Jesus' name" during an invocation could offend the ranks.

What do you think? Do you think there should be such legislation? Or do you think the Navy secretary's direction was warranted?

The issue here isn't one of religious freedom, but rather the need to be sensitive to others who may join me in prayer.

When leading my own congregation, I pray freely in a style that is familiar to my own community. I realize that, from time to time, non-Catholics may be in attendance for a service such as a wedding or funeral. Since they are coming to a place of Catholic worship, hearing prayers common to Catholic worship comes with the territory. I would not expect a rabbi to tailor prayers to Christians attending a synagogue service.

Religious leaders who are asked to lead prayer at public functions, or those who lead nonsectarian prayer in the military, can call upon God without betraying their own faith tradition. Because there are people of many faiths present, the name of God should be invoked in a way in which the majority can relate — such as using the title, "Creator God." By focusing on what unites us instead of what divides us, the profound bond that brings together the human family is acknowledged.

I believe the practice of being inclusive in prayer should come not from legislation, but from the goodwill of religious leadership to peoples of every faith.

FATHER PAUL J. HRUBY

Pastor

Church of the Incarnation

Glendale