Army Times - Petition Exhorts Bush to Protect Chaplains

The signatures are the latest push in effort to get Bush to sign a presidential order blocking the Pentagon from issuing regulations requiring chaplains to refrain from prayers that might be offensive to others.

Rep. Walter Jones, R-N.C., has been leading the effort. Seventy-one members of the House of Representatives have signed a letter to Bush that Jones prepared, asking for a presidential executive order protecting the free-speech rights of chaplains.

Of particular concern, Jones said in an interview, is that Christian chaplains are finding it increasingly difficult to pray in the name of Jesus.

The 100,000 signatures were collected by the American Center for Law and Justice, a Washington-based organization, with the help of a nationally broadcast radio program, Jay Sekulow Live.

Jones said that since he sent a letter to the White House in October, he has heard from some of Bushs domestic policy staff, but has received no word about whether, or when, any action might be taken.

I would be very, very disappointed and surprised if President Bush doesnt use his powers as commander-in-chief to do something, Jones said. I hope the president, who I believe is a man of God, uses his power to protect chaplains. It doesnt have to be an executive order. All he needs to do is just say Im commander-in-chief and this is my wish and block any regulations from being issued that infringe on chaplains.