More evangelicals among USAF chaplains
COLORADO SPRINGS
July 12, 2005 12:01:13 AM IST
WebIndia123.com
The number of U.S. Air Force chaplains from evangelical Christian churches is growing while the number of chaplains from other religions is generally falling.
The Air Force -- and particularly the Air Force Academy in Colorado -- has come under scrutiny for officers allegedly using their positions to support Christian beliefs. The New York Times, in reporting the increase in evangelical chaplains, said many of them face a conflict in their promise to the Air Force to minister to personnel of all religions and their beliefs that say they must proselytize.
Air Force figures reported by the Times show from 1994 through 2005 the number of some evangelical chaplains doubled while other churches saw steep declines. The number of Roman Catholic chaplains dropped from 164 to 94 while the United Church of Christ chaplain total went from 11 to three. The overall population of the Air Force, meanwhile, has become more diverse with many non-Christians joining the service.
The newspaper said reasons include the lack of available Catholic priests and some denominations' dislike of U.S. military actions abroad and the fact that many evangelicals show a strong support for the military.
July 12, 2005 12:01:13 AM IST
WebIndia123.com
The number of U.S. Air Force chaplains from evangelical Christian churches is growing while the number of chaplains from other religions is generally falling.
The Air Force -- and particularly the Air Force Academy in Colorado -- has come under scrutiny for officers allegedly using their positions to support Christian beliefs. The New York Times, in reporting the increase in evangelical chaplains, said many of them face a conflict in their promise to the Air Force to minister to personnel of all religions and their beliefs that say they must proselytize.
Air Force figures reported by the Times show from 1994 through 2005 the number of some evangelical chaplains doubled while other churches saw steep declines. The number of Roman Catholic chaplains dropped from 164 to 94 while the United Church of Christ chaplain total went from 11 to three. The overall population of the Air Force, meanwhile, has become more diverse with many non-Christians joining the service.
The newspaper said reasons include the lack of available Catholic priests and some denominations' dislike of U.S. military actions abroad and the fact that many evangelicals show a strong support for the military.
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