Why I’m Proud to Be an Affirming Military Chaplain

Editor's note: This article was written prior to the November election, and the contributor requested we note that some information below may change with a new administration, as it does with every national election transition.

If you stop by my office at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center (WRNMMC), you might notice a small magnet on the side of my filing cabinet that’s visible from the doorway. It has a ribbon with a rainbow and the words “Safe Space for Everyone.” I’ve had this little magnet for so long, I don’t remember when or where I got it. Yet here it is, letting everyone know that they are spiritually, emotionally, and physically safe in my office.

While that sentiment might seem obvious in a broad military context, as an active duty chaplain, it needs to be said explicitly. That’s because — while I wish this weren’t true —many members of my profession have earned poor reputations for not being supportive resources for all service members and families, and for being antagonistic and hurtful to the LGBTQIA+ community. Soldiers, NCOs, and officers have told me frightful stories of how their chaplains have said words that are, indirectly or directly harmful. This may describe what has happened to you.

If you or someone you know has been harmed by a military chaplain, I’m sorry that happened to you. It shouldn’t have. We’re working on it and it will get better.

Increasing Support in the Chaplain Corps

It was not that long ago that Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell was repealed. I remember at that time, many of my chaplain peers were distraught and overwhelmed, wondering how they could uphold their deeply held religious convictions and remain in the service.

They felt as though those two things were mutually exclusive, but the last several years has taught us that they are not! I am proud to say that our Chaplain Corps has come a long way since then. It’s also true that we have a long way to go and as a corps, we are still learning.

In my 20-year career I often have been the only chaplain on a post who is open and affirming (O&A) of the LGBTQIA+ community. This means my theology affirms that LGBTQIA+ identities are not sinful or morally inferior in any way. No limits, no restrictions.

In the past, I was typically the only O&A chaplain at a duty station. These days, I’m delighted to report that I am now usually one of several chaplains on a given post who’s willing and able to provide spiritual care and religious support to members of the LGBTQIA+ community, regardless of a chaplain’s personal beliefs. Chaplains who joined since the repeal of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell largely understand that they have a duty to provide religious support to all members of their formations.

However, if you have or are experiencing discrimination, please report this to your Equal Opportunity (EO) representatives. When you report discrimination, you help the Chaplain Corps hold itself accountable. [Note from Modern Military: You can also submit incidents in our discrimination reporting form for additional support.]

What You Should — and Shouldn’t — Experience With a Chaplain

Sometimes I’m asked, “Chaplain Fisher, what can I expect from my chaplain?” Here are a few important things the LGBTQIA+ military community should know about a chaplain’s role and your rights.

Dignity and Respect

A basic tenet of the Department of Defense’s (DoD) EO policy is that all service members, DoD civilians, and their families will be treated with dignity and respect. They are afforded equal opportunity in an environment free from discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex (including pregnancy), gender identity, or sexual orientation (DoDI 1350.02, DoD Military Equal Opportunity Program).

Respect, according to the official Army values, is understood as appreciating the best in other people. Dignity is recognizing the worthiness of another or, as Army values state, “trusting that all people have done their jobs and fulfilled their duty.” In my role as a chaplain educator, I train students to respect the beliefs of everyone and recognize the inherent worth of everyone.

If a chaplain or Religious Affairs Specialist/non-commissioned officer (NCO) is not treating you with dignity and respect, please hold them accountable through your EO office or any other means available to you. Dignity and respect is the standard, full stop.

Religious Support

In Army Regulation 600-20, Army Command Policy defines religion as “a personal set or institutionalized system of attitudes, moral or ethical beliefs and practices held with the strength of traditional views, characterized by ardor and faith, and generally evidenced through specific observances.” This is a broad and inclusive definition and provides a guideline for what you can expect a chaplain to support.

U.S. Army chaplains have two basic tasks: 1) Provide for the free exercise of religion, and 2) advise commanders and Army leaders in areas related to ethics, religion, morale, and morals. You can expect any chaplain you meet to be able to support a religious need or ensure it is provided for.

Tension arises when the religious convictions of one person come in conflict with the religious convictions of another. This is a natural and normal part of human relationships. However, you can expect that regardless of how a chaplain sees or understands your religious need, they need to support or provide for it.

Let me speak plainly. In some religious belief systems, there is a deeply held religious conviction that it is wrong to be a member of the LGBTQIA+ community. A chaplain may claim a religious accommodation so that they are not in violation of their conscience while providing spiritual care. However, this does not exempt the chaplain from supporting, performing or providing for the free exercise of religion.

Regardless of a chaplain’s beliefs, you can and should ask for what you need. The chaplain or Unit Ministry Team (UMT) has a duty to help you get what you are looking for. That said, there are plenty of Christian communities (mine included) that are open and affirming. Your chaplain should connect you to a community that aligns with your beliefs while treating you with dignity and respect.

Help Us Be the Resource You Need

I am deeply aware that chaplains have not always been, and are still not always, supportive or helpful resources to service members and their loved ones. I assure you that as a profession, we are continuing to grow and expand to be more inclusive.

You are important to the mission of the U.S. Army (or whatever branch you serve in) and the Department of Defense. Your beliefs, convictions, and values are meant to be supported by U.S. military chaplains. It’s important that if they are not, you help hold chaplains accountable, as you would anyone else, for discrimination or a failure to provide for your religious needs.

At the end of the day, there are LGBTQ+ allies among the Chaplain Corps. I am one of them. If you ever find yourself at WRNMMC, look me up; I’d be happy to help in any way that I can.

Top photo credit: Alexander Grey