In my last column I discussed the
historic roots of freedom of religion in the United States. In this one I will focus on one
less-well-known organization that is doing critical work to protect a
specialized group within our country – those who serve in our armed
forces. First a bit of explanation is in
order.
Because the military is rigidly
structured and highly controlled, and because trust and cohesion within units
is essential to the safety of service people, some forms of religious
expression that would be perfectly acceptable among a civilian population must
be curtailed during military service. For
example, service personnel of higher rank are not permitted to proselytize
among those of lower rank. The reason is
simple. Obedience to the commands of
those of higher rank is mandatory and absolute.
Within such a power structure, for an officer to “suggest” to enlisted
personnel that they attend a particular religious event or engage in a specific
religious activity is inevitably coercive.
